15710 - Engineer Senior Hydraulics Specialist

Virginia Department of Transportation•Mechanicsville, VA

1d•$95,353 - $154,948

About The Position

Provide engineering expertise in assigned program areas. Provide recommendations for resolution of project issues. Communicate with internal VDOT staff, local government staff, consultants, citizens and FHWA regarding transportation projects and programs. Assist in developing, implementing and monitoring policies, procedures, guidance and practices for engineering projects and programs. Provide leadership and assistance to the statewide Hydraulics Program. Provide civil engineering expertise to perform analysis, modeling, and reporting for the Hydraulics programs focusing on Floodplain Management, resiliency, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Ability to apply advanced engineering principles and practices to a variety of complex transportation projects.
Ability to build networks and relationships with employees from other divisions, field personnel, contractors, manufacturers and FHWA representatives.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
Ability to develop effective working relationships at all organizational levels, both internally and externally.
Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis; make independent decisions; and manage multiple assignments.
Ability to interpret and apply local, state and federal transportation laws, regulations and guidelines.
Ability to investigate and resolve design issues.
Ability to plan, coordinate and manage multiple, concurrent assignments.
Ability to prepare professional correspondence, resolutions, and technical reports.
Ability to read and interpret plans, contracts, specifications and regulations.
Ability to research, analyze, and prepare technical reports and project correspondence.
Knowledge in Water Resources Engineering and Floodplain Management.
Knowledge of FEMA policies and procedures and VDOT's Drainage Manual policies and procedures
Knowledge of all phases of hydrology, hydraulics, river mechanics and bridge scour analysis.
Knowledge of bridge scour prevention design criteria, construction methods, standards, specifications and materials.
Knowledge of civil engineering principles related to roadway hydraulic and bridge design, stormwater management, and erosion and sediment control.
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and ordinances and policies pertaining to transportation engineering.
Knowledge of financial management to include budgeting and cost estimation.
Knowledge of project management processes.
Knowledge of strategic, operational and financial management principles, practices and techniques.
Knowledge of transportation engineering principles, practices, standards, and specifications.
Skill and ability to positively interact with employees, citizens and government officials.
Skill in delivering exemplary customer service and the ability to interact courteously and professionally with the public and other employees.
Skill in negotiating.
Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include engineering software.
Ability and to execute presentations and conduct meetings.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences.
Ability to investigate and resolve design issues and to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to prepare professional correspondence, resolutions, and technical reports.
Degree in Civil Engineering or related engineering field.
Knowledge of Civil Engineering principles related to hydrology, hydraulic, bridge scour analysis, and standard design.
Skill in interpreting and applying state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines related to resilience and floodplain management.
Skill in the use of computers and software applications in including engineering design and analysis software.
Valid Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Nice To Haves

Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).
Erosion and Sediment Control Program Administrator Inspector or Plan Reviewer Certification.
Experience in design criteria, construction methods, standards, specifications and materials related to hydrology, hydraulics, and bridge scour prevention.
Experience in transportation engineering and design of major structures.
Knowledge of Floodplain regulations, requirements, and compliance.
Knowledge of VDOT's Drainage Manual and design policies and procedures.
Knowledge of VDOT's road and bridge specifications and standards.
Skill in 1-D & 2-D hydraulics modeling.
Skill in Bridge Scour Analysis and Bridge and Culvert Hydraulics Analysis.
Skill in Coastal/Tidal Hydraulics and Resiliency.
Skill in water resources or hydraulics engineering.

Responsibilities

Communicate effectively with customers internal and external to VDOT including local governments, elected officials, citizen groups, and FHWA.
Use CADD software and other applications. Use hydraulic and river mechanics design tasks in MicroStation, GEOPAK and all hydraulics software programs approved for VDOT use.
Participate in or oversee engineering studies. Collect, analyze and process data and information. Develop written reports, recommendations, and solutions that are technically accurate and compliant. Prepare business correspondence and technical letters with recommendations for suggested corrective measures as a result of studies. Prepare or present formal presentations for VDOT staff, or other organizations.
Assist in the development of policies, procedures and practices reflecting proactive management of the assigned engineering program area.
Develop, recommend and implement process and policy improvements as needed. Assist in monitoring compliance to ensure conformance to the policy, procedures and state and federal laws and regulations.
Organize work and monitor work tasks such that projects and documentation are completed within schedule using VDOT's standards, policies and procedures.
Participate or lead project teams as assigned. Ensure timely communications between project team members and stakeholders. Ensure information is technically accurate and effectively disseminated. Review and resolve challenges to enhance team performance.
Analyze, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local policies, plans, and procedures related to coastal and inland resilience and floodplain management established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), or other entities. Provide support to internal program leaders by compiling information regarding the following areas: Floodplain MOA with DCR & FEMA, Bridge Scour Analysis, H&HA’s, climate change/resiliency planning, and VDOT’s Standards and Specifications.
Apply engineering expertise to technical reports, analysis, and in advisory roles during ongoing studies, inter-Divisional efforts, and research. Support resiliency planning though coastal and riverine modeling, rainfall predictions, and studies or design standards by other entities. Participate in stakeholder meetings, both internal and external to the Department, to provide input and review proposed projects and resilience initiatives.
Fulfill duties as responsible charge engineer in compliance with policies, procedures and the Code of Virginia.
Conduct hydraulic, hydrologic, waterway, and river mechanics investigations, evaluations, and designs for a variety of transportation projects such as large waterway crossings and encroachments on VDOT projects. Recommend solutions for technical issues. Coordinate and review work performed by consulting engineers. Participate in or oversee engineering studies by collecting, analyzing, and processing data and information. Develop written reports, recommendations, and solutions that are accurate and compliant. Prepare business correspondence and letters with recommendations for suggested corrective measures as a result of studies. Prepare or present formal presentations for VDOT staff, or other organizations.
Provide technical recommendations and guidance by applying sound engineering principles through research and subject matter experts. Provide procedural guidance for floodplain management, resiliency planning, and the development and application of adaptive design criteria. Ensure adherence to Department standards, specifications, policies, and procedures. Provide technical training and workshops for statewide staff, Districts, and Residency staff related to floodplain management, compliance, and resilience initiatives. Assess and resolve a variety of hydraulic and river mechanics issues with District and Residency staff.