Lead Planning Engineer (Water Resources)

Job Description

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Job Title: Lead Planning Engineer (Water Resources)

Posting Start Date: 3/26/26

Job Description:

Job Information

Salary Range: $101,490 - $137,380

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

The Lead Planning Engineer is responsible for strategic long-term water and wastewater system planning and recommending projects or approaches to address complex issues related to source of supply, treatment, storage, pumping and transmission of water and wastewater. Analysis and recommended solutions could have a major impact on the performance and operational integrity of water and wastewater systems within American Water. A Lead Planning Engineer has technical and project management supervision over consulting Project Managers/Engineers, and/or project support engineers or technicians. This position is also responsible for conducting or reviewing water system capacity and service evaluations associated with water service extension projects or other potential service growth opportunities. Prepare or assist in the preparation of detailed asset investment plans considering the cost, timing, prioritization, operational need and risk, strategic investment fit and other pertinent factors surrounding individual projects or investment programs.

Key Accountabilities

• Coordination and preparation of strategic water and wastewater system planning studies (comprehensive or targeted, issue-based studies as appropriate) as assigned.
• Preparation and maintenance of asset investment plans and strategic capital expenditure plans as assigned. Plans to accurately address operational needs, operational efficiencies, asset management and strategic investment goals set by the State/Corporation based upon prioritization models.
• System capacity evaluations, analysis of source, treatment, distribution/collection, pumping & storage, or other system deficiencies as assigned to support ongoing operations, service extension requests or regional growth opportunities.
• Ability to serve as a competent technical resource on Water and Wastewater System Planning matters including capital planning, safe yield analysis, demand/load projections, treatment adequacy, collection, transmission and distribution adequacy, computerized hydraulic modeling and analysis, water conservation, regionalization, and other pertinent subjects as needed to support operational and business needs.
• Presents results of engineering analysis to interested parties within and outside of the company, including expert testimony, presentations to Regulatory agencies and Senior Company Management.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong process, project, and program management skills.
• Strong quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem solving).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations).
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).
• Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key internal and external stakeholders).
• Ability to influence across the organization to drive operational work and resource planning activities.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively problem solve routine and non-routine issues, developing possible solutions to problems and challenges.
• Ability to execute with urgency, while also maintaining project management discipline and stakeholder engagement.
• Financial analysis skill, including budget management, business modeling, and basic accounting knowledge.
• Demonstrated competency in water/wastewater system comprehensive master planning and capacity, condition and performance assessment of related facilities, pipeline system hydraulic modeling or equivalent water/wastewater system design experience.
• Broad knowledge of Engineering (planning, design, construction) related to water.
• Working knowledge of regulatory developments, new technology and current trends in water quality, treatment and engineering economics.
• Applicable knowledge of water resources industry, business and environmental regulatory field

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering.
• Advanced Management or Technical Degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years experience in water resources planning.

Travel Requirements

Up to 20%

Work Environment

Primarily in the office with occasional work in the field at water/wastewater facilities to conduct site investigations and hold on-site project kick-off and review meetings.

Competencies

Champions safety

Customer obsessed

Cultivates innovation

Nimble learning

Drives Results

Collaborates

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