Principal Engineer - Water Resources

Job Description:

Principal Engineer - Water Resources

Description

The Position:

Summary:

Job descriptions are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in this job. Specifications are NOT intended to reflect all duties performed with the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, plans, directs, and assumes responsibility for a variety of professional engineering activities related to the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of water and wastewater capital improvement projects; manages major capital projects through all phases of the project management life cycle and/or manages multi-disciplinary wastewater systems engineering and compliance programs; serves as subject matter expert and advisor to management staff on assigned projects and/or programs including water quality improvement activities, lake management, and the pretreatment program; researches complex problems, conducts technical engineering-related studies, and recommends operational, compliance, and/or policy solutions; plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff engaged in engineering activities; ensures assigned projects and programs comply with applicable codes and regulations and District policies, procedures, and standards; and performs related duties as assigned.

Immediate Impact: The successful candidate will be given the following objectives upon hire:

• Within the first month, become familiar with major aspects of the operations of the Capital Projects Department, the Water Resources Division, including organizational structure, workforce, and water and wastewater facilities, and managing the Indus-trial Waste Pretreatment Program staff.
• Within the first 3 months, review the Capital Improvement Program, Pretreatment Program, Lakes (Lake Elsinore & Canyon Lake) Management Programs, tasks and activities related to the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) Program administered by Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA). Start participating in the SAWPA meetings; and demonstrate under-standing of project priority, budget and funding constraints, and resource requirements.
• Within the first 6 months, proficiently prepare the appropriate RFPs and IFBs for assigned projects.
• Within the first 6 months, conduct an assessment of the Capital Projects Division and provide recommendations on how to im-prove the program, which will consider, at a minimum; communication with stakeholders, enforcement of District standards, responsiveness, consistency and equity in practices, and overall program efficiency.
• Within the first 9 months, demonstrate the ability to properly manage project budgets and hold consultants accountable to project scope, budget, and schedule.
• Within the first year, implement the appropriate improvements as identified within the pre-treatment and capital projects program.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Possesses an equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering or a related field. Master's degree in environmental engineering or a related field with emphasis on water and wastewater treatment processes is highly desirable.
• Has seven (7) years of increasingly responsible and diversified engineering experience including water and wastewater planning, water and sewer utility engineering design and construction, and project management experience.
• Is skilled in effective management principles and practices such as goal setting, program development, training, supervision, evaluation and mentoring of staff.
• Will effectively and proactively manage programs and maintain accountability, productivity, and consistency.
• Possesses a valid California Class C driver's license, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possesses a valid registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state of California.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Provides leadership, expertise, and guidance to others on assigned programs and/or projects; as a program and/or project leader, directs, assigns, trains, supervises, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; determines work priorities; oversees quality and quantity of work performed and ensures adherence to established procedures by instructing employees accordingly; is a resource to employees by possessing specialized skills; and develops and implements work improvements.
• Analyze, interpret, and explain regulations and policies related to water and wastewater treatment, industrial waste pretreatment, and the management of Lake Elsinore Aeration and Mixing Systems (LEAMS).
• Participates on behalf of the District in the ongoing multi-agency effort administered by the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) and the Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto Watershed Authority (LESJWA) to improve conditions in the San Jacinto Watershed including the two Lakes (Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake). Participates in the historical total maximum daily loads (TMDL) program to improve the water quality of Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake.
• Reviews TMDL documentation prepared by SAWPA/LESJWA consultants, provide comments and input on behalf of the District as one of the key stakeholder.
• Manages major capital improvement projects through all phases including planning, design, construction and implementation, and close-out; leads project teams, consultants, and/or contractors in the execution of projects; develops or reviews and approves work plans including, scope of work, budget, schedules, and baseline and/or service requirements.
• Ensures compliance with engineering and District standards, District policies and procedures, regulatory and safety requirements, and engineering best practices; analyzes, interprets, and explains regulations and policies related to area(s) of assignment; oversees the creation, deletion, and revision of planning and design criteria, standard drawings, specifications, and design guidelines for developer and capital improvement projects.
• Participates in the development and implementation of program/project goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; identifies resource needs; recommends and implements policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with the District's strategic and capital improvement plans.
• Participates in short- and long-term planning of engineering programs/projects by conducting planning studies, reviewing and revising Master Plans, and coordinating with Operations and Maintenance department and other District staff to develop lists of necessary programs/projects.
• Directs and oversees the procurement process of contractors and consultants; prepares Invitation for Bid, Requests for Proposals, bid analysis, and evaluation documents; reviews proposals and provides recommendations for selection; verifies compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and/or funding agreements; prepares, negotiates, and manages contracts; directs, reviews, and reports on the work performed by consultants and/or contractors.
• Develops and monitors project/program budgets and schedules; reviews invoices to ensure compliance with contract and scope of work; manages requests for changes in scope of work for design; prepares contract addendums when needed.
• Manages multi-disciplinary water and/or wastewater systems engineering and compliance programs.
• Oversees the design, replacement, rehabilitation, and abandonment of District facilities, infrastructure, and assets; inspects, diagnoses, develops, and oversees corrective action plans for the more complex operation and maintenance problems; reviews plans and technical specifications and provides input on functional and/or safety aspects of proposed projects; reviews operational processes and trends, directs corrective action, and coordinates engineering activities to optimize operational efficiencies and safety.
• Oversees the review of, comments on, and approves engineering studies and analyses, plans, specifications, technical memorandums, and/or reports submitted for correct concept, engineering principles, and economic design for capital improvement ; reviews construction phase submittals; provides comments and makes corrections to drawings; reviews and approves project alternatives considering financial, operational, maintenance, property/right-of-way, and constructability factors; communicates with contractors and responds to requests for information.
• Oversees and conducts engineering studies, investigations, and analyses; researches, collects, and analyzes engineering data and evaluates results to determine project-specific facility requirements and parameters; prepares various engineering and/or compliance reports and engineering designs, specifications, drawings, sketches, and other supporting documentation for assigned projects/programs.
• Coordinates regulatory, environmental, and/or construction permit and right-of-way activities and processes with other District staff and outside agencies.
• Assumes responsibility for ensuring operational and administrative completion before the transferring of projects from the construction phase to operation and maintenance status; participates in examinations and field reviews of existing features with Operations and Maintenance; advises management on design deficiencies noted during both construction and operation phases and makes design recommendations.
• Attends, participates in, and/or leads a variety of meetings and/or committees; represents the District to regulatory agencies, the public, community interest groups, and contractors or consultants at meetings; prepares and provides information for meetings including agendas, minutes, Board reports, presentations, and exhibits.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in engineering, capital improvements programs; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to District needs; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Compensation:

• Medical, dental, vision, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, a life insurance policy equal to two times the annual salary for the employee and a $1,000.00 policy for eligible dependents. Benefits become effective on the first of the month following a 30-day waiting period and the Authority contributes 90% of the cost of such insurance.
• CalPERS Retirement is provided using the 2.7 at age 55 formula for "Classic" Members. Retirement is provided using the 2% at age 62 formula for "New/PEPRA" Members.
• Three deferred compensation plans to which an employee may voluntarily contribute up to $24,500 per year. The Authority does not contribute to these plans.
• Twelve (12) paid holidays per year. Upon employment with WESA for one (1) year, employees also receive two (2) floating holidays annually.
• Employees accrue vacation at the rate of 3.08 hours per two-week pay period for the first 1 year of employment; 3.38 hours for years 1-2; 4.62 hours for years 3-4; 6.16 hours for years 5-9; 6.47 hours for years 10-12, 6.77 hours for years 13-19, and 7.0 for 20+ years of service.
• Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 3.70 hours per bi-weekly pay period for a total of 96.20 hours per year with unlimited accumulation.
• Additional benefits available include: 9/80 work schedule, Direct Deposit, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance, Certification Reimbursement Program, Certification Bonus Program, Onsite Wellness Center, and two credit unions.

Our Mission: To manage our natural resources to provide reliable, cost efficient and high quality water and wastewater services for the communities we serve, while promoting conservation, environmental responsibility, educations, community interaction, ethical behavior and recognizing employees as highly valuable assets.

The Water Employee Services Authority: WESA was established as a joint powers authority between the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Meeks & Daley Water Company. As a joint powers authority, WESA provides professional water and wastewater services to both agencies. WESA is committed to:

• Professionalism-Demonstrating competency while maintaining a professional demeanor and upholding a reputation for expertise, efficiency, and high quality through delivery of information, services, and products.
• Enthusiasm-Possessing a strong drive for learning, innovation, forward thinking, and the overall desire to do your job well.
• Transparency-Demonstrating high moral standards in principles, intentions and actions; conduct that encourages loyalty, integrity, and trust.
• Inclusiveness-Promoting respect and teamwork through communication and appreciation for all.
• Stewardship-Taking ownership and responsibility for assigned responsibilities, while demonstrating a proactive, positive willingness to serve.

The Application Process: If you are interested in this opportunity, submit a completed WESA employment application online at www.wesawater.com. Resumes and certifications may be included, but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. In order to be considered, applications must be received no later than 5:30 PM onWednesday, July 1, 2026.

For questions and inquiries, please contact: Skyler Munson: [email protected] or (951) 674-3146 ext. 8224.

Salary:

USD 13,810.00 - 18,117.00 per month