Planning Engineer

The Aquarion Water Authority (AWA) is a locally governed, not-for-profit water authority providing water service to more than 735,000 people in 60 municipalities across Connecticut. Based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, AWA is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of one of the states largest water systems. Through local governance, operational expertise, and continued investment in critical infrastructure, AWA is committed to delivering safe, reliable water service to the communities it serves.

Job Summary

The Planning Engineer reports to the Manager, Water Resources and Infrastructure Planning and is responsible for leadership and/or support roles in all aspects of water utility project management for Aquarion's facilities in CT. This includes short term and long range planning related to watershed protection, reservoirs, dams, wells, water supply, water mains, pump stations, storage tanks, water treatment plants, and other assets; evaluation of the physical condition of mechanical, electrical, structural and control systems of existing facilities or potentially acquired system; identification and prioritization of system deficiencies; identification and evaluation of alternative solutions for system deficiencies; design and construction of water works infrastructure improvements; supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system design and implementation; and the local, state, and federal permitting requirements to execute projects.

Principal Responsibilities

• Serves as Project Manager for a variety of capital projects from planning and design through construction, as assigned by Manager, Water Resources and Infrastructure Planning. Projects may include all aspects of water utility infrastructure including source of supply, treatment, pumping, storage, and distribution.
• Management of infrastructure planning projects such as: planning of water main improvements: evaluation of the physical condition of existing facilities; identification and prioritization of system deficiencies; identification and evaluation of alternative solutions for system deficiencies; planning of water works infrastructure improvements; and the local, state, and federal permitting requirements to execute projects.
• Facilitates the execution of vendor contracts, creating purchase requisitions, managing purchase orders, and approving vendor invoices associated with assigned capital projects.
• Evaluates alternative solutions by using GIS and other tools to address infrastructure deficiencies.
• Works with the various departments within the Company to evaluate issues using GIS and other tools to develop solutions.
• Works with the Manager, Water Resources and Infrastructure Planning to ensure proper inspection of dams, water storage tanks (including clear wells), and other facilities as required by permit, regulation, or policy.
• Manages the preparation of comprehensive system Master Plans and Water Supply Plans by consultants and prepares the Water Quality Master Plan, Water Quantity Master Plan, and Interconnection Plan, which address all aspects of utility operations including demand forecasting, source adequacy, water quality and treatment, facility capacity and condition assessments and distribution system deficiencies.
• Assist with the preparation of diversion permit applications, monitors diversion permit requirements, and prepares the annual reports for permitted and registered diversions for submission to DEEP.
• Prepares Will Serve Letters for contractors/developers that submit applications for water service that may include domestic, commercial/industrial, irrigation, hydrant, and fire sprinkler demand.
• Prepares, maintains, and reports project critical path schedules and capital expenditure forecasts monthly for assigned projects.
• Prepares required documents for Project Management Committee and/or Board approvals for each phase of assigned capital projects.
• Coordinates project progress with internal/external customers and reports progress in conformance with Company goals.
• Conducts technical review of project specifications, design drawings, contracts and bid documents.

Principal Responsibilities Continued

• Participates in and coordinates projects with other internal departments.

• Maintains familiarity with applicable water quality, discharge, diversion, ratemaking, and other regulations.

• Maintains familiarity with applicable methods and technologies through attendance of seminars and participation in training programs.

• Responsible for working with Operations Team to file annual Diversion and Registration reporting for water withdrawals with the appropriate agencies.

• Works within the Engineering and Planning Team to effectively plan and execute the Business Plan, which may include other responsibilities and work not specifically noted above.

• Adheres to and enforces Company safety plan.

• Problem Solving:

• Project delivery and administrative situations can be variable and complex.

• Must display and demonstrate an ability to work as an integral part of a team of peers, superiors, and subordinates on professional or non-professional levels.

• Accountability:

• Reports directly to the Manager, Water Resources and Infrastructure Planning.

• Responsible for controlling schedules of multiple, simultaneous, projects to meet operating and financial requirements.

• Responsible for controlling annual expenditures within established budgets for assigned projects.

• Signing authority as determined by the Company.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience using GIS as a tool to evaluate water system data and prepare presentations and mapping.
• The candidate must have PC experience and be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and email.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in civil or environmental engineering from an ABET accredited institution is required.
• A minimum of three years related experience is required.
• An Engineer in Training Certification, or the ability to obtain one within one year, is required.

Salary

• Job is classified as an exempt position with a salary range of $75,000 to $92,000.
• This role reports out of the Bridgeport, CT office.
• Hours for this role are 8:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday.
• After 3 months of successful employment, this role will be eligible for a hybrid schedule (3 days office/2 days remote).

Aquarion Water Authority is an equal opportunity employer, and we prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.