Wastewater Engineer / Operations Liaison

Arcadis•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Arcadis is seeking a motivated and collaborative Wastewater Engineer / Operations Liaison to support a high-profile wastewater treatment program in the San Diego region. The position serves as a key link between a private wastewater treatment plant operator and the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), supporting coordination, transparent communication, and successful program delivery. The role provides an opportunity to broaden engineering experience beyond traditional design work through exposure to wastewater treatment operations, regulatory coordination, stakeholder engagement, capital improvements, and utility management. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor and communicator supporting an important regional wastewater infrastructure program. Arcadis describes its work as delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. The company promotes a skills-based approach, meaningful work, and an inclusive workplace.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, Mechanical, or a related engineering discipline.
5 to 10 years of experience in wastewater treatment, utility operations, water/wastewater consulting, or related services.
Working knowledge of municipal wastewater treatment processes and treatment plant operations.
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
Strong facilitation, coordination, and relationship-building abilities.
Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders and organizations.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Ability to communicate technical information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Valid driver's license and ability to work periodically at treatment plant facilities.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
Experience working with public agencies, utilities, or wastewater treatment operators.
Familiarity with regulatory compliance, permitting, and operational reporting requirements.
Experience supporting capital improvement projects or treatment plant upgrades.
Knowledge of wastewater process optimization and performance monitoring.
Bilingual English and Spanish proficiency.
Experience working in highly visible or politically sensitive environments.

Responsibilities

Serve as the day-to-day liaison between the private facility operator and IBWC representatives.
Foster open, transparent, and professional communication among project stakeholders.
Coordinate operational updates, maintenance activities, performance reporting, and technical reviews.
Track and communicate key action items, commitments, risks, and decisions.
Participate in regular plant meetings and help prepare agendas, meeting summaries, and executive briefings.
Review operational data, compliance reports, performance metrics, and engineering documentation.
Support planning and implementation of facility improvements, rehabilitation projects, and optimization initiatives.
Assist with plant inspections, field observations, and condition assessments.
Identify and elevate operational concerns and help stakeholders develop practical solutions.
Prepare reports, presentations, and briefing materials for technical and executive audiences.
Support a culture of collaboration, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.