Senior/Principal Engineer

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

The Senior Engineer is the fourth level in a five-level engineering series. Incumbents perform professional-level engineering duties in managing small to moderately complex projects. The Senior Engineer is distinguished from the Associate Engineer and the Engineer by the increased level of work. 

The Principal Engineer is the fifth level in a five-level engineering series. Incumbents are responsible for managing large-scale, complex engineering projects. The Principal Engineer is distinguished from the Assistant Engineer, Associate Engineer, Engineer, and Senior Engineer by its responsibility for serving as project manager on the most complex projects.

Examples of Duties

The following essential job functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed job functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different job functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Manages assigned projects; reviews work completed by outside consultants to ensure accuracy and alignment with project specifications.
• Administers and/or devises a variety of test plans; oversees accuracy, precision, and reliability of project data.
• Organizes and plans project scope of work; reviews and evaluates technical proposals; oversees, analyzes, and makes recommendations regarding various phases of projects and/or programs.
• Ensures regulatory compliance of projects; provides technical advice to staff.
• Prepares a variety of reports regarding data results and/or project status.
• Prepares and presents project presentations.
• Assists in developing and monitoring project budgets.
• Inspects construction projects to observe compliance with construction plans and specifications; reads and interprets construction plans and specifications.
• Handles job stress.
• Interacts effectively with others in the workplace.
• Follows all workplace and job safety rules and policies.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as required.

Positions assigned to Engineering may be responsible for:

• Directing research operations related to sample collection, operating parameters, process changes, and/or other related operational activities.
• Writing and assembling grant and loan applications for potential engineering projects.
• Pursuing research grants.
• Giving technical tours.
• Determining and developing website content.
• Making recommendations on alternative project options.
• Preparing and administering general and capital departmental budgets.
• Managing and conducting specialized groundwater treatment programs at pilot, demonstration, and full-scale levels.
• Inspecting and making recommendations on existing engineered structures and/or facilities.
• Calculating material quantities for purchasing.
• Preparing drawings for various water resource facilities.

In addition, the Principal Engineer essential responsibilities include:

• Manages large-scale, complex engineering projects.
• Serves as project manager on the most complex projects.
• Serves in an advisory role to Assistant and Associate Engineers, including potential review of technical work of other Engineers.
• Manages all phases of the project lifecycle from feasibility, design, and bidding to construction and completion, including selecting and managing design consultants.
• Coordinates construction bidding and award, recommends approval of design, and approves invoices.
• Provides technical support to other District departments and responds to requests for records by other agencies.
• Prepares requests for proposals and agenda submittals.
• Prepares and presents more complex technical reports and presentation materials.

Typical Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Engineering principles.
• Applicable technologies.
• Project management principles.
• Construction principals and methods.
• Documentation methods.
• Construction inspection methods.
• Basic budgeting principles.

 Additional Knowledge of the Principal Engineer:

• Advanced Engineering principles.
• Engineering economics principles.
• Project scheduling techniques.
• Negotiation principles.
• Advanced mathematical concepts.
• Cost control techniques.

Ability and Skills in:

• Reading construction drawings and/or specifications.
• Inspecting construction projects.
• Using computers and related software applications.
• Preparing a variety of technical reports and/or documentation.
• Developing and monitoring project budgets.
• Managing projects.
• Reading, analyzing, and interpreting common scientific and technical journals.
• Presenting information to management, public groups, and other related individuals.
• Managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collecting data.
• Establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions.
• Preparing specifications.
• Conducting studies.
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Additional Skills and Abilities of the Principal Engineer:

• Managing large-scale, complex projects.
• Presenting technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Applying advanced mathematical concepts.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: 

Senior Engineer/Principal Engineer: 

A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required. California Professional Engineering Registration is required. A Master’s degree for the Principal Engineer is preferred. 

Experience: 

Senior Engineer:

Minimum six years related experience and/or training, preferably at a professional level in pipeline, water and wastewater treatment, pump stations, etc. Ability to prepare technical studies and manage large projects is required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Principal Engineer:

Ten years of progressively responsible, professional-level engineering experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.  

License: Valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein 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 essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting.

Physical: Positions in this class typically require reaching, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, fumes, odors, dust, poor ventilation, chemicals, workspace restrictions, intense noises, and travel. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment including the use of a computer keyboard; push, pull, lift, and/or carry light amounts of weight; verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All Orange County Water District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Supplemental Information

Schedule: 9/80 Schedule from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm