Job Details

WCW's Infrastructure and Planning department seeks skilled engineers to fill the Associate Engineer or Assistant Engineer role in our Planning and Support Division. We are looking for someone with strong engineering principles and technical expertise, analytical skills, keen attention to detail, a creative approach to problem-solving, and a passion for improving public health and environmental outcomes. Ideal candidates will demonstrate the ability to communicate complex ideas, work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, and manage projects effectively.

• Detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to delivering high-quality results.
• Able to responds effectively to multiple demands, shifting priorities, emerging situations, and rapid change.
• Proactive in identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions.
• A strong problem-solver with decision-making skills.
• Adaptable and able to navigate complex, fast-paced project environments and work under pressure.
• A clear communicator who works well with team members, stakeholders, and partners.
• Committed to safety, sustainability, and ethical engineering practices.
  
  

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Assisting with elements of complex project management, including planning, coordination, and execution of assignments.

• Performing calculations to analyze fluid flow, size pipes, and conduct hydraulic analyses to ensure efficient and reliable operation of wastewater systems.

• Preparing designs, specifications, plans, estimates, and reports for the development and modification of projects.
• Understanding agency operations to ensure compliance with internal procedures, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Supporting the planning, development, and execution of Capital Improvement Program projects.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and providing technical expertise to solve engineering challenges.
• Preparing clear written correspondence, reports, plans, and other written materials.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Your contributions will directly impact the development and improvement of important infrastructure.
• You will have the opportunity to be involved in both the technical and project management aspects of engineering, supporting your career growth.
• You will be part of a team that values innovation, learning, and professional development.
• You will have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that protect public health and the environment.
• You will have the opportunity to work with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Managing multiple complex projects and balancing competing priorities while maintaining high quality results.
• Balancing autonomy with the need for collaboration and communication across teams, each with unique perspectives and technical needs.
• Accuracy and attention to detail are paramount in a fast-paced environment.
• Addressing unforeseen technical issues during the planning, design, or construction phases.

Competencies Required:

• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Project Management: Ensuring that projects are on-time, on budget, and achieve their objectives
• Innovative Problem Solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new ways to do business
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue.
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Leveraging Technology: Applying technology for improvements in organizational efficiency and effectiveness
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results

Essential Duties

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Act as project manager on engineering projects of moderate size and complexity, directing the work of subordinate professionals and support staff;
• Participate in and manages capital improvement program projects, including studies, design engineering, inspection, and consultant oversight;
• Prepare designs, specifications, plans, estimates, and reports for the development and modification of projects and various facilities, including wastewater treatment plants and collection systems;
• Review and check engineering drawings, plans, computations, and reports for accuracy and compliance with WCW standards;
• Conduct engineering studies, evaluates alternatives, and prepares reports with recommendations for management and the Board of Directors;
• Prepare project status reports and make oral and written presentations to staff, supervisors, regulatory agencies, elected officials, and the public;
• Manage the selection of consultants for assigned projects, including developing requests for proposals negotiating agreements, and administering contracts;
• Prepare conditions of approval, issue construction permits, and draft development reimbursement agreements;
• Develop and manages project budgets, records costs, and schedules, analyzing billings and progress payment requests;
• Prepare or oversee the preparation of appropriate environmental documentation in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
• Participate in external industry organizations and subcommittees as a representative of WCW and research industry developments to remain current with modern principles and procedures;
• Coordinate with operations staff to evaluate wastewater and recycled water treatment operational issues, developing study plans and making engineering recommendations;
• Perform and assign to staff investigations, design, drafting, survey, mapping, and data collection tasks; review completed work;
• Prepare a variety of written correspondence, reports, grant applications, plans, procedures, ordinances, staff reports, and other written materials;
• Ensure compliance with regulations and industry standards;
• Critical peer review of work from design engineering contractors and consultants;
• Perform related duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of experience and training that demonstrates that a person has obtained the required knowledge and is able to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed) will be considered. A person with the following combined training and experience would typically qualify to compete in a selection process:

Experience: Four (4) years of experience equivalent to an Assistant Engineer. Experience with managing wastewater treatment plant or collection system projects is also desirable.

Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree in civil, sanitary, or mechanical engineering from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation for Engineering and Technology, or otherwise possess the required education and experience necessary to obtain a Certificate of Registration as a Civil or Mechanical Professional Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration. A master's degree is desirable.

License or Certificate: Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Civil or Mechanical Professional Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration. If the registration is issued from another state, California registration must be obtained within six months from the date of hire.

Experience: Two (2) years of experience equivalent to a Junior Engineer. Experience with management of wastewater treatment plant or collection system projects desirable.

Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree in civil, sanitary, or mechanical engineering from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation for Engineering and Technology, or the required education and experience necessary to qualify for an Engineer-in-Training Certificate issued by the California State Board of Registration.

License or Certificate: Possession of an Engineer-in-Training Certificate issued by the California State Board of Registration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT- PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

An employee in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The following describes typical environmental and physical demands:

• Regularly walk and stand and occasionally sit on level and unleveled surfaces, bend, stoop, squat, climb, reach, twist, turn, crouch, ascend and descend ladders, and kneel; safely lift and/or move objects weighing a maximum of 50 lbs.; use hands for light grasping and fine dexterity; visual acuity to see fine detail;
• Withstand exposure to cold, heat, noise, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards and hazardous substances and fumes;
• Utilize appropriate safety precautions, methods, and apparatus to minimize and withstand exposure to chemical, biological, and mechanical hazards.

Supplemental Information

Applying for this Position:
Applicants interested in the Associate Engineer or Assistant Engineer position must apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wcwd by May 26, 2025.

Selection Process:

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application; applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Online Oral Interview: Candidates that demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral interview conducted online. Candidates invited to the online oral interview need access to a computer and the internet as this interview will be conducted remotely. Candidates will be evaluated on the necessary knowledge and skills.

Tentative Test Dates:
Oral Interview: June 10, 2025
Internal Interview: June 18, 2025
Hiring Interview: June 25, 2025

WCW is not responsible for failure of internet forms or email transmission in submitting applications. Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Human Resources at hr@wcwd.org.

Disaster Service Worker
All West County Wastewater employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the WCW requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of West County Wastewater to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.