Engineer 1/2 - Wastewater Design

Spokane, County of (WA); Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County in Washington is seeking an Engineer 1/2 to perform professional office and field engineering tasks in the Public Works Department, focusing on sewer planning and design. The role advances to Engineer 2 with licensure and experience, guiding technicians and managing complex projects.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in Engineering (or EIT) and possess a valid WA driver’s license; water/wastewater experience is preferred. County policy governs advancement and tenure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineer-In-Training certification.
• Experience in engineering preferred; valid WA driver’s license required.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional office and field engineering work in wastewater/sewer planning and design.
• Conduct hydraulic analyses and prepare reports and designs for complex projects.
• Direct and review work of technicians and lower level engineers.
• Coordinate with agencies, prepare cost estimates, and manage projects to completion.
• Respond to public questions and conduct informational meetings as needed.

Skills

Engineering principles

Report writing

Data analysis

Project management

Effective communication

GIS applications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Engineering models

Word processing

Database

Spreadsheet

GIS applications

Job description

NOTE: THIS RECRUITMENT HAS BEEN UPDATED TO AN ENGINEER 1/2 POSITION. THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE HIRED AT EITHER THE ENGINEER 1 OR ENGINEER 2 LEVEL BASED ON THEIR QUALIFICATIONS.

Priority consideration will be given in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or County Policy.

ENGINEER 1: This position performs professional office and field engineering work in a section of the County’s Public Works Department. The position allocated to this class is the entry and first professional level in this series. Incumbents are expected to perform a variety of engineering and supervisory tasks involving the analysis of data and the preparation of reports. Work requires the application of engineering principles and practices. Work is performed under the professional engineering guidance of a higher-level engineer and is reviewed for the accuracy of the final product.

Advancement from an Engineer 1 to an Engineer 2 is determined by an affirmative recommendation of the department and receipt of a license as a registered Professional Engineer.

ENGINEER 2: This position is responsible for professional office and field engineering work in a section of the County’s Public Works Department.

Second professional level. Incumbents are expected to perform a variety of engineering and supervisory tasks on technically complex projects and assignments. Work requires the application of engineering principles and practices. Work is performed with considerable independence under the guidance of a higher-level engineer and is reviewed for the accuracy of the final product.

ENGINEER 1:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Sewer Planning and Design

• Assists in preliminary wastewater studies, pipeline design, pumping station design, hydraulic analysis, industrial pretreatment programs, financial studies, cost estimating, and construction management duties, as assigned.
• Conducts a variety of engineering analyses, such as hydraulic capacity determinations, conceptual and final designs, comparison of alternatives, solutions for sewer maintenance and operational problems, construction phase design revisions, and pay estimate reviews.
• Prepares reports including graphical presentations, and confers with citizens and community groups.
• Manages special projects as assigned.
• Reviews, organizes and analyzes information relevant to design problems and applies recognized engineering standards and practices to determine reasonable solutions.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in Engineering or possession of an Engineer-In-Training Certificate.
• Experience working in a related field preferred.
• Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of basic engineering principles and practices sufficient to perform the work.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with property owners, general public, contracts, agencies and fellow workers.
• Ability to determine the kind of data required for a project, and to direct the activities of others in gathering the data.
• Ability to accurately analyze data and prepare technical reports.
• Ability to accurately analyze data and prepare a design.
• Ability to investigate field conditions and diagnose problems.
• Ability to organize work tasks to complete projects within established timetables.
• Ability to work with various computer programs: engineering models, word processing, database, spreadsheet, and various Geographic Information Systems applications.
• Ability to effectively manage projects through to completion and according to established deadlines.

ENGINEER 2:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Sewer Planning and Design

• Performs a variety of complex design and analysis work in the wastewater field.
• Directs and checks the work of technicians and lower level engineers preparing construction plans, specifications, estimates, and contract documents.
• Reviews plans and studies to ensure compliance with local, state and federal wastewater regulations and standards.
• Manages technical aspects of projects, including hydraulic modeling, data collection, pipeline routing selections, specification writing, and coordination with other projects and agencies.
• Manages consultant contracts related to wastewater studies, design projects, and construction management.
• Prepares complete plans, specifications, and detailed cost estimates to facilitate the competitive bidding process.
• Investigates problems on existing wastewater systems, determines causes of problems, and determines reasonable solutions for implementation.
• Responds to public questions in person, in writing, and by telephone.
• Plans and conducts public informational meetings and workshops for wastewater projects.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited college.
• One (1) year of related experience in engineering; or any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience relevant to the position.
• Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of employment.
• Engineer 2: Meet requirements for Engineer 1 and possess a certification as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington. Engineering certification from states with reciprocity with Washington will be accepted, provided that the incumbent applies for and receives a Washington Professional Engineering Certification within six (6) months of being classified as an Engineer 2.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of basic engineering principles and practices sufficient to perform the work.
• Knowledge of complex engineering theories, principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Local, State and Federal Regulations.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, contractors and the public.
• Ability to determine the kind of data required for a project, and to direct the activities of others in gathering the data.
• Ability to accurately analyze data and prepare technical reports.
• Ability to accurately analyze data and prepare a design.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain a good working relationship with property owners, general public, contracts, agencies and fellow workers.
• Ability to investigate field conditions and diagnose problems.
• Ability to organize work tasks to complete projects within established timetables.
• Ability to work with various computer programs: engineering models, word processing, database, spreadsheet, and various Geographic Information Systems applications.
• Ability to effectively manage projects through to completion and according to established deadlines.
• Ability to research legal documents, codes and regulations.
• Ability to perform complex engineering work on studies, designs, construction management, and field operations.
• Ability to supervise the work on engineering projects, and to perform design and review work if required by the position.
• Ability to work effectively with only general supervision.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions:

• Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner.
• Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.
• Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.
• Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
• Work is also performed outdoors; and requires occasional travel within the County, exposing the associate to weather extremes, various forms of precipitation and the hazards associated with travel on public roads.