Director, Plant Engineering (Engineering Contract Management)

Position Summary
The Director, Plant Engineering is responsible for providing oversight and direction of the District's contracted projects (including plant improvements and capital improvement projects), services, and activities including the water main extensions, gas and water infrastructure replacement programs, cross bore program, soil and concrete testing, emissions compliance, valve audit, water services, traffic barricading, among others. This person will direct a team of engineers and technicians to develop contract specifications, bidding, perform project inspection, generate pay estimates and completion reports, as-builts, develop Request for Proposals and Request for Qualifications (RFP/RFQ) in addition to other essential documents required to complete contract work for the District. This position is part of the Engineering leadership team to provide recommendations to continue enhancing the District's infrastructure replacement programs, support the lead water service inventory and replacement initiatives, and assist the District's water and gas operations department's capital improvement projects, ensuring the safety of employees and customers and adherence with all regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

• Develop division goals, manage and coordinate work assignments and set priorities.
• Prioritize the health and wellbeing of District workforce by leading with a safety-first mindset.
• Ensure designs, drawings and specifications prepared by Engineers and Senior Engineering Technicians meet established quality standards and timelines are met.
• Provide direction on gas and water Infrastructure Replacement (IR) programs requiring contract workforce as needed. Direct contract pricing negotiations with contract IR partners and manage contractor partnership capacities in coordination with other departments.
• Oversee the timely completion and accuracy of water and gas main installation and abandonment as-builts, completion reports, consultant or contractor pay estimates, and purchase orders and requisitions.
• Collaborate with the operating and administrative departments in evaluating, preparing recommendations and contract specifications for the selection of equipment, building modifications, and plant improvements. Assist various divisions in the development of estimates for budget purposes on plant equipment, structures and maintenance projects.
• Provide engineering and technical assistance on site assessments for future pump stations, reservoirs or other major District facilities.
• Review consultant, contractor, equipment supplier or service provider quotes, bids or proposals, and make recommendations for acceptance to senior management or the Board of Directors.
• Oversee preparation and distribution of project specifications, standards and contracts for capital improvement projects and main extensions for the District.
• Coordinate, administer and review work of outside architectural and/or engineering firms engaged by the District, including the development of Request for Proposals and Request for Qualifications documents.
• Provide continued development and administration of a variety of District programs to include cross bores, valve audits, joint contracting with the City, water service reconnects, contracted inspections of water projects, air emissions, barricades, paving replacement, and others.
• Present final payments, contract change orders, consultant amendments to the Board of Directors and periodic updates on major capital projects.
• Develop talent: coach and mentor employees; support employee growth and development through leadership opportunities and professional development.
• Provide employees feedback through completion of performance appraisals and employee one-on-one meetings
• Manage employee unacceptable behavior, poor work performance or policy violations, including the use of discipline when appropriate.
• Maintain financial oversight of budget or works with financial responsibility in mind.
• Plan for attrition through awareness of separation risks, cross-training, employee development and succession planning.
• Drive District vehicles.
• Fulfill responsibilities common to all Supervisory, Professional and Administrative positions as stated.

Required for All Jobs

• Perform a variety of other duties as assigned
• Understand and comply with all District policies and procedures
• In contributing to the objectives of the District, this role is responsible for the initiation, cultivation, and maintenance of strong relationships of a business and professional nature. This position requires good communication skills and tact in order to maintain professional relationships with the following, but not limited to:

• Board of Directors

• All levels of District personnel including Union officials

• Internal and external customers

• Federal, State, and local agencies

• Community organizations and partners

• Consultants, contractors and other third-party organizations that fall within the scope of this role

• Professional, industry, trade, and civic associations

Minimum Requirements

• Required - Minimum of 7 years of increased responsibility in Engineering and/or Operations.
• Required - Minimum of 5 years overseeing and/or managing major capital improvement projects.
• Required - Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Significant experience in day-to-day utility operations to include regulatory compliance, safety programs/policies and interactions with customers. (Intermediate proficiency)
• Experience directing and scheduling the work of subordinates, evaluating employee performance, identifying staff development and training needs, setting priorities and improving employee performance through coaching and accountability. (Intermediate proficiency)
• Demonstrated attention to detail, highly organized, ability to effectively manage competing priorities, and focus on delivering results and meeting established deadlines. (Intermediate proficiency)
• Proficient with personal computers, tablets, and/or other electronic devices to include, but not limited to, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word), CAD, and enterprise wide software (e.g., SAP, GIS). (Intermediate proficiency)
• Ability to learn new or upgraded computer software as required. (Entry proficiency)
• Experience writing, reviewing and providing project management and administration of contract documents. (Advanced proficiency)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, in English, in order to professionally assist internal and external customers, co-workers and management, regardless of provocation. (Advanced proficiency)

Education

• Required - Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited university.

Licenses, Certifications and/or Testing

• Required - Licensed Professional Engineer-NSPE in Nebraska. Upon Hire and
• Required - Have and maintain a valid driver’s license Upon Hire
• Required - Employees under this position are covered under the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol policy, including random testing. Upon Hire

Hybrid Flexible Work Arrangement
Job may be eligible for a hybrid in-office and work from home flexible work arrangement.
 

*Please see SuccessFactors for a full list of physical demands

*Please ensure the application is filled out thoroughly to be considered for this position
An Equal Opportunity Employer “Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation"