Associate/Senior or Principal Engineer

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:
Senior Engineer: Listed Below
Associate/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 direction, performs field and office civil engineering work involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of municipal water facilities; and performs other related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics 
The Senior Engineer class is characterized by its responsibility for the performance of professional engineering work of complex difficulty. It differs from the Associate Engineer class by its responsibility for more complex engineering projects requiring independent engineering analysis. This classification is distinguished from the next higher class of Principal Engineer in that the latter has responsibility for administering and overseeing a variety of water engineering and operations functions.

Supervision Received and Exercised 
Receives general supervision from the Principal Engineer and/or Engineering Manager. May provide technical, functional, training or supervision over training personnel or lower-level staff.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs professional engineering work for water production and distribution facilities ensuring technical competence and compliance with all current codes and criteria.
• Assists with preparation of the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan and budget.
• Reviews plans, maps, specifications, reports and other information for accuracy and format; reviews for conformance to established engineering practices, and compliance with state and county laws, ordinances, and regulations; may prepare engineering conditions of approval for proposed developments.
• Performs plan checks for private development composite utility plans and water plans and hydraulic calculations for domestic and fire protection water systems; collects plan check and inspection fees; prepares bond agreements for public water improvements; and prepares cost estimates for bonding.
• Leads or manages design efforts, either in-house or through consultants, for a range of capital improvement projects including production wells, monitoring wells, reservoirs, booster stations, water mains, pressure regulating stations and water treatment facilities. Coordinates utility relocation projects.
• Corresponds with regulatory agencies, including the California Department Water Resources, Division of Drinking Water and SCAQMD regarding reporting requirements and compliance.
• Performs routine inspections of water wells, pump stations, reservoirs and other water facilities, tests for fire flow capacity, and pressure of the water distribution system.
• Prepares contracts and specifications for water works projects; prepares engineering cost estimates; holds bid openings; reviews bids and contract documents and maintains appropriate records; administers contracts, coordinates inspections, and authorizes progress payments. Prepare change orders as necessary for the alteration of plans and specifications.
• Performs a variety of field surveys; conducts research studies for reporting, compliance, and other informational purposes; and performs CAD drafting.
• Responds to inquiries and provides technical assistance to developers, contractors, and the public regarding fee schedules, engineering design, utility locations, policies, ordinances, and regulations; conducts research studies and surveys, and prepares reports.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, District management and staff, and the public.
• Maintains the District's hydraulic water model, performs hydraulic analyses for planning purposes, and assists with optimizing operations using the water model's energy module.
• Coordinates upgrades and improvements to the District's SCADA system, schedules relevant training for operations staff, maintains a working relationship with local SCADA integrators; and helps troubleshoot SCADA related problems as they arise.
• Coordinates with the Information Systems Department’s GIS Technician; this includes data gathering and management, reviewing and approving updates to the GIS maps, conducting spatial analysis and working with professional GIS consultants to maintain the IWA's GIS-centric asset management system.
• As a designated representative, attends meetings and may participate in discussions regarding the District and external engineering activities or projects.
• Provides supervision, training, and input for staff evaluations.
• Provides engineering support during construction, including review of submittals, response to RFIs, coordination with inspectors, and participation in punch-list walkthroughs.
• Coordinates with external utility providers (e.g., gas, electric, telecom) and public agencies on utility conflicts and permitting during project planning and construction.
• Supports grant applications and funding programs by preparing technical data and assisting with scope development and cost estimates.
• 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 municipal public works projects.
• Engineering design principles, strengths of materials, stress analysis methods, and techniques utilized in the preparation of public works projects, designs, and related plans, specifications and cost estimates.
• The principles, equipment, and methods utilized in surveying and materials testing.
• Plan check; compliance and reporting requirements; NPDES; CEQA; 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 supervision and training methods.
• Proper English, spelling, and grammar.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Skill to operate an office computer and a variety of word processing, drafting, database, and hydraulic modeling software applications. Perform complicated engineering design work.
• Water system hydraulic principles and modeling tools such as InfoWater, WaterGEMS, or similar.
• SCADA systems, instrumentation, and control logic commonly used in municipal water systems.
• Project delivery methods and construction phase processes including submittal review, change orders, and contract closeout.
• Coordination with outside agencies including utilities, city departments, and permitting authorities.

Ability to: 

• Perform professional engineering work, including project design, and 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; and interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
• Read, interpret, and record data accurately; and organize, prioritize, and follow-up on work assignments.
• Work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; and follow written and oral directions.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Effectively manage and deliver multiple projects on schedule and within budget under limited supervision.
• Lead coordination meetings and collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Analyze and interpret hydraulic modeling results to support design decisions and system operations.
• Prepare persuasive, technically accurate reports and presentations for Board meetings, permitting agencies, and public outreach.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

 
Experience 
Possess six (6) years of progressively responsible professional municipal experience in water and/or wastewater engineering, equivalent to the Associate Water Engineer classification, including directing the work of others, with at least one (1) year in a supervisory role.
 
Training
The required qualification is to possess a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering or Environmental Science.

License/Certificate: 

• Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license.
• Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board 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 within 6 months from time of appointment.

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 also is required. In addition, this position works in all weather conditions, including hot, wet, and cold with extreme sun exposure. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Approved: October 2024

Salary : $10,888 - $16,087