Senior Engineer - Water & Wastewater

About the role

The Town of Blacksburg’s Department of Engineering & GIS is seeking a Water & Wastewater Engineer. The primary responsibilities of this role are to oversee improvements to the town’s water and wastewater infrastructure, to provide reliable service to its citizens, and to plan future system expansions to serve future development areas that are consistent with the town’s comprehensive plan.

This individual will work collaboratively with Public Works staff to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of potable water and effective collection of wastewater in compliance with all applicable regulations and environmental standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates with the New River Valley Regional Water Authority and the Blacksburg VPI Sanitation Authority
• Maintains accurate records of infrastructure assets and condition assessments and provides technical assistance to the Public Works department regarding utility infrastructure operation and maintenance
• Reviews water and wastewater plans for private development projects
• Manages capital improvement projects from concept through completion, including budgeting, scheduling, and contractor oversight
• Coordinates and obtains permits for projects from other agencies that demonstrate compliance with federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Coordinates right-of-way and easement agreements, as required for town projects
• Prepares or provides guidance to other Town staff or consultants in the preparation of studies, preliminary design, and/or construction and bid documents
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position

Requirements

• Licensure as a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in the Commonwealth of Virginia is required.
• Candidates considered for the Engineer II position must obtain the PE certification within 12 months of hire.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic modeling (WaterGEMS and SewerGEMS), distribution system design, and applicable codes.
• Working knowledge of maintaining the water quality of a water distribution system. Understanding chloramination as a disinfectant is preferred.
• Experience with plan preparation using Civil 3D is preferred yet not required.
• Knowledge of compliance with water and wastewater distribution programs regulated by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
• Working knowledge of SCADA.
• Experience with federal and state grants and funding agencies, including, but not limited to, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VCWRLF, WQIF), Virginia Department of Health (VDH), USDA Rural Utilities Service, and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil or Environmental Engineering, or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience with water and wastewater distribution systems.
• Candidates with 3–5 years of experience who do not hold a Professional Engineer (PE) License will be considered for the Engineer II position, with an annual salary range of $80,306 - $92,246.

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of theory, principles, standard methods, and practices of civil and environmental engineering, and working knowledge of geographic information systems in accordance with Town values.
• Ability to plan, review, and direct the work of professional and technical subordinates.
• Ability to plan projects and prepare related designs, estimates, and specifications.
• Ability to perform and evaluate engineering analyses and to make comprehensive recommendations on engineering problems and planning.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated ability to actively participate in a dynamic team of professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town officials, other public officials or representatives, employees, contractors, and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a team environment, functioning for the good of the organization and the community over the individual.

Benefits

• The Town of Blacksburg offers a wide range of benefits.