Senior Planning Engineer

Primary Role

Reports to the State Engineering Lead / Engineering Manager or Corporate Engineering Planning Director and is responsible for strategic long term water and wastewater system planning and recommending projects or approaches to address complex issues related to source of supply, treatment, storage, pumping and transmission of water and wastewater. The analysis and recommended solutions could have a major impact on the performance and operational integrity of water and wastewater systems within American Water. A Senior Planning Engineer has technical and project management supervision over consulting Project Managers/Engineers, and/or project support engineers or technicians. This position is also responsible for conducting or reviewing water system capacity and service evaluations associated with water service extension projects or other potential service growth opportunities. Prepare or assist in the preparation of detailed asset investment plans considering the cost, timing, prioritization, operational need and risk, strategic investment fit and other pertinent factors surrounding individual projects or investment programs.

Key Accountabilities

• Coordination and preparation of strategic water and wastewater system planning studies (comprehensive or targeted, issue based studies as appropriate) as assigned. (50%)
• Preparation and maintenance of asset investment plans and strategic capital expenditure plans as assigned. Plans to accurately address operational needs, operational efficiencies, asset management and strategic investment goals set by the State/Corporation based upon prioritization models. (20%)
• System capacity evaluations, analysis of source, treatment, distribution/collection, pumping & storage, or other system deficiencies as assigned to support ongoing operations, service extension requests or regional growth opportunities. (10%)
• Ability to serve as a competent technical resource on Water and Wastewater System Planning matters including capital planning, safe yield analysis, demand/load projections, treatment adequacy, collection, transmission and distribution adequacy, computerized hydraulic modeling and analysis, water conservation, regionalization, and other pertinent subjects as needed to support operational and business needs. Senior Company Management. (10%)
• Presents results of engineering analysis to interested parties within and outside of the company, including expert testimony, presentations to Regulatory agencies and Senior Company Management. (5%)
• Pursues educational opportunities and professional development to enhance performance and contributions to the organization. (5%)
• Contribute to effective communication by listening and providing constructive feedback; supporting the creation of an open and honest work environment; cascading and sharing knowledge and information relevant to other members of the team and colleagues across the business. (5%)
• Support Company-wide performance goals and targets and Corporate Engineering initiatives established by senior leadership

Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated competency in water/wastewater system comprehensive master planning and capacity, condition and performance assessment of related facilities, pipeline system hydraulic modeling or equivalent water/wastewater system design experience.
• Broad knowledge of Engineering (planning, design, construction) related to water. Working knowledge of regulatory developments, new technology and current trends in water quality, treatment and engineering economics.
• Applicable knowledge of water resources industry, business and environmental regulatory field.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Advanced Management or Technical Degree preferred.
• Certifications & Licenses: Professional Engineering (PE) license required.
• Minimum 10 years experience in water resources planning.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 20% travel

Other

Competencies (from the Water Division Competency Dictionary):

• Analysis and Problem Solving - Analyzes and resolves business issues through the application of critical reasoning skills and general business experience.
• Delivers Results - Delivers bottom line results through bold, decisive actions, working through risks and uncertainty to create opportunity. Continually raises standards and promotes entrepreneurial behavior.
• Influencing - The ability to articulate an objective or idea in a compelling manner, so that others are persuaded to act on its merit.
• Organizational Awareness - The knowledge and development of formal and informal business relationships with key stakeholders, internal and external to the organization, that enable business objectives to be accomplished.
• Sharing Knowledge & Expertise - Drives business performance by developing and contributing specific technical or professional knowledge, skills and experience. Demonstrates a professional attitude.
• Strategic Focus - Looks at the big picture, thinks about the business as a whole, both within its own environment and in the global marketplace, and creatively identifies new horizons.
• Teamworking - Is committed to working collaboratively to achieve business goals, building cohesiveness and identity with a work group, and valuing individual perspectives and contributions.

Work Environment

• 80 % Primarily in the office with occasional work in the field at water/wastewater facilities to conduct site investigations and hold onsite project kick-off and review meetings

Competencies