Senior Project Engineer - Water System
About The Position
The Senior Project Engineer provides lead and professional engineering work in the investigation, development, construction, and maintenance of projects in the Grand Rapids Water System. The role supervises and participates in engineering activities, including preparing designs, plans, specifications, contract work items, bid proposals, and cost estimates, as well as inspecting city contract construction activities. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Water System Manager and reviewed through discussion and inspection of projects in progress and upon completion. The position manages complex water-system capital projects and water distribution facilities, including pump stations, storage tanks, and transmission mains. It oversees engineering studies, maintenance programs, budgets, asset planning, and operational planning for planned and emergency system outages. The role also coordinates with City departments, consultants, contractors, vendors, mechanics, and support staff, and assists Utility Engineering with water-system improvements. Other related duties may be assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering and four years of professional engineering experience, including two years in city water systems; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Professional Engineer license.
Responsibilities
- Manage complex water-system capital projects, including planning, design, and construction.
- Collaborate with Engineering and other City departments to oversee consultants, contractors, and vendors.
- Provide technical support and information as needed.
- Oversee operations and maintenance of water distribution facilities, including pump stations, storage tanks, and transmission mains.
- Manage predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance of pumps, motors, valves, communications, and electrical systems.
- Coordinate engineering studies and field data collection for cost estimates and scope development.
- Develop long-term capital and maintenance plans spanning 5–20 or more years.
- Create detailed workplans for planned and emergency system outages involving transmission mains, pump stations, and storage facilities.
- Coordinate teams and develop alternative operation plans during system shutdowns.
- Prepare and manage the water distribution budget, including personnel, equipment, services, supplies, and utilities.
- Maintain asset inventory; review the criticality and probability of failure of distribution assets; and develop and implement maintenance plans to keep assets available and functional throughout their useful life.
- Implement maintenance plans to ensure asset reliability and longevity.
- Assist Utility Engineering with planning, design, and review of water-system improvements.
- Prepare requests for proposals and establish timelines to ensure successful project completion.
- Review plans and specifications for compliance with City specifications and strategic plans.
- Prioritize, assign, and evaluate the work of mechanics and support staff, providing training, leadership, and mentorship.
- Supervise and help develop less experienced staff while managing succession planning.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on Day 1.
- 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit).
- Employee and employer contributions to a Retiree Health Savings Account.
- Voluntary benefits, including term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options.
- Twelve paid holidays.
- Paid vacation and sick time.
- Paid parking, if applicable.
- Employee Home Ownership Incentive.
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
- Paid parental leave.
- Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling.
- Comprehensive wellness program with a health and wellness incentive.
- Employee discounts and perks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
