Civil Engineer I- Regional Systems

Oakland County, Michigan Government; Waterford Charter Township (MI); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland County, Michigan Government is seeking an early-career civil engineer to support wastewater and metering programs. You will work under seasoned engineers, analyze data, coordinate meter installations, review reports, and help manage projects in a hybrid work setting.

Responsibilities include data analysis, field inspections, contractor coordination, and documentation to support environmental compliance and infrastructure reliability for regional systems.

Qualifications

• Must have completed at least 90 credit hours from an accredited college or university with a major in Civil Engineering or closely related engineering degree.
• Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license. Out of Country driver’s license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver’s license before the hire date.
• Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.
• Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Prepares routine monthly payment estimates as a recommendation for payment to contractors by receiving reports from inspection personnel regarding amount of work completed in the previous month, and recommending to superiors change orders when unanticipated factors necessitate a deviation from original plans.
• Reviews primarily consultant prepared design drawings and prepares technical specifications for construction of proposed drain, water and sewage system facilities.
• Confers with higher level County and consulting engineers regarding construction preparation, objectives, and guidelines.
• Makes recommendations to higher level engineers regarding assigned feasibility studies based on cost of materials, funds available, applicable zoning ordinances, and interviews with public officials and representatives of utilities.
• Performs technical calculations regarding drainage area, storm run‑off, grades, levels, size of drains, sanitary sewers, water mains, and strength of pipe.
• Lays out, drafts and reviews aspects of drain, sewer, and water system projects involving some selection and adaptation of engineering alternatives.
• Performs various field work such as preliminary surveying, inspection of construction, setting grades, staking boundaries and lines, sketching and reporting field conditions and project specification data to higher level engineers.
• Conducts preliminary environmental studies to determine the effect of a project on the environment in the areas of soil erosion and flood control.
• Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
• Assists in the evaluation of construction bids, making recommendations on the award of contracts according to knowledge of quality of contractors' work, cost, needed work and other factors.
• Assists higher level engineers in the management of construction projects requiring responsibility for a phase of construction, liaison with inspection staff and preparation of progress reports.
• When in the field, is alert to safety hazards.

Education

90+ credit hours in Civil Engineering or closely related engineering degree

Job description

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$75,189-$100,740

This position is hybrid.

Are you an early-career engineer looking to build hands‑on experience in infrastructure management, water and wastewater systems, and engineering data analysis? In this role, you’ll work under the guidance of experienced engineering professionals to support the County’s regional wastewater systems and metering program. You’ll gain practical experience coordinating meter installations, monitoring system performance, analyzing technical data, managing contractor activities, and supporting compliance and operational needs. This position offers an opportunity to apply engineering principles to real‑world challenges while developing technical, analytical, and project management skills in a collaborative public service environment.

What You’ll Do

• Review and analyze weekly, monthly, and quarterly meter data, SCADA alarms, technical reports, and system performance to identify and address system issues.
• Coordinate with metering contractors to support accurate, reliable data collection and resolve recurring data‑quality issues.
• Review meter site recommendations, coordinate equipment selection and installation approvals, and support inspections, testing, commissioning, and documentation for meter and rain gauge installations.
• Create, track, and manage work orders for metering contractors and support staff, including dye testing and target testing, verifying completed work and corrective actions.
• Assist with metering agreements, project performance certifications, and Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) studies.
• Review regional flow data, engineering reports, modeling, and capital improvement plans to support WRC and GLWA operations.
• Analyze wet‑weather events, system performance, and operational conditions to support compliance, SSO response, and reporting activities.
• Support data requests, FOIA requests, and regional system documentation and record retention.
• Identify opportunities to improve data quality, streamline workflows, and develop repeatable or automated data review processes.

Why You’ll Love It

• Gain hands‑on experience with regional water and wastewater infrastructure and metering systems.
• Develop practical skills in engineering data analysis, SCADA monitoring, field inspections, and project coordination.
• Work directly with experienced engineers, technical professionals, and industry contractors.
• Develop knowledge of environmental regulations and wastewater standards while participating in projects that support the reliability and performance of critical regional infrastructure and support a cleaner, healthier environment.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Must have completed at least 90 credit hours from an accredited college or university with a major in Civil Engineering or closely related engineering degree.

NOTE: Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://naces.org/members.html). The degree evaluation will be required for application processing.

• Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license. Out of Country driver’s license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver’s license before the hire date.
• Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.
• Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May occasionally provide instruction to lower level office technical support staff in the performance of project related survey and other field duties.

Essential Job Functions

Prepares routine monthly payment estimates as a recommendation for payment to contractors by receiving reports from inspection personnel regarding amount of work completed in the previous month, and recommending to superiors change orders when unanticipated factors necessitate a deviation from original plans.

Reviews primarily consultant prepared design drawings and prepares technical specifications for construction of proposed drain, water and sewage system facilities. Confers with higher level County and consulting engineers regarding construction preparation, objectives, and guidelines.

Makes recommendations to higher level engineers regarding assigned feasibility studies based on cost of materials, funds available, applicable zoning ordinances, and interviews with public officials and representatives of utilities.

Performs technical calculations regarding drainage area, storm run‑off, grades, levels, size of drains, sanitary sewers, water mains, and strength of pipe.

Lays out, drafts and reviews aspects of drain, sewer, and water system projects involving some selection and adaptation of engineering alternatives.

Performs various field work such as preliminary surveying, inspection of construction, setting grades, staking boundaries and lines, sketching and reporting field conditions and project specification data to higher level engineers.

Conducts preliminary environmental studies to determine the effect of a project on the environment in the areas of soil erosion and flood control.

Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

Assists in the evaluation of construction bids, making recommendations on the award of contracts according to knowledge of quality of contractors' work, cost, needed work and other factors.

Assists higher level engineers in the management of construction projects requiring responsibility for a phase of construction, liaison with inspection staff and preparation of progress reports.

When in the field, is alert to safety hazards.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in both a typical office environment and outdoor field conditions.

May participate in activities that require driving or being a passenger in an automobile or bus.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Reasonable ability to communicate orally and in writing in an accurate and concise manner.
• Reasonable ability to determine compliance of construction with specifications.
• Reasonable ability to organize and evaluate information for special reports.
• Reasonable ability to make engineering cost estimates.
• Working knowledge of the methods of survey, design and construction.
• Working knowledge of nomenclature and symbols used in civil engineering, drafting and design.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering.
• Working knowledge of field and office procedures relating to civil engineering.
• Working knowledge of administrative practices related to civil engineering.
• Working knowledge of the technical phases of estimates, contracts, specifications and engineering reports.
• Working knowledge of the provisions of the State Drain Code and/or Public Works Act, building codes, zoning laws, and other local and state laws.
• Willingness to learn through formal education and on‑the‑job instruction to perform a wide variety of tasks.
• Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e‑mail and Internet software.

Union*

• If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.