Staff Engineer

Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA); Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Des Moines Water Works in Des Moines, IA is seeking a Project Engineer to design water distribution systems, treatment facilities, and related infrastructure under supervision.

Responsibilities include preparing design plans, bidding documents, and coordinating with contractors and consultants. A BS in Engineering and EIT certification are required, with 0–3 years of related design experience and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering is required or equivalent.
• 0–3 years of design and construction experience in water facilities or related fields.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification and valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Design plans and technical specifications for water distribution, treatment, and facilities projects with PE oversight.
• Create bid documents and manage the bidding process.
• Ensure contractor conformance with plans and specs under PE review; provide field inspection support.

Skills

Engineering calculations

Project coordination

Written and verbal communication

Plan interpretation

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering

Tools

GIS

CAD (MicroStation)

Hydraulic modeling software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Why Work at Des Moines Water Works?

At Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), every employee plays a vital role in delivering Water You Can Trust for Life to over 600,000 central Iowans. We’re looking for team members who are customer-focused and committed to our mission.

When you join DMWW, you become part of a team that values environmental stewardship—protecting our most essential natural resource: water. Just as importantly, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Your wellbeing matters to us—from physical and psychological safety to wellness, fitness, and professional growth, we’re committed to supporting your health and development at work and beyond.

About the Position

Under the supervision of the Engineering Supervisor, serves as project engineer, conducts studies, designs improvements to water distribution systems, treatment facilities and processes, grounds facilities, and provides technical assistance during construction.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Completes design plans and technical specifications for a variety of water distribution, water treatment and facility projects, with final review and approval by a licensed PE
• Creates bid documents and facilitates bidding process.
• Ensures contractor compliance with plans and specifications for improvements and additions, subject to PE oversight
• Provides inspection and administration of construction projects.
• Performs a variety of engineering analyses related to new and existing facilities and infrastructure.
• Determines the most cost-effective and operationally effective alternatives on assigned projects.
• Develops conceptual plans and cost estimates for future capital improvement projects.
• Serves as project engineer on projects involving outside consultants, contractors, or DMWW’s crews.
• Represents DMWW at project meetings with local utilities, local agencies, or state agencies.
• Reviews construction plans submitted by developers, outside agencies, or consultants for compliance with DMWW requirements, with PE review as required.
• Conducts engineering studies on source water, water treatment and water distribution systems.
• Reviews contractor submittals and shop drawings related to construction projects.
• Prepares operation and maintenance manuals.
• Provides assistance, as needed, answering questions concerning water service and construction projects.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering

Experience

• Zero to three (0 to 3) years of experience in design and construction of water treatment, facilities, and process-related projects.

Licenses/Certifications

• This position requires certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with good driving record.
  • This position requires Driver remain insurable under the Company’s coverage.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Any additional experience in designing general civil, environmental, structural, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and/or process improvements within a municipal environment, including experience in managing all phases of projects from conception to completion.
• IDNR Grade II Water Distribution Operator and/or Grade II Water Treatment Operator License

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

• The employee may not sign, seal, or stamp engineering drawings, reports, or specifications, and does not serve in responsible charge of engineering work as defined by Iowa Code.
• All engineering work performed in this role must be reviewed, approved, and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer within the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

Knowledge of

• Basic engineering principles, practices, and methods applicable to water distribution, treatment, and related infrastructure.
• General engineering design codes, construction methods, and building code requirements.
• Construction trades, materials, and typical practices used in water utility construction.
• Safety practices and OSHA requirements for construction and industrial environments.
• Local, state, and federal regulations related to water utilities, public health, and environmental compliance.

Skills

• Skill in performing engineering calculations and technical analyses.
• Skill in preparing construction cost estimates and developing project budgets.
• Skill in interpreting and reviewing plans, specifications, and technical submittals.
• Skill in organizing engineering and technical data.
• Skill in communicating technical information clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.

Abilities

• Ability to apply engineering principles to identify problems and develop technically sound solutions.
• Ability to gather and evaluate as-built information and assess compliance with standards.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into clear guidance for contractors or field staff.
• Ability to make informed field observations and recommend appropriate adjustments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, contractors, consultants, and external agencies.
• Ability to read, write, communicate, and understand English.

HARDWARE/SOFTWARE/EQUIPMENT/TOOLS NEEDED TO PERFORM JOB

• Personal computer, smartphone, and general office equipment
• Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• GIS and hydraulic modeling software
• CAD software (such as MicroStation or similar tools)
• Document review and markup software (e.g., Adobe, Bluebeam)
• SCADA interfaces for facility-related assignments
• GPS equipment and field data collection tools
• Safety equipment required for construction or plant environments
• Ladders, scaffolding, and other access equipment as needed

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently lifts or carries objects up to 10 pounds
• Occasionally lifts or carries objects up to 25 pounds

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent work in office settings and outdoor environments, including rights-of-way and construction sites
• Occasional work in confined spaces, elevated areas, or water treatment plant environments
• Exposure to weather conditions, construction noise, and typical industrial hazards

Des Moines Water Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Selection Process

The hiring process includes a review of qualifications, interviews, and job-related assessments. The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry search, a pre-employment drug screen, and physical examination.

E-Verify Participation

Des Moines Water Works participates in the federal E-Verify program. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates offered a position must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 and present documentation verifying their identity and eligibility to work in the United States prior to starting employment. For questions about acceptable documents, please contact Human Resources at 515-283-8717.