Water Resources Engineer

Position Description

Are you a highly skilled and experienced Professional Engineer with a passion for water resource management? Tacoma Water is seeking a dynamic and versatile Water Resources Engineer to join our team. Under the direction of a Principal Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in monitoring, maintaining, and directing the weekly and long term operations of our complex water supply and transmission system. This multifaceted position requires a deep understanding of water systems, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across various teams and agencies.

This position may be eligible for a partial telework schedule after a training and onboarding period.

Key Responsibilities
As a Water Resources Engineer, you'll wear many hats, encompassing the roles of an Operating Engineer, Mathematical Modeler, Procedure/Report Developer, Problem Solver, and Project Engineer. Your responsibilities will include:
Operating Engineer

• Monitor, maintain, and direct weekly operations of a large, regional water supply/transmission system, ensuring high-quality service.
• Prioritize and resolve equipment and maintenance issues, making environmentally sound decisions.
• Ensure water-wide coordination on operational matters and support the Regional Water Supply System (RWSS) administration.
• Make recommendations affecting water system operations, such as well runtimes, flow rates, and valve settings, and evaluate deviations from normal conditions.

Mathematical Modeler

• Evaluate future supply operational scenarios for both near and long-term conditions.
• Determine
  
  operational strategies and recommend potential capital improvements based on hydrological
  
  data, demand forecasts, source constraints, interagency agreements, and state
  
  and federal requirements
• Ensure accurate collection and recording of system operating data, confirming compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Model the system using Hydraulic or Yield models to understand operational changes.

Project Engineer

• Manage project results, with authority to direct contract changes, enforce provisions, and resolve disputes.
• Administer contracts with various consultants, contractors, and agencies, including on-site inspections.
• Develop and direct the preparation of project scopes, technical specifications, calculations, timelines, and budgets, sealing (stamping) plans as needed.
• Create and maintain contracts, purchase requisitions, and other purchasing documents, ensuring accurate and timely payments.
• Prepare, obtain, and administer necessary federal, state, and local permits and grants as needed.

Procedure/Report Developer

• Assist in developing, implementing and interpreting system-wide procedures and protocols for water system operation.
• Develop, implement and maintain system operating reports for internal and external use.

Problem Solver

• Solve unique and complex technical problems, conducting forecasts, plans, studies, and cost estimates.
• Develop, seal (stamp), and publish technical reports and calculations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or directly related field.

Minimum Experience*
4 years of professional level engineering experience

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Driver's License
Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer and maintenance thereafter**

**6-month grace period allowable to transfer PE license from another state to WA

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in water or utility industry

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Apply
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration.

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or neogov.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

Should you have any questions about this position please call Human Resources at (253) 591-5400 before 4pm on the closing date.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 8/4/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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