Chief Utilities Engineering

Under limited supervision of the Manager, Engineering, supervises the day-to-day activities of the Utilities Engineering Branch and performs highly complex specialized civil engineering work in the design of public water supply facilities with an emphasis on water transmission and distribution mains and appurtenant facilities.

Responsibilities:

Supervises the day-to-day activities of the Utilities Engineering Branch Engineers and Supervisor, Water Main Design, and performs advanced specialized civil engineering work in the design of water transmission and distribution mains and appurtenant facilities by:

• Planning, directing, coordinating, and overseeing engineering responsibilities in the design and production of construction documents, including plans and specifications, for the following types of work:
• New water mains, including the design of any structural, mechanical, hydraulic, instrumentation, and electrical components.
• Replacement of existing water mains, including analysis and prioritization of pipelines for replacement.
• Relocation of existing water mains and facilities required to facilitate the work of outside governmental agencies and other utility companies.

• Conducting special studies and making recommendations relating to design, construction, material selections, operation, and maintenance of water transmission and distribution mains and appurtenant facilities.
• Preparing and maintaining standard construction specifications for water mains, including Fairfax Water’s Water Main Installation and Service Contract.
• Coordinating the work of consultants, including development of scope, negotiation of fees, and reviewing and approving invoices.
• Developing contract documents and facilitating issuance of Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Preparing Board items for project appropriations, contract awards, and other items requiring Fairfax Water Board authorization.
• Coordinating, tracking, and overseeing efforts to obtain various easements, permits, and approvals.
• Assisting the Construction Department during construction phase of projects.
• Coordinating engineering efforts with end users, including the Transmission & Distribution and Technology Divisions.
• Preparing or reviewing cost estimates and defending the Capital Improvement Program budget for Utilities Engineering Branch projects.
• Preparing, reviewing, and updating project tracking spreadsheets, databases, and schedules.
• Attending meetings, conferences, and preparing technical reports.
• Representing Fairfax Water at public meetings including, but not limited to Fairfax Water Board, Fairfax County Planning Commission, civic associations, and other similar organizations.
• Reviewing the work of Utilities Engineering Branch staff.
• Conducting personnel and administrative duties to include employee evaluations, interviewing for staff vacancies, reviewing and approving employee timesheets, and establishing Utilities Engineering Branch annual budget.
• Professionally sealing plans and specifications produced by the Utilities Engineering Branch.
• Reviewing bids and shop drawings for compliance with contract documents (for projects designed by Utilities Engineering Branch staff).
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field and a minimum of eight years progressively responsible professional experience in the design of water transmission and distribution mains and appurtenant facilities, including supervisory experience, or any equivalent combination of education, experience and knowledge.
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer by the Commonwealth of Virginia or ability to obtain same by reciprocity within six months from date of employment.
• Extensive knowledge of the theory and practice of civil engineering as related to the design and construction of public water transmission and distribution mains and appurtenant facilities.
• Ability to prepare contract documents, including plans and specifications, and technical reports.
• Ability to plan, track, and manage engineering efforts on numerous projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, public officials, consultants, contractors, and the general public.
• Strong computer skills, including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and AutoCAD.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Must pass a controlled substance (drug) test for employment. 
• “Fairfax Water requires new employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to legally required exceptions.”