Planning Engineer (Series) at Truckee Meadows Water Authority – Reno, Nevada

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) is a not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, overseen by elected officials and citizen appointees from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. TMWA has a highly skilled workforce who ensure the around-the-clock treatment, delivery and availability of high-quality drinking water for more than 475,000 residents of the Truckee Meadows.

We are looking to hire a Planning Engineer, to join our Engineering Department.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Planning Engineer performs professional engineering work associated with the planning and operation of water treatment, supply and distribution system facilities.

The Senior Planning Engineer differs from Planning Engineer in that incumbents at the Senior level perform more complex engineering planning work. Incumbents are recognized as having the experience, certifications and responsibility for making final technical decisions and have influence on the overall outcome of a project or task. Senior Engineers perform under general supervision and guidance.

Progression from one position title, level or designation is not automatic nor guaranteed and is based on business needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

We believe that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor TMWA to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

• Using independent judgment and initiative perform complex technical planning studies by developing and utilizing water system computer models to evaluate the capacity of the water distribution system; recommend new supply and distribution facilities; determine facility requirements for new development; analyze the impact of new growth on the existing system; analyze/optimize energy use; and determine specific equipment requirements, capacities and operating criteria.
• Furnish engineering services to TMWA in accordance with current standard of care for professional engineers and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Assist in development of capital improvement plans; evaluate, recommend, justify and prioritize improvements; prepare accurate budget level project cost estimates.
• Perform a wide range of graphic system duties involving the preparation and plotting of GIS and/or CAD designs and drawings to produce maps, charts, drawings, and other geographic information for reports, presentations and permit applications.
• Update and maintain facility data sheets and on-line information for pump stations, well pumping facilities, storage tanks and pressure regulating stations; maintain and update water use data.
• Integrate metered use data and SCADA data to calibrate water system computer models.
• Coordinate new business planning work between Project Coordinators and Engineering \Department.
• Participate in project meetings with developers, engineers, contractors and other TMWA personnel.
• Make presentations and represent TMWA before regulatory and permitting agencies and the public.
• Provide technical support to Operations personnel and establish system operating criteria and facility requirements.
• Provide support to New Business personnel; prepare and submit facility plans and design reports; review and comment on applicant designs and insure compliance with TMWA and industry standards.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as require or requested.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.
A typical way to obtain the minimum requirements is:

Experience: Four to eight years (depending on level of engineer work performed) of increasingly responsible experience involving professional civil engineering work in the design of water system facilities; operation of water distribution systems; modeling and analysis of water distribution systems; or a closely related field is required. Other combinations of education/experience may be considered.

Education & Training: Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field is required

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language including reading, writing, and speaking English.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURE & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A valid Nevada (or California – depending on state of residency) Driver License at time of hire and continuing thereafter and ability to maintain insurability under TMWA’s vehicle insurance policy. A Civil or Mechanical Professional Engineering license is required. Must obtain State of Nevada Civil or Mechanical Professional Engineering registration within six months of employment. Certification as a State of Nevada Water Distribution and/or Treatment Operator at Grade 1, 2, or 3 is desired based on level of engineering work performed.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation during hire and periodically thereafter during employment.

This position is considered a safety sensitive position and employment is contingent upon the results of drug and/or alcohol testing which includes screening for marijuana. The presence of marijuana or other screened for substances on any employment related substance test may result in a refusal to hire or termination of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Civil engineering and hydraulics including booster and source pumping equipment.
• The operation of water treatment, supply and distribution systems including storage facilities.
• The development, use and calibration of water system computer models and modeling software.
• Water distribution system construction methods, techniques and materials.
• Principles of engineering economics methods and techniques.
• Principles of GIS mapping and computer aided design.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers, printers, plotters, copiers, etc.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Pertinent company, industry and professional standards.

Skill/Ability to:

• Effectively manage time and multiple assignments to meet required deadlines.
• Analyze and solve complex hydraulic problems.
• Utilize Excel and other proprietary software to develop and perform complex hydraulic calculations in support of water system facility designs or facility plans.
• Utilize AutoCAD and InfoWater to develop, utilize and maintain water system computer models.
• Interpret design drawings; write contract documents and technical specifications.
• Operate a variety of computer equipment and software relative to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from developers, engineers, contractors and the general public.
• Professionally represent TMWA in meetings with outside agencies and make presentations as required.
• Provide effective supervision, direction and leadership for lower level staff.
• Establish & maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Be punctual regarding work hours established by TMWA.
Be mentally and physically alert during working hours

TMWA is an equal opportunity employer. It is TMWA’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. TMWA’s commitment to equal opportunity includes all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination.

All decisions affecting any terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, salary, disciplinary action, and an employee’s caregiving responsibilities, will be made without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

TMWA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@tmwa.com or 775-834-8207.

TMWA is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the health and well-being of our employees. That commitment is jeopardized when any of our employees illegally use drugs at home or at work, comes to work under the influence, possesses, distributes, or sells drugs in the workplace, or abuses alcohol on the job. As part of our commitment to safeguard the well-being of our employees and to provide a safe environment for everyone, TMWA has established a drug-free workplace policy.