Senior Project Engineer

The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to join its Engineering and Capital Programs department. This position reports to the Director of Engineering and Capital Programs and joins a team of ten current engineers who support the Commission’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Commission employees are the stewards of clean water for the lower Pioneer Valley. Our work protects public health and the environment by providing drinking water, fire protection, forest stewardship, clean rivers and streams, and wastewater treatment. The Commission is looking for a professional who wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves and join a team committed to serving the public by providing essential services. The Commission is a dynamic work organization with a fast-paced environment and a plethora of capital projects as well as upgrades and maintenance projects in Springfield and in the communities that we serve.

The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission was established in 1996 as an independently operated and managed regional water and wastewater utility that provides retail and wholesale water and sewer service to approximately 250,000 customers across multiple communities in the lower Pioneer Valley. The Commission has approximately 250 employees that operate and maintain a system of one thousand miles of water and sewer pipe, treatment plants and pump stations, reservoirs, watershed land, dams, and other critically import infrastructure that serves the public.

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The Senior Project Engineer is responsible for managing capital and operational projects at the Commission’s water treatment facility which includes the watershed (reservoirs, access roads, hydropower station, and dams), the treatment plant, transmission mains, and Provin Mountain where treated water is stored and ready for distribution to customers across the region. The Commission is managing many and varied projects of different sizes and duration around the water treatment plant and watershed, and the successful applicant will spend time both in the field and in the office. There is a palpable energy in the engineering department and at the water treatment plant as construction teams work on many improvements and new projects.

Construction of a new treatment plant is underway and anticipated to be online in 2028. This $300 million plant upgrade will include additional treatment processes including Dissolved Air Flotation and a dewatering system. The Commission’s engineers oversee the work of the contracted engineering and construction firms building the new plant and have the opportunity to participate in the construction of, and assist with the startup and operation of, this new state-of-the-art plant.

Requirements:

Members of the Engineering and Technical Services Department are Civil or Environmental Engineers who have knowledge of the principles and practices of civil and environmental engineering including knowledge of water and wastewater engineering and construction focused on hydraulics of water distribution systems, dams, water storage and transmission, sanitary sewer collection systems, and storm water systems.

- B.S. in civil or environmental engineering and certification as a Professional Engineer (PE)

- ability and willingness to obtain a Massachusetts 2D OIT (distribution operator in training) certification within 2 years of employment

- at least ten (10) years of progressive experience in capital project management of medium to large scale water construction projects (water transmission, dams, drinking water, etc.)

- at least five (5) years of progressive project management experience including budgeting and scheduling and management of teams

The Senior Project Engineer is a skilled and experienced civil/environmental engineer who has a demonstrated history of leading a team to successfully complete projects. In addition to technical knowledge, the position requires communication and interpersonal skills as well as organizational skills.

The Senior Project Engineer must be able to:

- successfully manage large and complex capital projects with minimal oversight

- successfully work with and manage engineering and other consulting companies with minimal oversight

- understand and interpret engineering plans, shop drawings, and specifications

- understand and interpret regulatory requirements pertaining to drinking water and dams

- coordinate the work of engineers, consultants, and others to generate accurate project reports, work schedules, and cost estimates

- facilitate conflict resolution that arises between/among SWSC staff and/or consultants or contractors

A complete job description is available upon request.

The successful candidate must be able to navigate terrain typical for watersheds, reservoirs and rivers, construction sites, and treatment plants. The Engineering Department is based in Agawam, MA, but this position will be working primarily at the water treatment campus in Westfield, MA. This is an in-person position (no remote work).

Hiring salary range for this position is $115,000-$130,000.

Benefits include very affordable Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance (with dental) as well as optional disability, life, long-term care insurances and a cafeteria plan. The Commission provides 13 paid holidays as well as paid vacation, sick, and personal time. Commission employees participate in the City of Springfield retirement system and credible service in a Massachusetts PERAC system can be carried over subject to the regulations of the Springfield Retirement Board.

JOB CODE: 1000054