Process Engineering Technologist II (Probationary) - (26-PE-812000-085)

District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pride in essential community service

Inclusive and diverse organization

Skills development for future workforce

Job summary

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority is seeking a Process Engineering Technologist II (Probationary) to provide engineering support for the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant. This role involves evaluating treatment processes, developing procedures, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental or Chemical Engineering, an Engineer in Training license, and at least five years of experience in wastewater treatment processes. The position emphasizes troubleshooting skills and the application of environmental engineering principles.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in wastewater treatment processes.
• Knowledge of EPA and OSHA regulations.
• Knowledge of general wastewater treatment plant practices and safety precautions.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for wastewater treatment processes.
• Conduct process studies and evaluate effectiveness of treatments.
• Develop procedures and strategies for process objectives.
• Review design drawings and evaluate new wastewater facilities.
• Interact with vendors and contractors for project coordination.

Skills

Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Mastery of environmental engineering principles

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental or Chemical Engineering

Engineer in Training license (EIT)

Job description

Job Title

Process Engineering Technologist II (Probationary) (Job Code: P0636)

Exempt, At‑Will, Non‑Union Salary Range, Grade: NU17

Position Details

Job Code: P0636

Exempt

At‑Will

Non‑Union Salary Range

Grade: NU17

Reports To: Manager, Process Engineering

Essential Position: Yes

No direct supervision.

Who We Are & What We Do

At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.

Role Description

The Process Engineering Technologist II (Probationary) provides engineering support for the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment (WWT) Plant; evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of all treatment processes and develops and implements procedures and methods to control plant performance. Responsible for Operations, Process Controls, Maintenance, and Asset Management for the WWT Plant. Conducts process studies and evaluates new products, processes, and techniques used in wastewater treatment processes; develops feasibility proposals.

Probationary Requirements

• This is a probationary position and if hired, the employee must be able to obtain a DC PE within twelve (12) months from the date of hire or forfeit employment.
• The following is required by the first day of employment:
• A PE from another state; and
• Submission of proof that a District of Columbia PE application for reciprocity has been submitted to DCPL; or all DC PE reciprocity documents have been submitted to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
• Maryland Professional Engineers must also have an Engineer in Training (EIT) license as DC does not provide reciprocity without an EIT.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Duties within the scope of the practice of engineering will be performed under the responsible charge of a District of Columbia licensed PE as defined in D.C. Official Code Section 47–2853.131. Scope of practice for engineers: For the purposes of this part, the term “practice of engineering” means the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences and the methods of engineering analysis and design in the performance of services and creative work including consultation, investigation, expert technical testimony, evaluation, planning, design and design coordination of engineering works and systems, planning the use of land and water, performing engineering surveys and studies, and the review of construction for the purpose of monitoring compliance with drawings and specifications, in connection with any utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, work systems, projects, and industrial or consumer products, or equipment of a control systems, communications, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal nature, that may involve safeguarding life, health, or property, and including such other professional services as may be necessary to the planning, progress, and completion of any engineering services.

• Recommends policies, procedures, methods, and practices to ensure that plant meets or exceeds NPDES permit requirements and enhances the safety, quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of operations.
• Develops strategies to meet process objectives. Implements process control strategies through hands‑on use of the Process Control and Computer System, PLC systems, and various HMI software packages.
• Reviews and interprets complex design drawings, plans, and specifications for proposed changes in existing facilities and for construction of new wastewater facilities; evaluates designs for functionality, cost‑effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with industry practices; performs detailed analysis to identify inadequacies, ambiguities, errors, and potential problems.
• Designs new systems or modifies existing systems.
• Identifies type and scope of work and develops work specifications; interfaces with vendors, contractors and consultants to direct, coordinate, inspect and accept work; identifies and resolves problems associated with contract work; recommends modifications to contract scope of work and/or enforcement of contract language.
• Provides engineering support and guidance in troubleshooting complex process problems as needed to ensure that process, systems, and/or facility modifications enhance operation of facility. System troubleshooting includes digital control software and equipment.
• Analyzes laboratory and other reports, including process efficiency data; identifies causes of non‑routine events; recommends process control strategies and adjustments to process variables affecting the quantity and quality of process effluent; identifies how adjustments in one unit process impact other unit processes and overall plant performance.
• Monitors process sampling strategies and recommends sampling protocols.
• Writes regular and special technical reports. Writes, presents and publishes technical papers on wastewater treatment in national and international conferences and journals.
• Plans work activities, develops schedules and assigns work to subordinates. Identifies training needs of subordinates; serves as a resource in teaching and guiding others in developing skills and knowledge.
• Establishes, demonstrates and enforces high standards for safety, quality of work performed, and productivity; inspects work quality. Reports all hazards to the appropriate supervisor to ensure that safety and environmental hazards are corrected.
• May also serve as Regulations Compliance Engineer, which includes other duties as assigned, such as managing a portion of the industrial pre‑treatment program and ensuring compliance with the industrial storm water management program, the Clean Air Act, OSHA and EPA regulations, etc.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned at the discretion of the Manager, Process Engineering.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Key Working Relationships: Interacts with co‑workers throughout the Authority, other government and private agencies, vendors, and contractors.

Required Experience

• Knowledge of general wastewater treatment plant practices, including knowledge of occupational hazards and the necessity for adherence to safety precautions; Knowledge of applicable regulations, such as EPA and OSHA requirements.
• Knowledge of conventional methods and techniques used in engineering, chemical, and biological applications.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience related to wastewater treatment processes.

Minimum Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Chemical Engineering or related field of study from an ABET accredited college or university.
• Engineer in Training license (EIT).
• A DC Professional Engineering (PE) License must be obtained by the time the probationary period ends which is twelve (12) months.
• MD PE’s must also have an EIT as the District of Columbia does not provide reciprocity without an EIT.

Required Skills

• Troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Mastery of and ability to apply advanced concepts, principles, and practices of environmental engineering on a practical level.

Benefits

• Take pride in your work. We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community.
• Connect to a strong culture. Everything we do is grounded in our shared values—accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing.
• Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees’ individuality and unique contributions.
• Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future‑ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

EEO and Disability Statement

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.

We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities”. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email [e-mail].