Water Systems Engineer

California Water Service

Job Description:

This position will be working with Engineering and Field Operations staff, on a variety of engineering related projects associated with drinking water systems. The position’s responsibilities include working on a wide range of complex operations and engineering efforts including but not limited to: building hydraulic models for pressurized water systems and using them for various analyses, emergency preparedness planning and response, support for rate case justifications (planning level evaluations and alternatives), and water system analyses and optimization. This position reports to the Manager of Operations Engineering and is located in Torrance, CA.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct studies and troubleshoot operational problems using water system documentation, drawings, SCADA data, hydraulic model, and other available resources
• Hydraulic model creation, calibration, and maintenance for use in support of Distribution System Evaluations
• Establishes hydraulic controls and operating requirements to meet required and efficient levels of service applying hydraulics principles and computer models
• Provides system optimization schemas with respect to water delivery, quality, and energy usage
• Evaluates supply, production, and demand such as Maximum Day Demand analysis
• Assesses solutions to problems presented by others, assists in planning and prepares projects for the Company's capital budget and Public Utility Commission (PUC) rate case filings including cost estimating and justification for projects, as well as data requests, tours, rebuttal, and settlement support
• Assists in planning, designing, and in some cases, delivering completed capital projects including evaluation of project alternatives
• Provides updates to maps, drawings, and databases to reflect system changes
• Coordinates, attends, and leads meetings with other Cal Water staff members and public agencies to assess problems and provide solutions
• Presents information in a public forum to state or local government agencies, special districts, or local communities
• Works with other engineers to review policies, procedures, and specifications; makes necessary revisions to these documents to stay current with technology and company changes
• Occasionally directs and trains other engineers
• Support of regulatory compliance
• Provides project management of hydraulic model development by consultants/contractors; evaluates deliverables for accuracy and completeness
• Assesses, analyzes, and solves problems independently related to job functions
• Conducts research on existing infrastructure using databases, maps, drawings, photos, and paper files
• Performs engineering calculations to solve advanced problems using logical assumptions
• Performs increasingly complex hydraulic calculations and assessments, including use of hydraulic models
• Prepares data tables, graphs, cost estimations, justifications, and reports required for evaluating projects
• Creates solicitation documents (Request for Bids, Proposals, Qualifications, or Information) specific to the scope of work for each project and reviews contractor or consultant bids. Selects the most appropriate bidder.
• Operates a provided company vehicle for travel to field locations
• Participates in Continuous Improvement (CI) activities to improve all aspects of the company's operations
• Performs other duties as assigned, as appropriate for the classification

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree (4 year) in Engineering or related field from accredited college or university
• Experience working with mapping and hydraulic modeling software, ArcGIS and InfoWater preferred
• Knowledge of data handling and programing software, Excel and Python preferred
• An understanding of water systems and their operations with the ability to use various data sources, system documentation, and institutional knowledge to recognize operational schemes and solutions
• Knowledge of the process to build and calibrate hydraulic models for pressurized water distribution systems
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics with the capability to independently use theoretical analyses to provide guidance and recommendations, to troubleshoot issues, or to compare to actual water system hydraulics
• Demonstrable analytical skills including competence with software tools such as Excel or similar analytical software packages to critically review large data sets
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders
• Exercises good judgement to prioritize assignments and work in order of urgency and sensitivity
• Able to lead productive meetings, including meetings with outside agencies, and present in a public forum. Effective written communication.
• Basic project management skills, including creating and monitoring schedules and budgets
• Valid California Class C Driver's License and willing to travel within California

Salary Range: $108,234 - $166,464

Deadline to submit resume is Friday, January 10, 2025.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity.  California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, Texas Water Service, and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class.  The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.