Description

Plan, direct, and review the activities of routine and advanced level engineering work in the areas of water resources and dam safety for the Sweetwater Authority (Authority) Engineering and Operations Department.
Oversee professional level office and field work related to watershed protection, urban planning, natural resources and habitat management, compliance monitoring, public recreation, and easement/property management.
Provide functional and technical staff assistance in conjunction with and in the absence of the Director of Engineering and Operations.
When assigned, serve as acting Department Head in the absence of the Director of Engineering and Operations, referring policy-level decision making to the Assistant General Manager or General Manager.

Department: Engineering and Operations

Disclaimer: The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Supervision Received/Exercised:

General direction and supervision is provided by the Assistant General Manager or General Manager.
Direct supervision is provided by the Director of Engineering and Operations.
Responsibilities include direct supervision of the Environmental Project Manager and Principal Engineering Design Technician.

Examples of Duties/Responsibilities

General –

Supervise staff: Prioritize and assign work; establish and advise staff of performance requirements; ensure staff is trained; ensure that employees follow policies and procedures; provide support, mentoring, and coaching for performance improvement and development; observe and document performance; prepare supporting documentation and write performance reviews; conduct performance review presentations; recommend employee recognition and discipline action, up to and including termination, in accordance with established personnel rules, policies, and labor contract provisions; maintain a positive, healthy, and safe working environment.
Assist with developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies and priorities.
Assist in resolving work problems and interpret policies to subordinates, other departments and the public.
Coordinate engineering activities with other Authority departments, divisions and sections and with outside agencies.
Respond to and resolve challenging customer and contractor inquiries and complaints.
Represent the Authority at a variety of meetings within and outside the organization.
Supervise collection and recording of statistical records.
Prepare memos, reports, and deliver oral presentations for Management, Board committees, Board of Directors, and outside governmental regulatory agencies.
Prepare request for proposals; assist in evaluating and selecting consultants; negotiate and administer agreements for studies, design, construction management, inspection and other services.
Provide managerial guidance to project managers or serve as the project manager in the planning, design, preparation and construction of routine or special projects utilizing in-house staff, consulting engineering firms and construction contractors; review cost estimates; review drawings and specifications for compliance with Authority standards; interpret specifications and Authority policies and initiate or review change orders; seal final design plans.
Administer contracts, mediate problems, interpret plans and specifications, resolve contractor disputes, negotiate change orders, evaluate claims associated with construction contracts and serve as a representative of the Authority with contractors, consultants and others.
Provide leadership and work with supervisors and staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment, which supports achieving the Authority’s mission and values; apply process improvement and quality management principles to assigned areas of responsibility.
Represent the Authority with consultants and contractors; prepare correspondence on technical engineering issues; coordinate water utility and general engineering and planning activities with other departments and outside agencies; make expert interpretations of applicable laws, regulations, policies and design standards.
Mentor, train, evaluate, coach, counsel and instruct subordinate engineers and technical support staff in all phases of assigned duties and office procedures.
Represent the Authority in negotiations with contractors, and consultants on fees and charges associated with design and construction of new facilities.
Review, evaluate, and report on work prepared by consultants and administer consultant contracts, including approval of invoices.
Manage and participate in the planning, prioritization, scoping, implementation, and administration of capital improvement/replacement and maintenance projects.
Prepare and review a wide array of technical correspondence and documentation, such as studies, reports, letter correspondence, requests for proposals, Board memos, agreements, contract specifications, cost estimates, legal advertisements, graphic displays, etc.
Prepare, review, and coordinate preparation of project-related studies and documentation required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Manage, maintain and create the Monthly Water Use Report for the Authority.
Develop, manage, and maintain the Urban Water Management Plan and update every five (5) years.
Manage cellular company sites and contracts at various sites throughout the Authority.
Participate in the preparation, administration, and monitoring of the Department budget and anticipate future budgetary needs.
Supervise and participate in the preparation of work orders for project construction.
Assume Department Head responsibilities as assigned in the absence of the Director of Engineering and Operations.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, vendors, Board members, and the public.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.Water Resources/Dam Safety –
Manage the Water Resources programs.
Develop short- and long-term water supply and demand forecasting, and projected water deliveries.
Develop recommendations for existing and future water resources development opportunities including storage strategies, water reclamation, desalination and demineralization.
Monitor, evaluate and review programs and specific proposals by the San Diego County Water Authority, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and others regarding wholesale water availability, pricing and marketing.
Develop and evaluate wholesale water pricing, water rate structure and financial analysis.
Develop water resource models to determine best use and mix of local and imported water including reclaimed water.
Coordinate with Water Quality staff on developing and maintaining databases of distribution system operations (e.g., flows and tank levels) obtained through automated information systems.
Supervise collection of data on Sweetwater and Loveland Dam field monitoring.
Review the monthly reports on reporting this data with the State of California, Division of Dam Safety.
Develop or manage the development of planning studies and the preparation of associated reports including Water Supply Assessments.

Environmental and Watershed Protection –

Oversee development and implementation strategies to minimize, avoid, or mitigate effects of infrastructure projects.
Oversee activities and develop documentation related to the Authority’s compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act.
Review monitoring reports as required by current permit requirements for habitat rehabilitation or long-term monitoring projects.
Oversee mitigation measures that are conditions of approval on Authority projects for conformance with policies, recommendations and reporting requirements.
Oversee procurement, preparation, and/or administration of General Permits for Stormwater Discharges, directly or by administering the work of consultants.
Review and approve the execution of legal documents pertaining to watershed development.
Oversee the Watershed Protection program.

Property and Easement Management –

Oversee the Authority’s Easement Maintenance program.
Oversee and ensure resolution of Authority easement encroachments.
Oversee the routine management of public recreation programs, property security, and property maintenance, among other land stewardship duties.
Ensure proper communication with neighboring landowners regarding property management issues and ensure the resolution of property conflicts.
Oversee activities related to the management, maintenance, and disposition of Authority easements and fee properties.
Ensure maintenance of GIS property/easement records and encroachment agreements.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Recent developments, current literature and sources of information regarding civil engineering.
Principles and practices of civil engineering, design and construction.
CEQA.
Principles and practices of land surveying and mapping.
Investigation, design and construction of water works projects.
Applicable laws, regulatory codes and practices, and Authority specifications related to development and construction of water facilities.
Best Management practices and state and federal safety regulations related to confined spaces and construction practices.
Policies and regulations governing the construction, connections, disinfection, extension and maintenance of water systems and facilities.
Groundwater basins and surface water hydrology.
Federal and State regulations related to water supply operations and environmental issues.
Management and supervisory principles and practices, including: budgeting, goals and objectives development, personnel management, work planning, administration, and organization.
Modern methods, techniques, equipment, and materials used in the design and construction of a wide variety of waterworks capital projects.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Computer systems and applications commonly used in engineering.
Principles and practices of sound business communications; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Principles, practices, and methods of engineering economics, statistics, implementation, and management.
Modern office procedures and practices, equipment, and clerical techniques.
Computer programs and software, such as Microsoft Office.
Principles and practices of modern office management.
Proper English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to:

Under direction, make complex engineering calculations and prepare engineering plans and specifications.
Supervise the preparation of engineering records and prepare comprehensive technical reports.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Select, supervise, train, motivate, and evaluate professional and technical subordinates.
Plan, organize, assign, review and evaluate the work of professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
Conduct independent engineering projects and manage contracted consultant engineering firms.
Develop persuasive oral presentations of ideas and recommendations in both small and large group settings.
Analyze technical design engineering, construction engineering, surveying, facility location, and corrosion control; evaluate alternative approaches; adopt effective solutions.
Prepare detailed written material, including staff and administrative reports, analyses of policies, and changes to established programs and policies.
Exercise sound, independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.
Understand, interpret, explain, and apply Federal, State, local, and Authority codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and Authority standards and specifications; exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.
Collect relevant data and information, analyze, interpret, and make sound recommendations on both work flow and personnel related issues.
Perform work in accordance with established safety regulations, guidelines and practices.
Operate a computer and related software applications.
Perform mathematical calculations as needed.
Maintain complete, accurate records and documentation.
Read, interpret, and explain contract plans, specifications and complex technical information and manuals orally and in writing.
Maintain confidentiality of privileged or sensitive information.
Keyboard proficiently.
Use interpersonal skills effectively as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Education/Training/Experience (positions in this class typically require):Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major study in Civil Engineering and/or a Doctorate degree in a related field.
Ten (10) years of professional engineering experience in water utility design and construction management, three (3) years of which are in progressively responsible supervisory and administrative capacity.

Licenses/Certifications – Required Conditions of Employment:

Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License.
Maintain an acceptable, safe, and active driving record, together with proof of insurability.
Possess a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California and/or a Doctorate degree in a related field.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

Hear normal conversation in person and on the telephone.
Mobility of arms to reach, and the dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects and to write legibly.
Visual ability (which may be corrected) to read small print and video messages, including good peripheral vision and depth perception.
Speak in a normal voice; able to be heard and understood on the telephone, in person, and to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
Use office equipment such as personal computers, copiers and fax machines.
Operate standard passenger vehicles.
Lift, carry, push or pull up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
Keyboarding for extended periods of time.
Fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Mobility to stand, walk, stoop, bend and extend legs on uneven ground.
Wear appropriate personal protective apparel and equipment as required per standard operating procedures (SOP).
Climb ladders and stairs on water storage tanks and facilities and work on top of these structures.

Working Hours:

Flex Schedule: Monday through Thursday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (9/80); Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and every other Friday off or, as assigned by the supervisor.

Other Conditions: It is important that incumbents in this position maintain a professional and businesslike image to the public at all times:

A neat, clean and pressed appearance in clothing, hair and personal hygiene is important every day.
Good judgment is expected in determining proper dress and appearance.
All facial hair must be kept neat and trimmed.

Supplemental Information

First application review deadline October 11, 2024.

Sweetwater Authority

New Jobs

Engineering Manager - Water Resources and Environmental