Senior project engineer - water system

Nature of Work

The purpose of this job is to provide lead and professional engineering work in the investigation, development, construction and maintenance of projects in the Grand Rapids Water System. The work involves responsibility for supervising and participating in the conduct of engineering activities which include the preparation of engineering design, plans, specifications, contract work items, bid proposal and cost estimates for various projects, and the inspection of city contract construction activities. Work is performed under the general supervision of our Assistant Water System Manager and is reviewed through discussion and inspection of projects in progress and upon completion.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Manage complex water system capital projects, including planning, design and construction.
• Collaborate with Engineering and other City departments to oversee consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Provide technical support and information as needed.
• Oversee operations and maintenance of water distribution facilities (pump stations, storage tanks, transmission mains).
• Manage predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance of pumps, motors, valves, communications, and electrical systems.
• Coordinate engineering studies and field data collection for cost estimates and scope development.
• Develop long-term capital and maintenance plans spanning 5–20+ years.
• Create detailed workplans for planned and emergency system outages involving transmission mains, pump stations, and storage facilities.
• Coordinate teams and develop alternative operation plans during system shutdowns.
• Prepare and manage the water distribution budget, including personnel, equipment, services, supplies, and utilities.
• Maintain asset inventory, review the criticality and probability of failure of distribution assets, and develops and implements maintenance plans to ensure assets remain available and functional throughout their useful life.
• Implement maintenance plans to ensure asset reliability and longevity.
• Assist Utility Engineering with planning, design, and review of water system improvements.
• Prepare requests for proposals and establishes timelines to ensure successful project completion.
• Review plans and specifications to ensure compliance with city specifications and strategic plans.
• Prioritize, assign, and evaluate the work of mechanics and support staff, providing training, leadership, and mentorship.
• Supervises and helps develop less experienced staff while managing succession planning.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Training and Experience

Minimum Training and Experience Bachelor's degree in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering --AND-- Four (4) years of professional engineering experience of which two (2) years must be in city water systems. --OR-- Any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications

Professional Engineer license

Other Information

We Offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit) Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options Twelve Paid Holidays Paid Vacation and Sick Time Paid parking (if applicable) Employee Home Ownership Incentive Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities Paid Parental Leave Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive Employee Discounts and Perks If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Leaves and Accommodations Analyst, Amanda Kaulback. Email akaulback@grand-rapids.mi.us or HRemploymentbenefits@grcity.us or by phone at (616) 456-4668. The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Please Note: This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below. Collective Bargaining Agreements Civil Service Rules