Principal Engineer/Blue Plains Intermunicipal Agreement Manager at Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments – Washington, District of Columbia

The Principal Engineer / Blue Plains Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) Manager leads COG’s Department of Environment programs that support the Blue Plains 2012 Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) and serves as a key interface with the Regional Water Quality Management Program. The position provides technical leadership, program management, and committee support for one of the region’s most critical wastewater and water quality partnerships.

Program Background

The Blue Plains 2012 Intermunicipal Agreement is a regional agreement among the District of Columbia, DC Water, Fairfax County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), governing shared wastewater treatment services provided by the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant. The agreement defines rights and responsibilities, allocates treatment capacity, shares capital and operating costs, and supports regional growth while protecting the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and Chesapeake Bay.

COG’s role under the IMA includes providing Secretariat services to the Blue Plains Leadership Committee and supporting technical and policy coordination through the Regional Water Quality Management Program.

Reporting Relationships

The Principal Engineer / Blue Plains IMA Manager reports to COG’s Director of Water Programs and coordinates closely with other water program staff.

Key Responsibilities

Blue Plains IMA Program Management

• Provide overall management and direction for the Blue Plains IMA work program as lead technical staff supporting the IMA Leadership Committee, Regional Committee, and associated work groups.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver the annual Blue Plains Work Program and Budget, including coordination with DC Water, WSSC, and other participating jurisdictions to secure approvals.
• Manage program administration, budgeting, and billing processes associated with the IMA.
• Oversee fulfillment of IMA obligations and manage technical projects, programs, and contracts supporting the Blue Plains program.
• Anticipate and define technical and policy needs of Blue Plains users and DC Water and align efforts with regional water quality initiatives.
• Train and coordinate with water quality staff to provide technical support to IMA participants.

Regional Water Quality Management Program Support

• Support the Regional Water Quality Management Program, including work with the Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Committee (CBPC) and the Water Resources Technical Committee (WRTC).
• Provide technical and policy support to committee members, including meeting coordination, presentations, and preparation of summaries and action items.
• Identify water resource policy initiatives for consideration by the COG Board of Directors and other policy committees.
• Represent COG in Chesapeake Bay Program forums as needed.

Staff Supervision and Team Management

• Serve as supervisor for Blue Plains IMA program staff, including setting annual goals, conducting performance appraisals, and supporting professional development.
• Work with the Water Resources Program Director to establish program direction and create an environment that maximizes staff performance.
• Provide regular coaching and feedback to staff to support continuous improvement.

Leadership and Professional Development

• Collaborate with senior leadership to enhance leadership and management capabilities.
• Communicate effectively with internal staff and external stakeholders using appropriate written and verbal methods for technical and policy audiences.
• Actively participate in Department of Environment management coordination meetings and identify cross-cutting topics within areas of responsibility.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisors regarding key projects and priorities and pursue ongoing professional development through internal and external training opportunities.

Performance Measurement

Performance is evaluated based on the timeliness and quality of work products, effectiveness of internal and external coordination, success in managing staff and programs, and completion of required deliverables within established deadlines.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of wastewater treatment and water quality technologies, methods, and practices
• Knowledge of the Blue Plains Intermunicipal Agreement
• Knowledge of Chesapeake Bay Program requirements, including TMDLs and Watershed Improvement Plans
• Familiarity with GIS, databases, and related planning tools for wastewater and water quality
• Ability to direct technical studies and applied research.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and experience managing complex initiatives.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with elected officials, utility leadership, senior policy officials, and technical staff.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and staff management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to varied audiences.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in civil engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related technical, planning, or management discipline
• At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in wastewater or related water quality fields
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered