Cathodic Protection Engineer IV

Job Description Summary:

Salary: $87,235.20 - $130,832.00 annually

The level IV Cathodic Protection Engineer applies a broad knowledge of cathodic protection principles and practices and District Engineering Department standards and skills. The level IV Cathodic Protection Engineer uses independent evaluation and collaboration techniques to effectively function on teams of engineers, field technicians, operations staff, and others. The Cathodic Protection Engineer IV works as a cathodic protection (CP) designer, oversees the CP design of elements, and manages multiple projects of moderate size or portions of major projects regarding corrosion control. The Cathodic Protection Engineer IV will make decisions and help direct measures to be taken to control corrosion of the District’s critical water supply and pipeline infrastructure. The Cathodic Protection Engineer IV will provide mature judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding the District’s extensive CP program.

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this position.

• Designs a complete cathodic protection (CP) project, system, component, or process
• Works in coordination with CP field staff to troubleshoot, including design, research and development, and construction. Helps formulate a CP plan of action based off latest test data with engineering field technicians.
• Provides guidance and recommendations to operations CP team and engineering techs in the field
• Directs recommendations for CP improvements and forensics to evaluate distressed and failed pipeline segments to determine cause and follow up action steps
• Ensures CP data being collected in the field is being quality checked and transmitted to the GIS and SharePoint platforms in coordination with the Infrastructure Integrity Manager
• Helps organize ongoing cathodic protection data and contributes to analysis of results for ongoing optimization of the CP system
• Oversees all phases of Engineering department CP projects, including contracting, review and comment on cathodic protection requirements during design and implementation of new projects, and coordinates work with other departments during pipeline-related projects
• Prepares/directs preparation of complete cathodic protection project documents as required
• Functions as an Assistant Project Manager or Project Manager to assign tasks to and direct engineers, technicians, and administrative staff on project work
• Prepares scopes, budgets, and schedules for assignments
• Assists with development of proposals to procure professional services from a vendor
• Assists with development of business cases to obtain funding for future engineering projects as part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) process
• Designs and conducts experiments/studies and analyzes and interprets data
• Develops/documents SOPs and methodologies for improved asset management purposes with the engineering field technicians and operations input (e.g., spillway gate CP readings SOP)
• Works in coordination with the Infrastructure Integrity Manager to maintain the Horizontal Asset Management Plan’s (HAMP) cathodic protection sections and ensure its implementation
• Works with pipeline integrity group to perform pipeline and other horizontal assets distress identification/failure analysis/condition assessment, making recommendations for mitigation if necessary
• Keep abreast of emerging trends, industry standards, and best practices within the cathodic protection community of practice/knowledge and apply them appropriately within TRWD
• Files and organizes records within the department, including analyzing CP data, writing memos, documenting photos, observations, and CP as-built drawings
• Utilizes Microsoft Office (word, excel, etc.) and other software packages such as Esri ArcGIS and PowerBI to perform cathodic protection engineering duties
• Maintain familiarity with strategic District levels of service
• Continuous improvement monitoring and innovation efforts
• Perform other duties as required

Required Experience:

• Four plus (4 ) years of experience in engineering working under a Professional Engineer
• Ability to lead and direct the work of others
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to work long hours as needed

Desired Experience:

• Experience with design, construction, testing, or troubleshooting cathodic protection systems for water supply and pipeline infrastructure
• General knowledge or experience with protective coatings
• Proficient with computer software and hardware used for technical data collection, analysis, and management

Required Education/Certification/License:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S) degree in materials, chemical, corrosion, or an applicable engineering discipline from an ABET/EAC accredited program
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) by the State of Texas, or ability to acquire said license within six months if already licensed in another state.
• AMPP Certified Cathodic Protection Technician (CP2)
• Valid Texas driver’s license

Desired Education/Certification/License:

• AMPP Certified Cathodic Protection Technologist (CP3)
• Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) or Master of Science (M.S.) in an applicable engineering discipline
• Advanced credentials, including specialty certifications such as:
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• Institute of Asset Management (IAM) certification
• Other Cathodic Protection Certifications, including AMPP Certified Cathodic Protection Specialist (CP4) and Coatings Inspection certifications

Success Factors/Job Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to lead a collaborative corrosion prevention team consisting of Engineering and Operations staff
• Ability to communicate clearly and decisively
• Ability to work independently on multiple projects and tasks
• Able to read, write and reason at a level such that independent numerical analyses work may be done
• Successful collaboration with other Departments and Divisions
• Proficient knowledge of Esri ArcGIS Desktop, PowerBI, and Excel
• Must have vast knowledge of and be self-sufficient with data analysis processes, have good analytical and communication skills, and have an aptitude for brainstorming and problem solving
• Engages in life-long learning to maintain knowledge of contemporary issues and best practices

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing duties of job, employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. Employees must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be physically able to walk, climb ladders and be mobile to survey District facilities, including the interior of TRWD’s water conveyance pipelines
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will reside within an office or cubicle and will also have fieldwork that will expose the employee to weather conditions prevalent at the time. Equipment used includes computers, surveying equipment, GPS units, and personal protective equipment when going out on site. Onsite visits may expose the employee to weather conditions prevalent at the time.