Associate Engineer - Civil (PE not required) (20668026)

Overview:

Under general supervision, this role assists in the planning, design, and validation studies of the advanced water treatment facility (AWTF) and the distribution of product water. Key responsibilities encompass the development of water quality testing plans, validation of treatment processes, provision of technical support for design, piloting, operational planning, monitoring plans, ensuring regulatory compliance with DPR regulations, managing Reverse Osmosis Concentrate, and aiding in the integration of purified water into the current water supply and distribution system.

The Associate Engineer additionally acts as a technical liaison for the Water Supply Outreach team-evaluating outreach materials for precision and conducting tours of the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center for stakeholders and community organizations. The incumbent would also assist the R&PW Unit in its ongoing collaboration with the District Financial Planning & Management Services Division regarding State and Federal grant and loan applications. In addition, the incumbent would assist in the development of agreements for the PWSV. This position is essential for the implementation of the Pure Water project and ensuring that Valley Water achieves its long-term recycled water objectives while securing community backing and regulatory consent.

Our Commitment: 
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

 

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting the planning, design, piloting, and validation studies of the advanced water treatment facility (AWTF) as well as the distribution of purified water, while also assisting in the formulation of water quality testing strategies, validating treatment processes, providing technical assistance for design, operational planning, and monitoring strategies, ensuring adherence to DPR regulations, managing Reverse Osmosis Concentrate, and facilitating the incorporation of purified water into the existing water supply and distribution network.
• Articulating the needs for various stages of PWSV such as Pilot/Demo phase and outlining a clear pathway to implementation through technical support for design reviews, engineering support, submittals, change orders, RFls, etc., and acting as a technical oversight during the design and construction phases for the Pilot and Demonstration Facilities and supporting the sampling, testing, data management, report preparations, etc.
• Supporting the R&PW Unit in enacting a robust communications plan for outreach and associated strategies for promoting water reuse and also technical tours at SVAWPC and continued proactive communication with key parties-consumers, elected officials, regulators, advocacy organizations, media outlets, utility staff- before, during, and after PWSV project development and continued leadership for the purified bottling and taste-testing efforts.
• Support the R&PW Unit in its continued coordination with the District Financial Planning & Management Services Division on State and Federal Grant and Loan applications.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

• Four or more years of professional engineering experience in technical evaluations, planning, design, regulations, assessment of water treatment processes/distribution systems, and water quality analysis relevant to water/wastewater and water recycling/reuse projects.
• Experience in preparing long-range planning studies, technical presentations, engineering cost analysis/reports, technical memorandums, master plans, and feasibility studies.
• Experience reviewing and contributing to engineering design documents, construction submittals, RFIs, and change orders.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Analyze situations and scenarios and make decisions based on the information available. 
• Lead a technical engineering group/project.
• Facilitate meetings with internal and external stakeholders and reach a consensus.
• Act as a liaison with other agencies, consultants, or other project stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both written and verbally and prepare concise and technical presentations.
• Utilizing knowledge and experience to build strong relationships and trust, both internally and externally. 
• Ability to coordinate across engineering, operations, regulatory, and outreach teams.
• Ability to serve as a technical liaison between internal departments and external agencies/consultants.
• Ability to support construction oversight and commissioning processes.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Water treatment processes. 
• Water resources and environmental engineering work.
• Water quality and water chemistry data analysis.
• Understanding of treatment process design, validation, and performance monitoring.
• Familiarity with water quality parameters, analytical testing methods, and laboratory QA/QC procedures.
• Knowledge of pilot and demonstration plant design and operations.

Ideal Training and Education:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a field related to assigned functional area(s).

Required License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

To review the Classification Specification, please click here (Download PDF reader)

Recycled and Purified Water Unit (Position Code 443)
Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date. 

 

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite.