Utility Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Utility Engineer plans, implements, and oversees the execution of capital improvements ensuring quality control for design and construction or rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure; performs in-house engineering design of select projects; supports water and wastewater operations departments; coordinates the maintenance and updating of technical design standards and infrastructure mapping and database records; and provides supervisory support in the management of the department’s technical and inspections staff. The Utility Engineer interfaces frequently with the Director of Engineering, General Manager, directors and staff of other HWWS and City of Harlingen departments, outside developers, engineers, contractors, and the general public; plays a central role on the Emergency Response Team; and serves as Acting Director of Engineering in the Director’s absence. The Utility Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering and is evaluated according to the performance of assigned and general responsibilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs a full range of project management functions for CIP projects from planning through close-out.
• Performs in-house design for assigned projects.
• Interfaces with developers and other city departments in the determination of on-site and off-site water and sewer infrastructure requirements.
• Reviews proposed utility plans for private development to ensure conformance with HWWS’s design standards, ordinances, and master plan objectives.
• Oversees construction inspection, coordinates project meetings, and ensures closeout procedures are completed.
• Manages consultants engaged to perform engineering studies and infrastructure design; develops and manages contracts; reviews design documents and engineering reports for consistency with operational objectives, budget constraints, and technical accuracy; maintains cost controls; and monitors consultant progress.
• Evaluates, plans, recommends, and develops projects to address overall system needs and growth. 
• Provides supervisory guidance and assigns workloads for the Engineering Department’s technical and construction inspection staff in:

• Generating work orders for installation or repair of taps and service lines
• Maintaining and editing HWWS’s GIS to ensure a current, high degree of accuracy
• Drafting of construction plans and standard details
• Conducting field observation and reports of construction
• Performing topographical surveys
• Generating technical reports

• Identifies staff training needs and opportunities; monitors performance and conducts performance evaluations.
• Identifies the Engineering Department’s resource needs and assists in the budget development. 
• Assists the Director of Engineering Services in general administration and oversight of department activities.
• Maintains and advances utilization of HWWS’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for execution of department workflows.
• Prepares regular monthly reports and special reports on Department operations and capital improvement projects. Presents project and departmental information to the General Manager, other departments, HWWS Board of Trustees, and city departments.
• Reviews and recommends revisions to design standards and external policies defining customer and developer responsibilities;
• Assists in developing and implementing HWWS policies and procedures and short- and long-term objectives.
• Maintains, expands, and applies knowledge of current and emerging engineering industry practices, regulations, and emergency management standards.
• Advises the Director of Engineering and operations management on regulatory and technical issues potentially affecting delivery, quality, or cost of service.
• Represents HWWS before local, state, and federal governmental agencies and private business.