Senior Utility Engineer

Salary: $141,708.91 - $166,716.84 annually.Location: City Hall – 123 5th Ave, Kirkland, WA.Job SummaryThe City of Kirkland's Public Works Department is seeking a Senior Utility Engineer to support planning, design, and delivery of critical water and wastewater infrastructure. The role requires a strong technical foundation in municipal utility systems, an ability to independently manage complex capital projects from scoping through construction and closeout, and to lead comprehensive planning efforts. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in project management, engineering design, and construction administration, with strong communication skills and the ability to coordinate across multiple divisions, consultants, and external agencies.Essential FunctionsWorks collaboratively with managers and engineers across Public Works' engineering and operational divisions to ensure continuity between planning, construction, and operations of the utilities, reviewing CIP project scopes, designs, modeling, and cost estimates.Prepares and manages complex water and wastewater planning and technical studies, including updates and long‑term strategic planning.Identifies and prioritizes capital improvement projects for water and sewer utilities and independently plans, develops, and prepares scope of work, cost estimates, and schedules for projects.Demonstrates an operational understanding of water and sewer models, analyzes and determines service level capability, needs, deficiencies, problems, and solutions. Uses analysis as basis for decisions on system extensions, required developer improvements, or identification of future CIP projects.Works collaboratively with City utility and financial staff to advise on capital needs and regulatory requirements for utility rate studies.Advises the City's Utility Policy & Community Relations Supervisor and the Utility Policy Group on how state and regional requirements, policy, and capital investments may impact the water and wastewater system and/or rate models.Prepares oral and written information for City Council, public stakeholders, adjacent departments, outside agencies, and others.Develops Request for Proposals (RFPs) or Request for Qualifications (RFQs); negotiates and administers contracts for consultants and contractors, reviews and directs the work of consulting engineers, designers, and surveyors, ensures conformance with regulatory and system requirements, reviews and approves invoices, and manages and oversees contract scope and costs.Responds promptly to resident questions and concerns; analyzes situations and recommends corrective action.Uses AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and other related engineering software to prepare and review detailed design drawings.Reviews private development plans and City project plans for conformance to engineering standards, identifies conflicts and opportunities, monitors developer extensions to completion.Develops and maintains standardized engineering procedures, policies, specifications and documentation for water and sewer utilities to efficiently deliver projects consistent with City and community goals.Coordinates project improvements with City Departments, private utilities, other public agencies, private developers, and residents.Mentors junior engineers, technicians, and operational staff by providing technical guidance and feedback on performance reviews.Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.Peripheral DutiesPerforms functions as assigned under the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.Assists the Finance & Administration Department with documentation to support issuance of utility revenue bonds to fund capital improvement projects.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of civil and utility engineering principles and practices.Knowledge of modern methods for equipment, drafting techniques, software applications, and materials used in civil engineering projects.Knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and asset management principles and practices.Ability to apply civil engineering and construction project management principles to planning, design, inspection, and construction of public works projects.Skilled in budget development, management, and control.Ability to interpret and understand applicable laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures.Effective written and oral communication skills and ability to work with the public, public officials, department heads and staff, consultants, and contractors.Skilled in conflict resolution with the ability to rapidly analyze technical and/or legal implications in decision making, working directly with the City Attorney and Washington Cities Insurance Authority when necessary.Positive leadership skills and intradepartmental cooperation through involvement with diverse work groups and service teams.Ability to work independently and prioritize competing deadlines, schedules, and limited resources for timely project delivery.QualificationsMinimum QualificationsEducation: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or closely related field.Experience: 7 years of experience in utility engineering and/or planning, including 3 years of direct project management.Alternatively, a combination of relevant education and experience may satisfy the essential duties.Licenses and Other RequirementsValid Washington State Driver's license and insurable status for operating motor vehicles.Washington State Professional Engineer License required.Preferred: 3 years of experience in utility management in a government setting.Physical Demands and Working EnvironmentThe position is primarily office work, but also includes site visits under varying weather conditions. Hazards at construction sites may include vehicular traffic, construction equipment, uneven terrain, and confined spaces. The role may involve climbing ladders, working in trenches, or other confined spaces. Attendance at council or community meetings is occasionally required outside normal office hours.Final candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, consistent with applicable law.As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the City of Kirkland is committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process may contact 425‑587‑3210 or use the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 711.#J-18808-Ljbffr