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