Right of Way Inspector in Lenexa, Kansas at WaterOne

The purpose of this role is to coordinate landscape and pavement restoration efforts for the Distribution and Engineering Divisions, ensuring all restoration needs are efficiently addressed. Analyze and develop accurate estimates for quantities, schedules, and requirements related to restoration projects. Collaborate with municipal staff in the WaterOne service area to confirm city-specific requirements and restoration boundaries. Review and reconcile vendor invoices for accuracy based on matrix pricing, ensuring timely and accurate processing. Provide additional support to the Distribution Engineering Department by performing tasks such as GPS data collection, cathodic protection station monitoring and testing, project site oversight, easement inspections, and other assigned responsibilities.

Pay Range: From $29.52/hr to $44.27/hr. Compensation for the selected candidate will depend on candidate qualifications and experience as related to the position requirements.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Collaborates with the Distribution and Engineering Divisions to track and prioritize areas requiring landscape and pavement restoration.
• Analyzes restoration needs, including estimating quantities, schedules, and specifications to secure necessary materials and services.
• Meets with City personnel to define restoration areas and methods for both landscape and pavement restoration, ensuring compliance with varying municipal requirements in WaterOne’s service areas.
• Reviews and ensures the accuracy of vendor invoices by cross-referencing contract specifications with completed work and invoiced amounts.
• Facilitates the timely processing of payments to contractors and assists with damage claims and related support as needed.
• Coordinates work schedules and maintains clear, timely, and effective communications with property owners, public works officials, contractors, and other stakeholders involved in restoration or Right-of-Way (ROW) issues.
• Exercises authority to halt work if safety concerns arise or if work does not meet established specifications or regulatory standards.
• Inspects and documents completed restoration projects to ensure compliance with City and WaterOne standards, confirming project completion.
• Provides regular updates to the Supervisor on field conditions, completed tasks, and resource needs in order to ensure efficient project execution.
• Applies sound judgment and maintains fiscal responsibility while executing job duties.
• Assists with various tasks in the Distribution Engineering Department, as needed, including:
  • Collecting and utilizing GPS data for facility locations.
  • Monitoring and inspecting cathodic protection systems.
  • Conducting easement inspections and overseeing WaterOne facilities during construction phases.
  • Preparing for transmission main inspections, including easement clearing and entry accessibility assessments.
  • Providing backup support for Main Extension Construction Inspectors and assisting with water main location and marking for project review.

Other Duties

• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Customer Service Commitment

WaterOne employees shall continuously strive to meet or exceed the expectations of both their internal and external customers. Questions and concerns shall be acknowledged on the same day whenever possible, but no later than the next business day. Issues shall be resolved as promptly as possible, with the goal of maximizing customer satisfaction.

Required Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience in construction, landscaping, or similar fields, with a strong understanding of industry practices and standards.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated customer service skills with the ability to actively listen to customer concerns, understand needs, and communicate information clearly, professionally, and courteously in both verbal and written formats.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Excel, Word, Outlook) for daily tasks and communication.
• Ability to learn and become proficient in SAP, GIS, AIMS, and Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD), and other job-related software applications.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documents, or the aptitude to develop this competency through training and experience.
• Intermediate mathematical skills with the ability to perform calculations involving area, volume, and billing-related processes.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Skilled at assimilating information from various sources to complete projects on time and within scope, while setting clear priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and build relationships with customers, team members, contractors, municipal representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships and collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment in fast-paced, high-pressure, or emergency situations.
• Basic knowledge of water utility construction practices and infrastructure preferred, with the willingness and ability to develop technical expertise related to water main facilities and associated equipment.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a commitment to delivering high-quality results, maintaining project momentum, and providing exceptional customer service.
• Ability to remain composed, adaptable, and effective during emergency responses, peak workload periods, and situations requiring work outside of normal business hours.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development in support of operational and organizational goals.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain WaterOne's driving standards.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background verification in accordance with WaterOne standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Utility Operations, or a related field relevant to the position.
• Bilingual communication skills, with the ability to effectively serve and interact with diverse customer populations.
• Previous experience in the utility industry, preferably within a water utility environment.
• Familiarity with water distribution systems, utility infrastructure, construction coordination, or related operational processes.
• Grade I Water Distribution Operator.
• Certification by California State University Sacramento in Water Distribution System Operation and Maintenance.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally lift/or move 5lbs frequently, 10lbs occasionally and up to 40lbs rarely. The employee will frequently work in outdoor weather conditions; work inside and outside WaterOne facilities and structures. Outside working conditions are dependent on the weather, which involves extreme heat (above 90 degrees) in the summer and cold in the winter (below freezing). Some work may be in non-heated and non-air-conditioned structures and field assignments will frequently be in poor weather and driving conditions and deal with other hazards of field work. The employee will also occasionally work around noise levels that are generally minimal but may be excessive for brief periods of time (hearing protection is provided). The employee must be able to use a computer for multiple hours a day. The employee must be able to move occasionally from one location to another, move through elevators, stairways, ramps and rough terrain, and be able to remain in a stationary position for up to several hours a day, in possibly unfavorable weather and/or site conditions. The employee Must be able to wear personal protective equipment and navigate construction sites.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job operates in both the field and a professional office environment. This job duties for this position sometimes takes place in the field and/or plant environment where exposure to various environmental factors such as chemicals, noise from machinery, and fluctuating temperatures is likely and personal protective equipment may be required. The noise level when working in the field and/or plant environment is usually moderate to maximal.

WaterOne provides a total compensation package that includes:

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and LTD insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Company funded Cash Balance Plan
• Company match Defined Contribution Plan
• Comprehensive wellness program
• Educational assistance program
• A variety of other benefit programs and activities

Equal Opportunity Employer

WaterOne is an equal opportunity employer and upholds a non-discrimination policy. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, military status, or marital status in making employment and business decisions. We also prohibit harassment and retaliation in the workplace and in our dealings with the public. We encourage and welcome diversity of backgrounds in our workforce. WaterOne complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).

Complete job description is available upon request and will be provided during the selection process.