Lead Planning Engineer (Water Resources)

Salary Range: $108,000 - $120,000. The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This role is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. Compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education, and experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

About the Role

The Lead Planning Engineer is responsible for engineering tasks focused on assessing the long-term needs of our water and/or wastewater utility systems and developing project solutions that will ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of services to our customers. This role assists teams with completing engineering tasks such as hydraulic modeling, demand projections, asset condition and performance assessments, developing treatment strategies, and preparing comprehensive planning recommendations. This position also conducts or reviews water and wastewater system capacity and service evaluations associated with service extension projects or other potential service growth opportunities. Responsibilities may include technical partnering and supervision over consulting engineers, technicians, and/or CAD operators.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and prepare strategic water and wastewater system engineering planning studies.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of detailed asset investment plans considering cost, timing, prioritization, operational need, risk, strategic investment fit, and other pertinent factors.
• Conduct system capacity evaluations, analysis of water source, treatment, pumping, collection/distribution, storage, or other system deficiencies to support ongoing operations, service extension requests, or regional growth opportunities.
• Serve as a competent technical resource on water and wastewater system planning matters, including capital planning, source water safe yield analysis, demand/inflow projections, treatment adequacy, transmission and distribution adequacy, collection adequacy, inflow and infiltration, computerized hydraulic modeling, water conservation, regionalization, and other pertinent subjects.
• Develop, calibrate, and analyze hydraulic models for water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems.
• Assist with multiple small to medium-sized projects and perform varied engineering assignments associated with planning, design, or construction.
• Develop technical information and concepts into feasible and effective engineering approaches.
• Establish project budgets and scope.
• Support the pre-qualification and selection of consulting and construction organizations for projects using negotiation or competitive selection processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering; advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years’ experience in engineering design, planning, construction, project delivery, and/or project management.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Water system and wastewater collection system hydraulic modeling experience is a plus.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice.
• Familiarity with project management, construction and contract management, water and wastewater facilities, and utility operations.
• Knowledge of current trends in water quality, treatment, and other aspects of the water industry.
• Familiarity with environmental regulatory requirements and trends impacting the water industry.
• Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (e.g., report writing, listening, and presentation).
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact/diplomacy, persuasion, team building, cooperation, leadership, ability to motivate others).
• Financial analysis skills, including budget management, business modeling, and basic accounting knowledge.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage.
• Disability, paid time off, and life insurance.
• Voluntary benefits and health and wellness programs.
• Learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally.

Schedule

Primarily in the office with occasional work in the field at water/wastewater facilities to conduct site investigations and participate in on-site project kick-off/review meetings. Travel requirements: up to 20%, as required.