Transmission Engineer in Fairfax, Virginia at Fairfax Water

Under limited supervision of the Manager, Transmission, this position supports transmission system operations and maintenance for a large water utility. Responsibilities include coordinating with planning, electrical and other staff to optimize transmission system operations; monitoring and analyzing transmission system pressure, water quality and other data and providing recommendations for improvement; coordinating with engineering and construction staff on capital project development; and a variety of other related engineering tasks.

This position may be filled at the Senior Transmission Engineer level for qualified candidates.

• Supports transmission system operations by:
  • Compiling, reviewing, and analyzing flow, pressure, and other hydraulic data and providing recommendations for improvement.
  • In coordination with planning, electrical, and other staff, developing recommendations to increase operational efficiency and optimize system operations.
  • Assists with reviewing capital project construction plans, maintenance schedules, and other activity to identify potential conflicts.
• Investigates and develops recommendations to address pump performance issues.
• Advances Fairfax Water’s transmission system data collection efforts, including identifying locations to install additional pressure monitoring equipment and coordinating procurement and installation.
• Supports Fairfax Water’s transmission valve exercise and replacement efforts, including shut-down evaluation and planning, procurement of materials, and coordination with any required construction contractors.
• Tracks and evaluates transmission system activity including equipment failures, unexpected pressure fluctuations, and outages. Coordinates with other staff to assess impacts, develop solutions, and determine whether operational changes, maintenance, or other improvements are needed.
• Prepares and maintains documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and other technical reference materials.
• Provides training to Transmission staff as needed.
• Monitors and evaluates water storage tank water quality and works to address unusual or unexpected water quality issues, in coordination with laboratory or other staff.
• Supports engineering and construction staff in advancing Fairfax Water’s water storage tank painting and rehabilitation program.
• Supports Fairfax Water’s transmission main and water storage tank cathodic protection efforts.
• Reviews and comments on design plans for pumping stations, transmission mains, and other facilities.
• Remotely monitors and responds to operational issues after hours as needed.
• Supports Fairfax Water’s emergency preparedness and resiliency efforts as related to transmission system operations.
• Gathers and analyzes data to support budgeting and evaluation of resource requirements.
• Serves as primary point of contact in Transmission Manager’s absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil, Environmental or Mechanical Engineering or comparable discipline and a minimum of six years progressively responsible experience in the planning, design or operation of public water or wastewater facilities, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and knowledge.
• Achievement of a passing grade in the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
• Professional Engineering License preferred but not required.
• Possession of a Commonwealth of Virginia Class V, or higher, Waterworks Operator’s license is preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of water transmission and distribution system hydraulics, modeling concepts, theory, analytical procedures and techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of water transmission system components including pumps, valves, and pipes.
• General experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Experience using SCADA is desirable.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of data using spreadsheets and other tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to establish and facilitate positive working relationships with coworkers both within the department and in other areas of the organization, consultants, and contractors.
• Ability to effectively serve on teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work after-hours or outside of core business hours as needed.
• High level of initiative.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Must pass a controlled substance (drug) test for employment.