LTU Water - Senior Utility Engineering Specialist

City of Lincoln/Lancaster County•Lincoln, NE

18h

About The Position

Lincoln Water System, a division of the City of Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department, is hiring a Senior Utility Engineering Specialist to support its Distribution Section. The role oversees engineering design work of the highest technical nature and helps ensure safe, efficient water and wastewater service connections for new and existing development across Lincoln. It is a technical specialist position with no staff supervision. The specialist provides advanced plan review and customer support consistent with City codes, design standards, and the Water Service Manual. General guidance comes from technical and administrative supervisors, while the position is expected to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. The position reviews utility service connection plans, tap requests, and development proposals for compliance; processes plans for domestic water, irrigation, underground fire service connections, water meters, and wastewater routing; and coordinates with City departments and external professionals to resolve technical issues. It provides guidance on code requirements and service configurations, participates in development meetings, maintains review records, and contributes to improvements in permitting and coordination. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Remote work may be available after six months, at the discretion of department directors and direct supervisors.

Requirements

Graduation from senior high school or equivalent, supplemented by an associate degree in computer science, drafting or another related engineering field, or the electrical or electronic field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the desired knowledge, abilities, and skills.
Considerable experience with software installation/upgrade troubleshooting, drafting, surveying, and/or related civil engineering work, or equivalent training and experience.
Knowledge of utility service design, municipal codes, plumbing standards, and water/wastewater system components.
Ability to read and interpret civil and architectural plans.
Ability to analyze utility service impacts, technical constraints, and code compliance.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with the public, contractors, engineers, and internal departments.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent permit reviews.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Possession of a Grade 4 Water Operator License and a Grade 6 (Backflow) Water Operator License, or ability to obtain licensure within one year from the date of hire.
A valid driver's license is necessary when operating a vehicle for satisfactory performance of assigned duties in some positions within this classification.

Nice To Haves

General familiarity with engineering or permitting software platforms; specific platforms will be taught.

Responsibilities

Review utility service connection plans, tap requests, and development proposals for compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, design standards, and the Water Service Manual.
Review and process plans for domestic water, irrigation, and underground fire service connections; water meters; and wastewater service routing.
Coordinate with Planning & Development Services, the Water Billing team, the Water Service team, plumbing contractors, architects, engineers, and developers to resolve technical issues and ensure service requirements are met.
Ensure utility service connections are properly sized and located and are compatible with existing water and wastewater infrastructure and easements.
Provide technical guidance on code requirements, service configurations, and utility impacts related to new construction, additions, and renovations.
Participate in pre-application and development meetings to discuss service needs and identify potential conflicts.
Maintain accurate review documentation, technical comments, and records of decisions.
Contribute to improvements in utility service permitting, interdepartmental coordination, and standard operating procedures.
Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries and deliver consistent customer service.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Group life insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Employer-matched retirement plan
Paid vacation
Sick leave
Holiday time off
Remote work options may be available after six months of work, at the discretion of department directors and direct supervisors