Water & Sewer District Engineer

Hernando County, Florida BOCC•Brooksville, FL

About The Position

The Water & Sewer District Engineer provides professional engineering services to all divisions of the Hernando County Utilities Department, applying practical engineering knowledge to water and wastewater engineering. The role plans, reviews, and coordinates internal and consultant studies, reports, plans, specifications, permits, and construction projects for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water facilities. It provides design and construction-phase engineering, supports staff with technical and operational issues, and coordinates with consultants, regulatory agencies, other government entities, and the public. The Engineer develops and maintains utility master plans and capital improvement projects, prepares or coordinates technical and contract documents, and supports funding applications for government loans and grants. The position represents the department at meetings, helps resolve permitting issues, keeps construction specifications current with engineering standards, and stays informed about applicable regulations and technology. County employees must report during a state of emergency and may be recalled at any time for emergency response operations, including duties beyond those ordinarily specified for the role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related engineering field.
Five years of experience as an engineer in water and/or wastewater utilities.
Professional Engineer certification from the State of Florida, or the ability to obtain it within six months through certification in a state with a reciprocal licensing agreement with Florida.
Valid Florida Driver’s License and insurability by the current insurance carrier.
Complete necessary certifications for NIMS compliance.
Knowledge of engineering practices and principles related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water facilities.
Knowledge of water production, storage, and distribution, and wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal practices.
Knowledge of hydrogeology as it relates to Florida.
Knowledge of laboratory procedures and sampling techniques.
Knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations pertaining to water and wastewater facilities.
Knowledge of current computer and technological developments in water, wastewater, and reclaimed water applications, including facilities mapping, CADD, and GIS applications.
Ability to keep projects on time and on budget and ensure construction complies with specifications.
Ability to communicate diplomatically with employees, officials, and the public, and effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Ability to prepare accurate, concise reports and letters, and complex written studies, plans, correspondence, and reports in a timely manner.
Ability to read and comprehend detailed plans and engineering documents.
Ability to work independently and use sound judgment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with engineers, contractors, developers, and County staff.

Responsibilities

Plan, review, and coordinate utility studies, reports, plans, specifications, permitting, and construction documents and projects.
Prepare and professionally seal department plans, specifications, and permit applications for existing and new water and wastewater facilities, as required.
Represent the department at public, governmental, and private assemblies and meetings.
Work with the Capital Program Manager to develop short- and long-term capital improvement projects and budgets.
Provide design- and construction-phase engineering services for water and wastewater projects, ensuring safety, suitable materials, and quality workmanship.
Review and recommend action on periodic pay requests, change orders, and plan deviations for utility engineering projects.
Develop or coordinate contract documents, including plans, specifications, and cost estimates, for government loan and grant applications.
Enforce project contract requirements and specifications.
Prepare requests for professional services and negotiate consultant contracts, scopes of services, and fees.
Prepare or coordinate complex technical documents, studies, reports, and applications concerning planning, construction, and permitting of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water facilities.
Provide staff with technical assistance on environmental impacts and assessments, testing of water, wastewater, groundwater, sludge, and soils, and interpretation of test results.
Assist staff in troubleshooting operational and maintenance problems and recommend timely, feasible corrective actions.
Establish and maintain working relationships with local, state, and federal agencies and meet with them to resolve permitting problems.
Develop, update, and maintain master plans for County water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems.
Prepare or coordinate contract documents for County projects and determine construction costs.
Coordinate with the Capital Program Manager and Chief Financial Officer to secure grants, loans, and bonds.
Coordinate engineering requirements for state and local construction and operating permits.
Stay current on rules, regulations, and technology, and ensure the Water and Sewer District’s Construction Specifications Manual reflects current engineering standards.
Report for work during a state of emergency and be available for recall around the clock for emergency response operations, potentially performing other duties.