Director of Engineering (Water Resources)

American Water•Davenport, IA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Engineering is responsible for the strategic leadership and overall management of the engineering function within the state of Iowa. This role is accountable for three primary areas: Infrastructure Assessment & Planning, Capital Program Development & Execution, and Operational Engineering Support. The role involves evaluating infrastructure adequacy, directing long-term engineering planning, leading the creation and implementation of a capital investment program, and providing technical expertise to operations and other functional teams. The company, American Water, is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, with a history dating back to 1886. They provide essential services to approximately 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
15+ years’ experience in utility engineering and/or utility operations.
5+ years’ experience managing professional engineering staff.
Valid Driver’s License
Professional Engineering (PE) license required in the applicable operating state
Strong knowledge of Engineering related to planning, design and operations concepts for water and wastewater resource management facilities, Engineering and utility economics, knowledge of contract administration and construction technology related to water & wastewater facilities.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations.
Knowledge of Company operations and procedures.
Knowledge of employee relations, applicable safety and environmental regulations, federal and state water quality and design regulations and technical standards.
Designated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice, project management, water resources, water/wastewater facilities and utility operations.
Good working knowledge of regulatory developments, new technology and current trends in water quality and water treatment and other related water resource management disciplines.
Knowledge of current trends in water quality and treatment and other aspects of the water industry.
General understanding of US regulations (commercial and environmental), legislation, and trends impacting the water industry.
Sound business acumen and judgment.
Knowledge of capital and O&M budgeting, cost estimating, cost recovery, project scoping, prioritization methodologies, and portfolio management.
Strong leadership ability and strategic planning skills
Detail oriented to conduct thorough analysis and evaluations, render and implement timely decisions and recommendations.
Project and Program Management skills, Quantitative skills (analytical, technical, problem solving)
Effective people management (planning, organizing, recruiting, supervising and leading individual staff and teams)
Strong written and verbal communications and keen listening ability (fluency in report writing and presentations)
Interpersonal Skills (persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting)
Leadership presence: ability to deal effectively and maintain cooperative and collaborative working relationships with senior management and other key stakeholders).
Financial analysis skills, including budget management, business modeling, and accounting knowledge.

Nice To Haves

Advanced management or technical degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct engineering planning activities to assess system risks and opportunities.
Develops recommendations for capital improvements, including scope, budget, and project prioritization, to strengthen the reliability, resiliency, and performance of water and wastewater systems.
Develop a prudently prioritized capital improvement plan (CIP) to address key risks and optimize efficient, reliable service.
Ensures effective delivery, governance, and oversight of the state operating company’s capital program.
Direct engineering design and construction activities in alignment with the CIP, ensuring adherence to sound engineering principles, technical standards, and effective project management practices.
Manage, coach, and develop the engineering organization.
Ensure strong collaboration and technical support for operations, business development, and other functional teams.
Prepare testimony and represents the company in rate cases, regulatory hearings and negotiations, and at community, industry, and public forums.