LTU Water - Senior Utility Engineering Specialist

City of Lincoln & Lancaster County; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lincoln Water System, a division of the City of Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department, seeks a Senior Utility Engineering Specialist to support the Distribution Section. This role reviews plans for water and wastewater service connections, ensuring compliance with codes and Water Service Manual, and coordinates with multiple stakeholders.

Ideal candidate will provide advanced plan reviews, guidance on service configurations, and independent, precise analysis while maintaining records

Qualifications

• Knowledge of utility service design, municipal codes, plumbing standards, and water/wastewater system components.
• Ability to read and interpret civil and architectural plans.
• Ability to analyze utility service impacts, technical constraints, and code compliance.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with the public, contractors, engineers, and internal departments.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent permit reviews.
• Knowledge of engineering or permitting software platforms (general familiarity; specific platforms will be taught).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Review utility service connection plans, tap requests, and development proposals for compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, design standards, and the Water Service Manual.
• Review and process plans associated with domestic water, irrigation, and underground fire service connections; water meters; and wastewater service routing.
• Coordinate with the Planning & Development Services Department, Water Billing team, Water Service team, plumbing contractors, architects, engineers, and developers to resolve technical issues and ensure service requirements are met.
• Ensure utility service connections are properly sized, located, and compatible with existing water and wastewater infrastructure and easements.
• Provide technical guidance regarding code requirements, service configurations, and utility impacts associated with new construction, additions, and renovations.
• Participate in pre-application and development meetings to discuss service needs and identify potential conflicts.
• Maintain accurate review documentation, technical comments, and records of decisions.
• Contribute to improvements in utility service permitting, interdepartmental coordination, and standard operating procedures.
• Deliver consistent customer service by responding promptly and professionally to inquiries.

Skills

Utility design knowledge

Municipal codes

Plumbing standards

Water/wastewater systems

Read civil plans

Analyze impacts

Clear communication

Independent work

Permit reviews management

Engineering software familiarity

Education

Associate degree in computer science, drafting or related engineering field

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Lincoln Water System, a division of the City of Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department, is seeking a technically skilled and detailed-oriented Senior Utility Engineering Specialist to support the Distribution Section.

The Department’s mission is to responsibly deliver, enhance, and maintain vital infrastructure and services for the good of our community. This Senior Engineer position will be responsible to uphold this mission by overseeing engineering design work of the highest technical nature in the Distribution Section for Lincoln Water System. More information on the Transportation and Utilities Department can be found here: https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/LTU

This Senior Utility Engineering Specialist plays an important role in ensuring safe and efficient water and wastewater service connections for new and existing development across Lincoln. This position does not supervise staff, but serves as a technical specialist, providing advanced plan review and customer support consistent with City codes, design standards, and the Water Service Manual.

General guidance is provided by technical and administrative supervisors; however, the individual in this position is expected to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Lincoln is a growing City of close to 300,000 residents and has enjoyed a steady annual population growth rate for the past 30 years. The City consistently earns top national rankings for its quality of life and its economy. This State Capital and college town offers the excitement of a big city with the convenience and friendliness of small-town living. Residents are proud of the city's award-winning trail network, excellent educational system, low crime rate, high-tech infrastructure, and great climate for job seekers and entrepreneurs. Lincoln consistently earns top national rankings and has been named the "happiest City in America".

The City of Lincoln offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, group life, Employee Assistance Program, and employer matched retirement plan. The City also offers excellent paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday time off. Remote work options are available after completion of six months of work, at the discretion of department directors and direct supervisors.

Nature of Work

• Review utility service connection plans, tap requests, and development proposals for compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, design standards, and the Water Service Manual.
• Review and process plans associated with domestic water, irrigation, and underground fire service connections; water meters; and wastewater service routing.
• Coordinate with the Planning & Development Services Department, Water Billing team, Water Service team, plumbing contractors, architects, engineers, and developers to resolve technical issues and ensure service requirements are met.
• Ensure utility service connections are properly sized, located, and compatible with existing water and wastewater infrastructure and easements.
• Provide technical guidance regarding code requirements, service configurations, and utility impacts associated with new construction, additions, and renovations.
• Participate in pre-application and development meetings to discuss service needs and identify potential conflicts.
• Maintain accurate review documentation, technical comments, and records of decisions.
• Contribute to improvements in utility service permitting, interdepartmental coordination, and standard operating procedures.
• Deliver consistent customer service by responding promptly and professionally to inquiries.

Desirable knowledge, abilities and skills

• Knowledge of utility service design, municipal codes, plumbing standards, and water/wastewater system components.
• Ability to read and interpret civil and architectural plans.
• Ability to analyze utility service impacts, technical constraints, and code compliance.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with the public, contractors, engineers, and internal departments.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent permit reviews.
• Knowledge of engineering or permitting software platforms (general familiarity; specific platforms will be taught).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Schedule: Monday - Friday ; 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Minimum Requirements

Graduation from a senior high school or equivalent, supplemented by an associate degree in computer science, drafting or other related engineering field, the electrical or electronic field; and considerable experience with software installation/upgrade troubleshooting, drafting, surveying, and/or related civil engineering work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the desirable knowledge, abilities, and skills.

Necessary Special Requirements

Possession of a valid driver's license when operating a vehicle will be necessary to the satisfactory performance of assigned duties for some positions within this classification.

Possession of a Grade 4 Water Operator License and a Grade 6 (Backflow) Water Operator License or the ability to obtain licensure within one year from the date of hire.