FLSA Status: Exempt
This opening is for an Associate/Senior or Principal Engineer.
The position will remain open until filled.
First Review of application: week of September 2, 2025
Job Descriptions:Associate Engineer: Listed Below
Senior/Principal: Class Specifications Sorted by Relevance descending Careers at Palmdale Water District
Salary Ranges (monthly)Associate Engineer: $10,888-$13,235
Senior Engineer: $12,004-$14,591
Principal Engineer: $13,235-$16,087
JOB SUMMARY
Under general supervision, learns to perform and performs field and office engineering work involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of water facilities; performs other related duties as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Associate Engineer is the fully qualified working level classification in the professional engineering series. Incumbents are expected to perform work of average difficulty. It differs from the Assistant Engineer class by its responsibility for more complex engineering projects requiring independent engineering analysis.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives general supervision from the Senior Engineer and/or Engineering Manager. May provide technical and functional supervision over training personnel or staff.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Learns to perform and performs a variety of engineering and design activities such as construction and maintenance of water systems, including transmission mains, pump stations, pressure regulating facilities, reservoirs, water treatment plants and related water supply facilities.
- Inspects storm drains, sewers, water lines, water meters, hydrants, service lines, fire lines, cross connection control devices and related water operations and structures for various types of construction projects; re-inspects for compliance.
- Assists in the decision-making process and operational process for operating pumps, related flow and pressure control, water model and storage facilities by using a system control and data acquisition (SCADA) system; analyze and make recommendations for adjusting system flow and pressure requirements, control flows to meet consumer demands including fire flow demands and minimum pressure requirements.
- Reviews plans and estimates for construction and maintenance of water systems, review environmental reports; prepares contracts and specifications for projects; prepares engineering cost estimates; holds bid openings and maintains appropriate records; administers contracts and coordinates inspections.
- Develops and coordinates the preparation of funding applications and reporting for awarded funding.
- Participates in major water system planning and water supply management; assists making recommendations on technical reports and studies; performs studies requiring analysis of issues; prepares reports or correspondence, status reports, the annual Consumer Confidence Report for water utility, Annual Notice of Extraction and Provisions of water as required by the California Water Code and other federal, state and/or local jurisdictional reports and form and preparation of Water Rights Information Management Systems (WRIMS).
- Perform plan checks for Water Improvement Plans.
- Maintains hydraulic software model and performs hydraulic calculations for domestic and fire flow; assists with SCADA programming, monitoring and operations support.
- Act as the District's liaison to contractor representatives in coordinating contract projects; monitors project construction activity; coordinates project inspections; coordinates the review of related invoices and progress payments; prepares change orders, if necessary, for alteration of plans and specifications.
- Participates in contract negotiations and administration; reviews work for conformity with standards and project requirements; prepares and monitors project schedules and project budgets.
- Responds to inquiries and provides technical assistance to developers, contractors, and the public regarding fee schedules, procedural guidelines and standards, plans and specifications; provides information as appropriate and resolves service complaints.
- Utilize all skills, specialties, and experience to serve both internal and external customers including language skills, certifications, and knowledge.
- Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, District management and staff, and the public.
- May attend meetings and participate in discussions regarding engineering activities or projects.
- Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification)
Knowledge of:
- Engineering principles and practices as applied to the planning, design, and construction of water production, water treatment, transmission, and distribution facilities.
- Principles and practices of project development and administration
- Principles and practices of water systems engineering design and construction management.
- Mathematics as applied to the computation of distances, angles, areas, and traverses, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Principles and practices of project budget development and administration; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
- Methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments.
- Modern office procedures, practices, methods, and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation.
- Proper English, spelling, and grammar.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
- Skill to operate an office computer and a variety of word processing, drafting, and software applications.
- Basic civil engineering principles.
- Water utility system components and operations.
- Engineering drafting and design practices.
Ability to:
- Perform professional engineering work, including project design; compile, analyze and synthesize engineering and other technical information.
- Prepare accurate plans, specifications, cost estimates, and engineering reports.
- Conduct technical and engineering research work.
- Conduct inspections and evaluate construction relative to approved plans and specifications.
- Prepare and maintain records and prepare reports for compliance; interpret and apply related laws, ordinances, and regulations; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
- Read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow-up on work assignments.
- Work independently and as part of a team.
- Make sound decisions within established guidelines; follow written and oral directions.
- Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Apply engineering principles to water system design and construction.
- Perform engineering calculations.
- Prepare technical drawings and specifications.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Use computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- Establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Experience
Four years of progressively responsible professional experience in water facility or civil engineering equivalent to that of an Assistant Engineer classification at the Palmdale Water District.
Training
The required qualification is to possess a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or Environmental Science.
License/Certificate
- Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license.
- Professional Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Current out of state Professional Engineer Certificate holders must obtain the California Professional Engineer Certificate within 6 months from time of appointment.
- Possession of a Grade D2 Distribution Certificate and a Grade T2 Treatment Certificate are required within 6 months.
REQUIREMENTS:
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near vision in reading correspondence, statistical data and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold with extreme sun exposure. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Approved: October 2024
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