Systems Operations Engineer

Arlington County VA•Arlington, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Environmental Services’ Water, Sewer, & Streets Bureau is seeking a senior-level Systems Operations Engineer to plan and oversee programs and engineering projects for the County’s potable water distribution system. The position manages programs, investigates system abnormalities, and has a significant impact on other operational areas. It provides managerial oversight of the Meter Section and may serve as acting Operating Engineer/Manager in that person’s absence. The engineer leads complex water system programs and projects, including water main repair strategies, utility undergrounding, meter telecommunications upgrades, hydraulic analysis, water quality and low-pressure troubleshooting, cost engineering, and water system improvements such as booster chlorination stations. The role provides technical leadership, supervises first-line supervisors and trades staff, and manages programmatic, contractual, financial, and regulatory activities. It coordinates with internal and external partners, including the Washington Aqueduct, Pentagon, National Airport, and local jurisdictions. The work is primarily in an office environment with occasional field work. Core hours are 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional shift rotation and availability for emergency call-back required. This is not a remote position; telework one day a week may be permitted with supervisor approval. Starting salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include health and dental coverage, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement plan.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university.
Significant and progressively responsible experience in civil engineering design, water system programs, engineering project management, or a closely related field.
At least two years of utilities operations and/or infrastructure systems management experience.
Applicable engineering experience in areas such as water system operations and maintenance, hydraulic grade line analysis, water metering technologies, and water system construction.
Ability to apply water system and engineering expertise to new or untested situations, anticipate potential impacts of proposed actions, and evaluate technical, political, and managerial factors when recommending strategies and actions.
Operational experience in utilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to interpret and convey complex technical material, and leadership presence to represent the organization to customers, media, and regional partners.
Must possess, or obtain by appointment, a valid driver’s license; alternatively, must be willing and able to use other transportation methods for assigned duties away from the primary worksite.
Must authorize and undergo pre-employment checks of criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history.
Must submit a complete application and attach a resume.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience working for water utility organizations or in a water utilities environment.
Experience managing emergency responses.
Experience supervising staff, including employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Experience using Asset Management software (AMS), Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) such as Cartegraph, SCADA software, and/or utility billing software.
Professional Engineer (PE) registration in Virginia or a state with reciprocity.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Responsibilities

Lead planning, implementation, monitoring, and oversight of complex water system programs and engineering projects in support of Section goals, operational objectives, regulatory compliance, and system reliability.
Assess program needs and develop short- and long-range implementation strategies.
Prepare project schedules, monitor progress, and develop scopes of work, contract specifications, requests for proposals, grant proposals, and procurement strategies.
Plan, coordinate, and oversee specialized engineering programs and functions, including water main repair strategies, utility undergrounding, meter telecommunications upgrades, hydraulic analysis, water quality and low-pressure troubleshooting, cost engineering, and water system improvements such as booster chlorination stations.
Provide technical leadership and engineering expertise by reviewing plans and specifications, conducting field inspections, resolving complex engineering issues, developing analytical models, and recommending improvements to system performance, efficiency, reliability, and customer service.
Research, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies and industry developments; assess impacts and recommend implementation strategies.
Supervise first-line supervisors and trades staff and oversee personnel activities for assigned sections.
Manage programmatic, contractual, financial, and regulatory activities, including budget administration, contract management, compliance monitoring, reporting, and identification of funding opportunities.
Coordinate with internal and external partners and stakeholders, including the Washington Aqueduct, Pentagon, National Airport, and local jurisdictions.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Be available for occasional shift rotation and emergency call-back as departmental needs require.