Senior Engineer – Utility Systems Planning (Engineering)

The City of Wichita is NOT an E-Verify Employer.

Distinguishing Features of Work

The Public Works and Utilities Department is seeking a proactive, strategic-minded Utility Systems Planning Engineer to lead the way in shaping the future of our city's essential water and sewer infrastructure. This position goes beyond routine engineering, as it focuses on long-term planning, project coordination, and managing large-scale capital improvement projects that directly impact public health and community growth.

As a Utility Systems Planning Engineer, you will drive innovation by managing complex infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards, and collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders. With significant autonomy and opportunities for leadership, this role is ideal for professionals ready to apply their expertise to projects that enhance the sustainability and resilience of our utility systems. If you’re passionate about making a tangible difference in community infrastructure and public service, we encourage you to apply.

Workdays and Hours - Monday-Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Bargaining Unit: Employees Council

• Posting may close at any time **
  
  

Examples of Work Performed

• Supervises and manages the work of engineers and technicians within the Utility System Planning group, as part of the Engineering Division.
• Plans, directs, and schedules Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budgets for water and sewer infrastructure, treatment plants and related improvements.
• Directs, coordinates and reviews professional consulting firms' work in the preparation of feasibility studies, plans, specifications and cost estimates.
• Performs and oversees difficult design, inspection work and special studies.
• Assists in preparing specifications, estimates, and contract terms; reports on contract performance.
• Writes Proposals for Utility Projects and facilitates Staff Screening and Selection meetings and interviews
• Confers with citizens, developers, consulting engineers, contractors, public service organizations and appraisers to achieve work objectives.
• Prepares and presents studies, plans, cost estimates and recommendations.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to citizen groups, boards, and commissions.
• Completion of work assignments will require the operation of a vehicle.
• These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned as needed.
  
  

Requirements of Work

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of utility engineering, with a focus on water and sewer vertical asset design, construction, and maintenance.
• In-depth understanding of federal and state regulations and recent developments in the field of utility engineering.
• Ability to perform technical research work and provide advice on complex problems.
• Proficiency in developing and utilizing spreadsheets involving complex mathematical and statistical operations, as well as software such as AutoCAD, GIS, and modeling software.
• Strong ability to plan, coordinate, control, monitor, and schedule projects effectively.
• Skill in organizing and evaluating engineering data and presenting findings and recommendations clearly to various stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, employees from other departments, and representatives from external agencies.
  
  

Experience and Training

Required Experience And Training

• Graduation from a four-year college with a degree in civil or mechanical engineering.
• Four years of progressive experience in the design and construction of municipal utility projects, including significant supervisory and project management responsibilities.
• Active registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Kansas, or for out-of-state candidates, the ability to transfer a PE license to Kansas within 12 months of hire.
• A valid Kansas driver's license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.
  
  

Preferred Experience And Training

• Two years’ experience managing water and sewer utility infrastructure projects, particularly in urban environments with complex regulatory requirements.
• Two years’ experience with Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget planning,
• Proficiency in engineering software such as AutoCAD, GIS, and relevant modeling tools, along with advanced spreadsheet skills for data analysis and forecasting.
  
  

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf

CITY OF WICHITA

Full-time Employee Benefits

• VACATION - Most employees with less than five years employment earn 10 days of vacation per year. After five years, accrual rates increase at varying rates to varying maximums, depending on work schedule and/or union representation. Employees can accumulate and carry forward up to 240 hours each year.
• HOLIDAYS - There are eleven paid holidays. Employees also receive one Personal Holiday that is granted after the first six months of employment.
• SICK LEAVE - Sick leave accrual begins at one-half day per month. After five years, sick leave accruals are one work day per month. Employees can accumulate and carry forward all unused sick leave each year. Employees who use 24 hours (3 days) or less of sick leave in a calendar year earn a "Well Day." An additional "Well Day" can be earned following a year of perfect attendance.
• HEALTH INSURANCE – UMR / United Healthcare provides two levels of medical and prescription drug plans. Both medical plan are PPOs and do not require selecting a physician or referrals for specialty care. Both medical plans include Teladoc virtual care (primary care/mental health benefits at no charge), Dario healthy living programs, and VSP Vision benefits. Pre-tax premium deductions are offered. The City contributes 80% of the premium cost towards medical, prescription drug and vision insurance.
• DENTAL INSURANCE - Two Delta Dental plans are offered – Preferred and Traditional. The Delta Preferred plan requires using a dentist from a smaller network for a lower premium. The Delta Traditional plan allows use of any dentist, although benefits are higher using a dentist from the large Delta network. Benefits under both plans are the same (with the exception of some Orthodontic benefits) Pre-tax premium deductions are offered.
• LIFE INSURANCE – Low-cost voluntary term life insurance is available. Employees pay one-third of the cost. The amount of Basic Life coverage is two times annual pay up to a determined maximum amount. Dependent coverage is available at $20,000 spouse / $10,000 child(ren) for an additional $0.14 per pay period. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The plan is through MetLife.
• SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE – Additional voluntary employee-paid term life insurance is available from MetLife at low group rates. Participation in Basic Life is required. The Life Insurance plans are portable.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE– The voluntary employee-paid group disability plan from MetLife provides 60% of pre-disability income for injury or health related disabilities. Premiums are determined by income and age.
• VOLUNTARY ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT – Voluntary employee-paid AD&D from MetLife offers coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.
• RETIREMENT - The City offers two retirement plans - Wichita Employees (WER) Plan 3, and Commissioned Police & Fire Plan C-79. The WER plan is a defined contribution plan; Police & Fire is a defined benefit plan. Both are contributory - employees and the City share the cost.
• FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS – Employees may elect to make FSA pre-tax deductions for dependent care and/or unreimbursed medical expenses, reducing the cost of these expenses by eliminating taxes on the amount deducted.
• LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE – This plan from UNUM offers facility and home care benefits for employees, spouses, and some other family members. Several options for benefit amount and duration, and specific plan features, are available.
• MORE BENEFITS & SERVICES
  
  

Deferred Compensation Investment Program

Employee Discounts and Wichita Employee Association (WEA)

Bereavement Pay

Employee Emergency Assistance Fund

Voluntary Shared Leave Program

Training Programs

Longevity Pay

Credit Union

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Injury Leave (on-job injury)

Community Volunteer Events

01

(ENG) I have a Bachelor's degree or higher in the following emphasis:

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• I do not have a Bachelor's degree or higher with any of the above emphasis
• I do not have a Bachelor's degree or higher.
  
  

02

I have the following years' of experience overseeing the design and construction of municipal utility infrastructure projects.

• 1 to 3 years' experience
• 4 to 7 years' experience
• 8 years experience
• I do not have experience overseeing design and construction of municipal utility infrastructure projects
  
  

03

I have the following years of supervisory experience....

• 1 to 3 years' experience
• 4 to 7 years' experience
• 8 years' experience
• I do not have supervisory experience.
  
  

04

(1 year) This position requires you to be a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Kansas. Please identify your current status.

• i am currently registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Kansas.
• No, I am not currently registered in the State of Kansas but can transfer my PE license within 12 months of hire.
• I am not currently registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Kansas and not willing or able to obtain this license within 12 months of hire.
  
  

05

I have following years of experience managing water and sewer utility infrastructure projects, particularly in urban environments with complex regulatory requirements.

• less than 1 year experience
• 1 - 3 years' experience
• 4 years' experience
• I do not have experience managing water and sewer utility infrastructure projects, particularly in urban environments with complex regulatory requirements.
  
  

06

I have following years of experience with Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget planning.

• Less than 1 year experience
• 1 to 2 years of experience
• 3 to 4 years of experience
• 5 years of experience
• I do not have experience with Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget planning
  
  

07

I am proficient in using engineering software such as AutoCAD, GIS, and relevant modeling tools, along with advanced spreadsheet skills for data analysis and forecasting.

• Yes
• No
  
  

08

Describe your most challenging utility project you have had in your career to-date. What made the project challenging; what was your role; what was the outcome; and what were lessons learned.

09

I have a valid driver's license.

• Yes
• No
  
  

10

I am legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question