City of Yakima

 

Water/Irrigation Engineer

Salary: $90,396.80 – $109,803.20 Annually
Location: Yakima, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: A24064
Department: Public Works
Division: Water
Opening Date: 08/19/2024
Closing Date: 08/26/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
 
 
 
 

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the  application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate’s qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position.  For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month.  Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.  

Overview and Minimum Class Requirements

 

Public Works has an opportunity for an experienced engineer to join the team!  We are looking for a civil engineer with education and experience related to irrigation and domestic water supply at a supervisory project level.   

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering or related field and three (3) years water related engineering experience.  

OR 

Associate’s Degree in Engineering or related and five (5) years water related engineering experience. 

OR

High school diploma or GED and seven (7) years water related engineering experience. 

 

Experience must include at least one (1) year of lead, supervisory or project management experience. 


LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Must possess/obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.   Certification in the state of Washington as an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE)s, or a State of Washington Water Distribution or Water Treatment Manager level 3 or 4 certification is preferred.


 

Job Summary

 

Under general direction, supervises elements of the planning, development, design and construction of irrigation and domestic water supply improvements; assigns, schedules, coordinates and supervises design, construction inspection; and performs other related work as assigned.  

 

 

 

Essential Functions

 

Assists in the management of irrigation and domestic water supply and related improvement projects involving the preparation and review of funding applications; supervision, and participation in environmental impact analyses; detailed review of project design; scheduling and budgeting of projects. Works closely with engineering consultant(s) in the preparation and review of plans and specifications for irrigation and domestic water main replacement/extensions. 

 

Reviews design modifications to existing irrigation and domestic water pumping stations and treatment plant facilities.  Investigates and coordinates contractor and/or departmental work in facilities improvement maintenance and repair.  Investigates and provides recommendations regarding the condition, repair and improvement needs for irrigation and domestic water systems.

 

Develops plans for major projects, supervises and participates in project design and specifications preparation. Inspects to determine progress of construction as scheduled and performance of work according to plans and specifications.

 

Assists in preparing short and long-term capital planning programs.  Prepares, negotiates, and administers contracts with consulting engineers.   Assists in the preparation of annual operating and capital improvement budgets.  

 

Makes recommendations for progress payments for contractors and consultants. Analyzes bids and proposals for construction and provides recommendations.   Prepares standards and specifications for use in City constructional and purchasing contracts.  Participates in the preparation of ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents for assessment and utility rate purposes.  Monitors project costs and provides recommendations regarding budget adequacy.

 

Plans, schedules, and assigns work to professional and para-professional staff or consultants engaged in designing, inspecting, and surveying for construction projects and other engineering work.   Reviews work for adequacy and accuracy.   Directs and participates in utilization of computerized data processing equipment for modern and cost-effective performance of assigned duties. Provides interdepartmental engineering support as required.

 

Prepares reports and graphics, and assists in presentations at public meetings; performs as a liaison to other public agencies, engineering consultants, public utilities and developers on all public improvement projects relating to water and/or irrigation systems. Represents the City at various community boards, advisory groups as assigned.

 

Utilizes water distribution system hydraulics computer model to review proposals for watermain extensions to determine adequacy for fire flows.  Makes adjustments to the computer model to simulate different watermain alignment scenarios to determine watermain sizing and looping requirements.  Updates computer model to reflect as-built additions to the distribution system.  Coordinates and completes updates to the Geographic Information System (GIS) database to maintain accuracy of water system maps. 

 

Assists in troubleshooting, operating and maintaining the telemetry and supervisory control and data acquisition system of the Water Treatment Plant and related facilities.  

 

Contributes to the effective administration of City government by fostering an attitude among staff that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.

 

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

 

Performs other related duties as assigned. 

 

 

 

Major Worker Characteristics

 

Must have thorough knowledge of irrigation and domestic water supply civil engineering principles and practices, state and federal rules and laws regarding funding and management of local projects; public works design, construction materials and techniques, organization and management principles. 

 

Knowledge of federal, state and city laws and ordinances, and City of Yakima policies and procedures. Knowledge of best principles and techniques of supervision and leadership; practices and principles of work flow and systems analysis; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; best principles and practices for project and financial management; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards. 

 

Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel; report writing tools; and office equipment; professional office procedures and practices; and computerize municipal budgetary and fiscal management practices.  Ability to operate standard office equipment including, but not limited to: computer, fax/copy machine, telephone etc.

 

Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including, but not limited to: managers, staff, government officials, public and private interest groups, and members of the public. 

 

Ability to administer and coordinate irrigation and domestic supply improvement projects; prepare and administer budgets; do research and prepare technical reports;  plan and direct the work of others; apply relevant laws, ordinances, standards and specifications to the work of the department; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City officials, contractors, consultants, property owners and the general public; communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse education and backgrounds, and with officials at all levels of government, utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, including, but not limited to: correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation. 

 

Ability to understand and execute complex oral or written instructions; apply extensive or obscure guidelines to a wide variety of work situations; perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze technical documents and to translate analysis into reports.  Ability to read, research, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.  Must possess ability to identify and define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. 

 

Ability to negotiate, and clearly and concisely present complex information in both written and verbal formats. Must possess the ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups, and participate in public forums. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication; facilitate and lead cohesive, positive and highly productive work teams with a customer service focus.  

Ability to work independently with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail, formulate goals, and work under timeline pressures; prioritize and assign workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines, handle stressful situations, and complete work quickly and accurately while managing multiple interruptions. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.

 

Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide variety of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. 

 

Ability to coach, mentor, train, supervise, plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of a staff of technical, professional, operational and clerical personnel; complete performance timely and objective performance evaluations; provide constructive feedback to subordinates; develop and implement modern auditing and accountability methods, procedures, forms and records; facilitate and lead cohesive, positive and highly productive work teams with a customer service focus. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.

 

Ability to work cooperatively as a supportive team member and adhere to the department’s values including, but not limited to: customer focused teamwork; positive communication; and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner. 

 

Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements. 

 

Ability to work extended hours as needed to carry out the supervisory responsibilities of the position.   


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed mostly in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/keyboarding and other fine motor skill manipulation while performing duties and operating computers. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders and other inclines while maintaining balance and stability. Occasional bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck. Occasional stooping/bending/kneeling/crawling while performing duties. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and effectively utilize both long-term and short-term memory to accurately recall complex information. May work outside in all weather extremes and be exposed to stinging or biting insects, aggressive animals, vermin, water, dirt, dust, construction debris, smoke, electrical hazards, noxious odors, fumes, or chemicals, solvents, oil, vibrations, needles/drug paraphernalia, traffic hazards, and rough and uneven terrain. May work at heights, in confined spaces or awkward positions, remote locations or in noisy work area. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:  
May come in contact with irate, upset, emotionally disturbed, or uncooperative individuals.  Will require travel to a variety of locations.   May require some evening or weekend work to address workload and when meeting with the public. May be required to carry a cell phone or paging device and respond to technological or operating issues and/or emergency situations outside the normal work schedule, including evenings, weekends and/or holidays.  


 

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Agency
City of Yakima
Address
129 N. 2nd Street

Yakima, Washington, 98901
Phone
(509) 575-6090