Process Engineer

Who We Are & What We Do:

At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.

Role Description:

The Process Engineer II provides engineering support for the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment (WWT) Plant; evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of all treatment processes and develops and implements procedures and methods to control plant performance. Responsible for Operations, Process Controls, Maintenance and Asset Management for the WWT Plant. Conducts process studies and evaluates new products, processes, and techniques used in wastewater treatment processes. Develops feasibility proposals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Duties within the scope of the practice of engineering will be performed under the responsible charge of a District of Columbia licensed PE as defined in D.C. Official Code Section 47–2853.131. Scope of practice for engineers:

For the purposes of this part, the term “practice of engineering” means the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences and the methods of engineering analysis and design in the performance of services and creative work including consultation, investigation, expert technical testimony, evaluation, planning, design and design coordination of engineering works and systems, planning the use of land and water, performing engineering surveys and studies, and the review of construction for the purpose of monitoring compliance with drawings and specifications, in connection with any utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, work systems, projects, and industrial or consumer products, or equipment of a control systems, communications, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal nature, that may involve safeguarding life, health, or property, and including such other professional services as may be necessary to the planning, progress, and completion of any engineering services.

- Recommends policies, procedures, methods, and practices to ensure that plant meets or exceeds NPDES permit requirements and enhances the safety, quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of operations.

- Develops strategies to meet process objectives. Implements process control strategies through hands on use of the Process Control and Computer System, PLC systems, and various HMI software packages.

- Reviews and interprets complex design drawings, plans, and specifications for proposed changes in existing facilities and for construction of new wastewater facilities; evaluates designs for functionality, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with industry practices; performs detailed analysis to identify inadequacies, ambiguities, errors, and potential problems.

- Designs new systems or modifies existing systems.

- Identifies type and scope of work and develops work specifications; interfaces with vendors, contractors and consultants to direct, coordinate, inspect and accept work; identifies and resolves problems associated with contract work; recommends modifications to contract scope of work and/or enforcement of contract language.

- Provides engineering support and guidance in troubleshooting complex process problems as needed to ensure that process, systems, and/or facility modifications enhance operation of facility. System troubleshooting includes digital control software and equipment.

- Analyzes laboratory and other reports, including process efficiency data; identifies causes of non-routine events; recommends process control strategies and adjustments to process variables affecting the quantity and quality of process effluent; identifies how adjustments in one unit process impact other unit processes and overall plant performance.

- Monitors process sampling strategies and recommends sampling protocols.

- Writes regular and special technical reports. Writes, presents and publishes technical papers on wastewater treatment in national and international conferences and journals.

- Plans work activities, develops schedules and assigns work to subordinates. Identifies training needs of subordinates; serves as a resource in teaching and guiding others in developing skills and knowledge.

- Establishes, demonstrates and enforces high standards for safety, quality of work performed, and productivity; inspects work quality. Reports all hazards to the appropriate supervisor to ensure that safety and environmental hazards are corrected.

- May also serve as Regulations Compliance Engineer, which includes other duties as assigned, such as managing a portion of the industrial pre-treatment program and ensuring compliance with the industrial storm water management program, the Clean Air Act, OSHA and EPA regulations, etc.

- Performs other duties and projects as assigned at the discretion of the Manager, Process Engineering.

Supervisory Responsibilities

: N/A

Key Working Relationships:

Interacts with co-workers throughout the Authority, other government and private agencies, vendors, and contractors.

Skills & Qualifications:

The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Required Experience:

Knowledge of general wastewater treatment plant practices, including knowledge of occupational hazards and the necessity for adherence to safety precautions; Knowledge of applicable regulations, such as EPA and OSHA requirements.

Knowledge of conventional methods and techniques used in engineering, chemical, and biological applications.

A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience related to wastewater treatment processes.

Minimum Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Environmental, Chemical Engineering or related field of study from an ABET accredited college or university.

Required Skills:

Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Mastery of advanced concepts, principles, and practices of environmental engineering and ability to apply them on a practical level.

Excellent human relations and communication skills, including listening, reading, oral and written communication skills.

Ability to control wastewater treatment processes using digital systems.

Ability to organize, prioritize, schedule, complete, and follow-up on work activities so that activities are completed within time and budget constraints.

Knowledge of related engineering field, such as electrical and/or mechanical engineering.

Ability to use computer applications, such as MS Word, Excel PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

Must possess and maintain a Class IV (ABC or equivalent) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification or acquire within 24 months of employment and maintain current a Class IV (ABC or equivalent) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification.

A District of Columbia Professional Engineering (PE) License is required at the time of hire.

Required Languages:

English

Physical Requirements:

The person in this position may be subject to indoor and/or outdoor environmental conditions that include exposure to extreme cold and hot temperatures.

The person in this position may be subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation that requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment to mitigate these conditions.

The person in this position must be able to lift 50 pounds and carry hoses and other equipment not exceeding 50 Ibs around plant and up steps.

Must be able to be certified to wear full and half face respirators, climb vertical ladders, meet the physical requirements for confined space entry, and be able to work around chemicals.