Principal Engineer - Utilities Engineering

City of Westminster, CO•Westminster, CO

29d•$115,388 - $144,247

About The Position

This is a professional engineering position in the Department of Public Works and Utilities. The primary purpose is to safeguard public health and safety by providing safe, reliable drinking water and environmentally sound wastewater treatment and disposal services. The work consists of several roles: Management of capital improvements projects involving water distribution systems, water treatment and storage facilities, pump stations, wastewater collection systems, wastewater treatment and lift station facilities, reclaimed water distribution systems, and reclaimed water treatment; the development, coordination, project management, plan review, and construction inspection of utility capital improvement projects; major responsibilities include project management from master planning level design through project construction and implementation within defined schedules and budgets The Utilities Engineering Division works as a team to support Long Term Planning, Communications and Public Participation, and other activities as needed. Long Term Planning involves inventory of the City's infrastructure assets and planning for Capital Improvements Projects; this activity coincides with the City's two-year budget cycle, rate and fee studies, and development activities in the City; communications and public participation is an initiative for Utilities Engineering to increase knowledge and awareness of the City's infrastructure Work is under the direction of the Utilities Engineering Administrator, but with appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action for achievement of desired objectives. This position will require attendance at occasional evening meetings. An on-boarding program is in place to provide training and acclimation to new staff. Please note: While this posting includes the full job description for the Engineer, Senior Engineer, and Principal Engineer levels, we are currently hiring only for the Senior Engineer level (2026 salary range will be $115,388.00 to $144,247.00 annually). Interested applicants should review the qualifications and responsibilities listed under the Senior Engineer section when assessing their fit for this opportunity. This role offers a clear path for future progression to the Principal Engineer level (2026 salary range will be $133,356.00 to $166,690.00 annually) based on business need, performance review, years of directly related experience required, and supervisor recommendation. The full salary range for these positions are stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage, and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee's level of proficiency and usage. The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service - People - Integrity - Respect - Innovation - Teamwork). This position supports the goals of the Public Works and Utilities Department, which maintains and enhances public health and safety by providing exceptional water and wastewater service and maintaining the City's extensive, four-billion-dollar network of utility infrastructure. The department continuously strives to meet the needs of the community by constantly focusing on protecting public health and safety, customer service, efficient and effective utilization of resources, communications, innovation, and teamwork.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four (4)-year college or university with major course work in civil or environmental engineering or closely related field
Must possess a valid driver's license, provide proof of a safe driving record, and maintain a safe driving record for continued employment
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the design and construction of water/wastewater systems and facilities
Minimum of five (5) years of development review experience related to water/wastewater systems and facilities
Registration with the Colorado State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors as a professional engineer (P.E.) is required

Nice To Haves

Eight (8) or more years of experience in the design and construction, of water/wastewater systems and facilities
Significant experience working directly for a municipality or for a consulting firm providing services to a municipal government
Master's Degree in civil or environmental engineering or a related field

Responsibilities

Manage Department of Public Works and Utilities capital improvement projects (CIP) within the defined design and construction schedules and budgets; complete reporting on time
Demonstrate advanced project management skills including but not limited to task prioritization, budget forecasting and management, communications and project reporting, and completing projects on time
Prepare scope, schedule, and budget for projects and prepare Requests for Proposals to solicit independent consulting services; lead the process for consultant selection and the management of consulting and construction contracts that follow
Participate in construction management, inspection, and implementation of utility infrastructure
Participate and contribute to Long Term Planning activities to support the planning, prioritizing, and implementing of Capital Improvement Projects. Represent the PWU Department, and Utilities Engineering Group and Utilities Operations Divisions and other City departments to provide high quality utility services
Play an active role in comprehensive master planning for the Department and the City's Public Works assets and $4 Billion infrastructure
Participate in Development Review with the focus on utility standards, specifications and Public Works and Utility policies
Give presentations in internal and public meetings regarding utility projects, prepare written reports and memoranda including City Council Agenda Memos and Staff Reports
Participate in Communications and Public Participation activities as appropriate
Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a safe driving record