Water Resources Engineer

City of Littleton•Littleton, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Littleton is seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking Water Resources Engineer to help shape and safeguard critical sanitary and storm infrastructure that supports a resilient, sustainable community. This position may be filled at the I, II, or III level, depending on qualifications and department needs. The Water Resources Engineer will serve as a subject matter expert and technical leader within the Water Resources Division responsible for the planning, design, management, and construction oversight of wastewater-related infrastructure projects in the City of Littleton. This includes sanitary sewer systems, stormwater systems, floodplain improvements, erosion and sediment control, detention/retention basins, green infrastructure, and water quality facilities. The position ensures that private and capital infrastructure projects are permitted, designed and built in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and aligns with the city's long-term resilience and sustainability goals. This position will assist the Water Resources Manager with floodplain management, including floodplain permitting, master drainage studies, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) compliance and Community Rating System (CRS). This position may also conduct inspections of private and public water quality facilities, stormwater and sanitary sewer infrastructure projects, and erosion control compliance. This position is part of the city’s Water Resources Engineer career ladder, with levels I, II, and III reflecting increasing degrees of responsibility, project complexity, autonomy, and leadership. The ideal candidate is technically skilled and detail-oriented, bringing experience managing public infrastructure projects, navigating regulatory requirements, and conducting thorough plan reviews while exercising sound independent judgment. They are an effective communicator and collaborative team member who can coordinate across departments, engage with stakeholders, resolve complex issues, and demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a strong commitment to public service and environmental stewardship. Upcoming projects for this position include: Design and construction management of over $20 Million in sanitary and storm capital improvement projects, including Lift Station Rehab, full replacement and lining projects for both storm and sanitary sewer infrastructure, and water quality improvements throughout the City. Floodplain management projects in coordination with MHFD Updating City regulations and drainage manual in compliance with the MS4 permit. About the City of Littleton The City of Littleton is a vibrant community consistently recognized as one of America’s Best Small Cities, and a top destination for families. Discover some of the remarkable things Littleton has to offer at VisitLittleton.org. With its historic and lively downtown, diverse shopping and dining options, and an extensive network of parks and trails, Littleton boasts a prime location just south of Denver and a short drive to the majestic Rocky Mountains and Colorado ski country. The City of Littleton offers excellent benefits and perks to its employees. For more details, please refer to the 2026 Benefit Guide. The City of Littleton believes in attracting and retaining the best talent, and its strategies include hiring at market pay and creating career development opportunities. In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for this position with the City of Littleton.

Requirements

Requires knowledge of the principles, techniques, and practices of civil engineering, construction management and contract administration.
Strong knowledge of stormwater management principles, sanitary sewer design, erosion control techniques and construction practices.
Strong understanding of principles, practices, materials, and terminology related to site construction.
Familiarity with FEMA floodplain regulations, MS4 requirements, and environmental permitting.
Proficiency in Civil 3D, Microsoft Office, and GIS.
Experience with CAD drafting.
Ability to interpret engineering plans, perform technical review, and lead project coordination.
Requires excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills and the ability to effectively communicate with customers.
Ability to translate verbal communication into effective written materials, including reports and other documents.
Ability to inspect permitted engineering work and projects for completeness, ensuring proper work methods and compliance with applicable regulations and ordinances.
Demonstrates initiative by taking on new and/or expanded responsibilities without being asked and helping others complete their tasks.
Demonstrates leadership through confidence, expertise, and taking appropriate control of situations.
Shows consideration for the needs of others beyond self, team, or department.
Demonstrates expertise and customer service that minimizes complaints, represents the city appropriately, and displays professional maturity.
Demonstrates autonomy by working independently within guidelines and uses discretion and flexibility with situational awareness.
Demonstrates independent decision making by recognizing the boundaries of their authority and knows when to escalate a situation, without a constant need for approval/guidance from their supervisor.
Actively seeks resolution of conflicts between city staff, residents, contractors, or other persons dealing with the City of Littleton.
Coordinates resolution with appropriate managers.
Ability to oversee multiple assignments simultaneously, shift priorities when necessary and meet firm deadlines.
Water Resources Engineer I Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related science field relevant to the position; and Certification as an Engineer Intern (EI) in the State of Colorado; and Two (2) years of civil engineering plan review, engineering design, oversight of public construction projects, or other closely related experience; or An equivalent combination of education, training and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position may be considered. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license. Ability to pass pre-employment background and motor vehicle records checks.
Water Resources Engineer II Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related science field relevant to the position; and Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Colorado; and Five (5) years of progressively responsible civil engineering design, oversight of public construction projects, or other closely related experience; or An equivalent combination of education, training and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position may be considered. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license. Ability to pass pre-employment background and motor vehicle records checks.
Water Resources Engineer III Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related science field relevant to the position; and Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Colorado; and Seven (7) years of broad and extensive knowledge in civil engineering design including water resources, stormwater, and floodplain project management, oversight of public construction projects and full project responsibility; experience with state or federally funded projects is preferred; or An equivalent combination of education, training and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position may be considered. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license. Ability to pass pre-employment background and motor vehicle records checks.

Nice To Haves

One or more of the following industry certifications are preferred but not required. The City of Littleton will provide certain training certifications to comply with project requirements.
Certified Floodplain Manager
NASSCO Certified PACP, MACP & LACP
Professional Engineer in the State of Colorado
Experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling tools (e.g., HEC-RAS, SWMM) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Reviews civil engineering plans and specifications for floodplain compliance, sanitary sewer systems, stormwater systems, erosion and sediment control, water quality features, flood control infrastructure, and green infrastructure improvements.
Performs review of private development projects proposed in or near floodplains.
Reviews and enforces associated floodplain permits.
Performs review of private development projects as it relates to grading and erosion control, and to ensure alignment with city stormwater and sanitary sewer standards.
Receives, investigates, and resolves citizen stormwater complaints and violations.
Enforces the city’s Engineering Code of Standards and Specifications for the Design and Construction of Public Improvements and the city’s Storm Drainage Design and Technical Criteria Manual.
Coordinates with the capital projects group in order to provide guidance and permitting help with the city's floodplain regulations and stormwater requirements.
Ensures compliance with City of Littleton floodplain regulations, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) stormwater permit requirements, and applicable state and federal environmental regulations.
Assists with the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the FEMA Community Rating System (CRS), including community outreach and record management.
Serves on regional stormwater committees/groups and advisory panels, as assigned.
Assists with sewer tap permits.
Engages with intergovernmental agencies, special districts, and public stakeholders to plan and coordinate water resources projects.
Coordinates with city inspectors and contractors during construction to verify infrastructure is installed per plans and resolves field conflicts and change requests.
Coordinates with utility maintenance staff, performs assessments and field investigations, provides input into the utilities asset management plan, and assists with the planning, design, coordination and construction of maintenance or rehabilitation work.
Reviews and coordinates assigned engineering projects with other city departments, outside contractors, government agencies and organizations and the public.
Demonstrates a respectful attitude towards customers and coworkers that promotes teamwork, open communication, and effective customer service.
Acts with the customer in mind, responds to requests promptly, and provides effective services or solutions for customers.
Exercises appropriate level of initiative and judgment to make decisions within the scope of assigned authority.
Pursues continuing education to benefit the position and City.
Assists with design and approval of civil engineering plans and specifications for floodplain projects, sanitary sewer systems, stormwater systems, water quality features, flood control infrastructure, and green infrastructure improvements.
Performs other assignments and projects as required.
Leads project coordination with consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
Reviews and approves sewer tap permits.
Assists with documentation for the city’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program and Community Rating System (CRS) program.
Participates in storm, floodplain, and sanitary sewer master planning efforts.
Assists in the preparation and administration of grant applications and reporting for water-related funding.
Participates in the review of infrastructure inspections, reviews pipe videos, in order to determine the need for repairs, maintenance and/or replacement.
Prepares or reviews engineering cost estimates, bid documents, and contract specifications for water resources capital projects.
Designs civil engineering plans and specifications for floodplain projects, sanitary sewer systems, stormwater systems, water quality features, flood control infrastructure, and green infrastructure improvements.
Serves as project manager for water infrastructure capital improvement projects, assuming responsibility for project quality, scheduling, and project finances.
Performs day-to-day management of projects to ensure compliance with plans and specs, measuring as built quantities and issuing payments to contractors, managing and processing change orders, reviewing submittals and requests for information, managing geotechnical testing and results, and documenting inspections and site visits with reports and photos, punch lists, and project and contract paperwork from start to closeout.
Provides expert input to support department goals and citywide resilience initiatives.
Budgetary responsibility for assigned projects including grant management and reimbursement if applicable.
Approves selection and provides management of professional consulting engineers for the development of plans, specifications, studies, and reports.
Negotiates and approves consulting agreements and contracts.
Assists Water Resources Manager in developing capital improvement plans for water resources infrastructure.
Leads master storm, floodplain and sanitary sewer master planning efforts.
Issues contract and bid documentation for water resources capital projects.
Participates in grant management for capital water resources projects.
Represents the city in regional stormwater and water quality planning initiatives.
Serves as a technical lead and mentor to junior staff and inspectors, including identifying priorities and reviewing reports and work products.
Supervises the preparation of reports and construction plans by consulting engineers.
Reviews, approves, and/or develops specifications, plans, and cost estimates for diverse engineering projects.
Directs the preparation of various reports and coordinate special studies on a variety of complex projects that require a high degree of technical competence and political awareness.
Leads development and updates to city stormwater design criteria, design and construction standards, ordinances, goals, policies and priorities related to stormwater and wastewater infrastructure and floodplain administration.
Identifies and implements appropriate steps in an engineering project from start to completion, identifying and resolving issues.