Operations and Project Engineer

Aqua America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS:
The Operations and Project Engineer is responsible for water and wastewater planning, design and construction management. They provide capital planning and ongoing financial and technical support to the assigned Ohio Divisions and as directed by the Regional Engineer. The Operations and Project Engineer will supervise Designers or Construction Coordinators.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Facility planning to identify current and future capital improvements necessary to maintain proper water and wastewater service, and to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

Collaborate with state and regional operations in the development, implementation and monitoring of annual capital improvement plans that identify and prioritize capital projects. Assist in the development of annual capital budgets for the Ohio region, including assessing alternative design approaches, alternative selection and estimating/scheduling project costs.

Design of statewide capital and maintenance projects, including preparation of contract documents and development of cost estimates. Utilize in-house and contract resources, as required.

Construction management for statewide capital and maintenance projects, utilizing both in-house and contract resources, as required.

Oversee design and construction activities to achieve budget and schedule compliance, which are critical activities to ensure that company financial, compliance and operational objectives are met.

Coordinate design and construction phases of projects with personnel of all regional divisions and of other departments, outside contractors, and suppliers to ensure all operational needs are addressed, and obtain all needed inputs for design.

Prepare or direct the preparation of permit applications, which will cover a wide range of land development, zoning, construction, and environmental approvals, at the local and State levels, and at times, at the Federal level. Meet with political officials and regulatory agency personnel to obtain project permits and authorizations.

Represent the Company at various federal, state and local levels. Establish and maintain positive public relations with key customers, local officials, state and federal regulators, other state agencies, elected officials and industry groups.

Provide engineering due diligence services for company acquisitions and other business development activities. Identify capital improvement needs for candidate systems, and estimate the costs and timing of needed improvements. This input will be a key factor in valuing the systems and in determining if AQUA will proceed with a purchase offer.

Assist with timely maintenance of water system maps, records, and electronic data (i.e. hydraulic models, standard specifications, etc.).

Assist in the development and implementation of state/regional engineering-related policies, and maintain standard design and materials specifications for water and wastewater infrastructure.

Assist in the review and applications of new technologies that would improve water quality or service to customers.

Attend study forums conducted by various government agencies and professional organizations.

Participate in state regulatory (OEPA, PUCO, etc.) activities including attending meetings, preparing technical support and testimony as required.

Position involves frequent travel within the state and occasional travel to corporate headquarters and other AQUA facilities as required.

Be available on call 24/7.

Required Skills

Required Experience

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL OR REGISTRATION QUALIFICATIONS :
Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering with a minimum of five years of related experience, or a Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum of five years of direct experience in wastewater operations.

Registered Professional Engineer in Ohio is preferred, or the ability to obtain as agreed upon at hire. Class III Ohio Wastewater Operations License is also preferred, or the ability to obtain as agreed upon at hire. Proficient with personal computers, particularly Microsoft Office products, databases, AutoCAD, GIS and WaterGEMS.

Must possess the ability to motivate oneself and others to accomplish required tasks, and the ability to work with and motivate people of diverse backgrounds. Ability to prepare clear, concise and grammatically correct written communication. Ability to analyze technical problems, to organize work and develop effective working methods as well as the ability to work harmoniously and effectively with public officials, and company staff and management. Ability to establish meaningful, timely and attainable goals and effectively coordinate multiple projects.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES : Manage assigned projects of up to $10M in value within budget and manage others with additional budget responsibility.

PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES :
May supervise two or more employees (Drafters, Designers, Construction Coordinators and/or Inspectors).