Ideal Candidate: 

Are you an experienced, registered Professional Civil Engineer who can independently perform complex designs of water/wastewater infrastructures in a time sensitive manner? Do you possess exceptional problem-solving skills? If so, we would like to hear from you.  The ideal candidate will administer and evaluate consultant proposals and bids and assist in drafting and finalizing proposals and contract documents for bidding and award.  

We also welcome veterans and transitioning military.  Consider joining a team of hardworking employees who work to protect and preserve water, one of our most valuable natural resources. The experience you've gained during your service can continue to positively impact the world with a career at Otay.

The Otay Water District offers excellent benefits, a balanced work/life environment and is a leader in the industry.  

About the Position and Department:

The position may be appointed at either the Sr. Civil Engineer or Associate Civil Engineer level depending upon qualifications and experience (there is only 1 vacancy).  The position is in the Design Section of the Engineering Department and reports directly to an Engineering Manager. The position is responsible for the planning, design, construction management and overall project management of Otay Water District Facilities.  Projects include facilities for water, recycled water, sewer and support facilities, such as pipelines, reservoirs, pump stations, wells, ponds and treatment plant.  The Engineering Department also manages a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of approximately $12.6 million (2023).  This position is a member of a dedicated, service-oriented team where collaboration and leadership are promoted at all levels.

The Engineering Department is responsible for the Planning, Budgeting, Design and Construction of all Otay Water District Facilities as well as the administration of all developer and new customer construction and service applications.  The Department has a staff of approximately 29 employees.

Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection.  However, for the earliest consideration, please submit your application materials by March 26, 2023.  For information on the recruitment process, please go to the Employment section of our website www.otaywater.gov or click here.

Examples of Duties

Both Levels Include:

• Assists with the development and implementation of the District’s Strategic Plan and Performance Measures and Asset Management Program.
• Prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Represents and participates in the District in administrative hearings, public meetings, related investigations and inter-agency coordinated efforts.
• Plans, schedules, and monitors progress on projects to assure completion on schedule and within budget.  Recommends changes to meet goals.
• Prepares design calculations, detailed drawings, and specifications for various water, wastewater, and reclamation facility projects.
• Drafts and finalizes proposals and contract documents for bidding of contractor services. Administers and evaluates proposals and bids. Prepares and presents Board staff reports recommending action.
• Administers consultant selection process and reviews, evaluates, and reports on work prepared by consultants.  Administers consultant contracts.
• Prepares and finalizes reimbursement and financing agreement with developers.

Sr. Civil Engineer Includes:

• Serves as a project manager on District projects, directing the work of assigned project staff and consultants in the planning, design, and construction of District facilities.
• Administers the design and preparation of major capital projects utilizing consulting engineering firms or in-house staff; prepares costs estimates; reviews drawings and specifications for compliance with District standards; interprets specifications and District policies and initiates or reviews change orders.
• Assists with input and preparation of the fiscal year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget and monitors budget expenditures.
• Initiates and approves purchasing requisitions.
• Prepares, analyzes and maintains a variety of computerized reports and records.
• Assists with resolution of technical and complex issues.
• Assesses and monitors workload. Identifies opportunities for improvement and reviews with Engineering Manager and/or the Chief, Engineering and implements improvements.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the section’s annual budget. Directs the forecast of additional funds needed for equipment, materials, and supplies. Monitors and approves expenditures. Directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Represents the District in negotiations with developers, contractors, and consultants on fees and charges associated with design and construction of new facilities; and reviews, evaluates, and reports on work prepared by consultants and administers consultant contracts, including approval of invoices.
• Researches, applies and follows up on grant applications.
• Actively researches new sources of both potable and recycled water.
• Provides staff assistance to the Chief, Engineering. 
• Directly manages the District’s documents such as Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), Water Facilities Master Plan (WFMP), Wastewater Master Plan (WWMP) and others as required.
• Provides guidance as project manager and evaluates work of professional and technical staff.
• Conducts construction site inspections to follow project progress and resolves problems related to drawings, materials, and workmanship; approves change orders or obtains necessary authorizations.
• Actively participates in District facility planning and the Capital Improvements Program, including determination of projects, budgets and scheduling.
• Designs and conducts investigations, studies, tests, and uses computer modeling to evaluate District facilities and operations.
• Prepares reports and analyses, develops recommendations and projects requirements related to  District and area expansion in response to projected service demands.
• Interprets policies and procedures established by regulatory agencies and researches new materials and methods for inclusion in District construction standards.
• Interprets data from tests made on materials in field and laboratory for conformance to construction documents.
• Provides technical guidance to District personnel; serves as an interpreter and liaison between Section personnel and professional engineers; and chairs and participates in meetings related to project planning, design and construction.

Associate Civil Engineer Includes:

• Serves as a project manager on minor and major District projects, directing the work of assigned project staff and consultants in the planning, design, and construction of District facilities.
• Makes construction site inspections to follow project progress and resolves problems related to drawings, materials, and workmanship; approving change orders or obtaining necessary authorizations.
• Designs and conducts investigations and studies, researches and develops recommendations, and prepares reports associated with District facilities and operations.
• Coordinates and reviews the work of engineers, consultants, technicians, drafters, inspectors, and surveyors assigned to a project.
• Interprets data from tests made on materials in field and laboratory for conformance to construction documents.
• Analyzes hydraulics, prepares computer models, and tests pipelines to establish rate of flow and pressure for operations purposes.  Collects and evaluates data to project future pipeline and storage requirements.
• Conducts and participates in meetings related to project planning, design, construction, and inter-agency coordination.
• Prepares agendas and issues comprehensive meeting minutes.  
• Performs as Staff Engineer for the Maintenance, Operations, and Construction Sections. Serves as an interpreter and liaison between Section personnel and professional engineers.
• Participates in continuous improvement; develops standards, guidelines, and productivity indicators; and documents processes of same.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Both positions require:

• A valid California Class "C" Driver's License and a safe driving record. 
• A valid certificate of registration as a Professional Civil Engineer issued by the State of California. 

Minimum Experience, Education, and Training Requirements

Experience:

Senior Civil Engineer: Five (5) years experience in civil engineering preferably performing planning, design and project management for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water facilities, including three (3) years of experience managing consultants.

Associate Civil Engineer: Three (3) years experience in civil engineering preferably performing planning, design, and project management for water, wastewater and recycled water facilities projects and operations.

Education:

Both positions require a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.

About Otay Water District

Located in the rapidly expanding southeastern region of picturesque San Di-ego County, the District is about 15 miles southeast of downtown San Diego, and close to all the cultural, educational, and recreational amenities of a large southern California metropolitan area, without the daily congestion. Otay has a fiscal year 2021 operating budget of approximately $98.5 million and a $8.5 million Capital Improvement Program. The District employs 139 regular employees who are assigned to four major departments. The District’s mission is to provide exceptional water and wastewater ser-vice to its customers, and to manage District resources in a transparent and fiscally responsible manner. Its vision is to be a model water agency by providing stellar service, achieving measurable results, and continually im-proving operational practices. As a result, the District continues to be one of the lower cost water and sewer service providers among San Diego Coun-ty’s public water agencies, with its water rates being the third lowest among 22 San Diego County water agencies and its sewer rates being the third lowest among San Diego County’s 28 sewer agencies.

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