WASTEWATER PROCESS ENGINEER
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS As directed, to study, create, and improve intricate chemical and biological systems; to act as a technical resource; to look into, study, and create solutions for issues in all wastewater treatment plants and collection systems; to assist project managers and engineering design firms in choosing new treatment processes, methods, and ways of putting them into action; to carry out both small and large pilot-scale tests; to review wastewater processes and
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The company manages and operates the country's utility service districts, including sewage facilities, collection systems, pump stations, treatment plants, and surface water management.
The wastewater process engineer is responsible for performing a variety of advanced-level professional engineering duties. The incumbent develops and implements wastewater process research and technology development for operational and capital improvement projects; develops and administers research projects to evaluate the needs of the treatment system and implement new treatment strategies; and serves as a technical resource for issues affecting the district.
The Wastewater Process Engineer differs from the Civil Engineer series, which performs professional engineering work in the planning, design, and construction of structures and facilities but does not perform advanced-level engineering duties and responsibilities associated with processes at a wastewater treatment facility. The wastewater process engineer differs from the civil engineering supervisor, who is the first-line supervisor responsible for a major component of the engineering function.
TYPICAL TASKS: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provides training and technical and analytical advice to internal and external stakeholders on the physical, biological, and chemical processes to maximize wastewater process operation efficiency and meet permit requirements; monitors and analyzes process lab data, operator reports, lab reports, and energy and chemical usage data.
- Conducts analyses of conveyance and influent pump station flow reports to characterize conveyance system performance under normal and emergency conditions; advises on metering and instrumentation equipment needs; and interacts with technology and operations.
- Manages the development of complex engineering projects; develops schedules; prepares budgets; and scopes projects. Manages the development and implementation of large-scale planning and modeling efforts; serves as engineering liaison with other district sections, departments, and outside agencies.
- Troubleshoots and/or reviews wastewater treatment processes and facility designs; evaluates, initiates, and revises process technologies; performs initial data gathering, analysis of the existing systems, initial process design, develops and conducts small and large pilot scale testing, plan reviews, startup troubleshooting, and long-term optimization.
- Conducts technical wastewater process research; networks and collaborates with peer technologists to exchange knowledge.
- Oversees and/or supervises the selection and management of engineering consultant contractors; coordinates work with project stakeholders, government agencies, other district sections, contractors, and consultants.
- Analyzes new or proposed legislation or regulations to determine their impact on program operations or ability to achieve permit compliance. 8. Performs data control activities; proofreads and reviews process data reports to ensure accuracy of data entered; balances values and makes necessary corrections or adjustments.
- Serves as a resource to other district staff, external stakeholders, and consultants regarding the wastewater treatment plant processes.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Thorough knowledge of: Wastewater engineering process, design theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of treatment facility projects; biological nutrient removal processes; membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology process optimization and troubleshooting; wastewater processes and flow monitoring instrumentation; advanced principles and practices of project development, scheduling, and management; principles and practices of budget preparation and administration; English grammar, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus; engineering computer software; water information management systems (WIMS) platforms; data processing, data entry, and retrieval techniques, as well as the rules and laws that affect permits, construction, contracts, environmental protection, surface water, and groundwater; and the creation, use, and interpretation of engineering specifications.
Working knowledge of: principles and practices of public administration; legislative processes and local government operation; contract and grant preparation; and administration; basic techniques of supervision.
Skill to: Evaluation of complex wastewater process engineering; modeling wastewater treatment processes; designing and conducting laboratory and pilot scale tests; documenting and preparing reports on the results of testing; preparing, reviewing and evaluating engineering studies and designs; estimating engineering and construction costs; administering contracts; analyzing problems, identifying alternate solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals; researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques; presenting and communicating complex and technical information and data effectively to a variety of audiences, both orally and in writing; leading the work of subordinate personnel; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with county staff and the public; listening to and comprehending issues and concerns expressed by peers, staff, management, consultants, and the public; and using computers and computer software, including word processing, spreadsheets, hydraulic modeling, and databases.
WORKING CONDITIONS Occasional duties in the field require walking, twisting, and balancing and involve exposure to inclement weather, noise, and slippery and/or uneven terrain.