Hydraulic Modeling Engineer

Position Summary:

Under limited supervision of the Director of Engineering & Construction, the Hydraulic Modeling Engineer (HME) utilizes specialized technical skills in design, data capture/data conversion and maintenance, spatial analysis, system implementation, training, and application development to build, operate, maintain, and analyze high-accuracy base models for water distribution and wastewater collection systems hydraulics.  The HME also provides engineering support for the New Development Program and oversees final review and approval of submitted development projects while maintaining the company’s standard construction details and Minimum Standards.  This position is complex in nature, mostly unstructured, with some routine work and requires use of independent discretion and judgment in performing the assigned duties.    

Essential Functions:

• Prepare and perform various static and extended period hydraulic model simulations for water and wastewater systems as required by CWS engineering and operations staff.  Many times this involves piecing together vague and incomplete data to form reasonable, educated conclusions. Prepare and evaluate various models for engineering application of hydraulics, water quality, and fluid dynamics in water and wastewater systems and make recommendations for their implementation.  Identify and document model data gaps and troubleshoot real world operational issues by developing innovative alternative solutions and evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of those alternatives. Provide written hydraulic model reports with recommendations to engineering and operations staff. Support hydraulic modeling needs of CWS Master Plans, Major Capital Improvement Projects, New Development Program, and requests of CWS upper management. Work with in-house and contract field technicians to collect and verify field data, including calibration measurements and SCADA data, and develop techniques to improve the overall production thereof and integrate such data into hydraulic models. Interface model geometry with the company’s G.I.S. database to ensure hydraulic model geometries are comprehensive and inclusive of new system additions and modifications. Work with Information Technology Department (IT) to create and develop customized programs for obtaining model related water/wastewater usage data from other CWS database compatible applications. Produce working AutoCAD drawings and draft finished drawings as required to support engineering staff. Includes accurate hard copy maps for field use as well as maps for presentational purposes. Conducts final review and approval of New Development plans submitted for SCDHEC construction permitting under CWS’ Delegated Review Program (DRP) and ensures designs are in conformance with CWS Minimum Standards for the Design and Construction of Water and Wastewater Systems (Minimum Standards). Assists in determining availability and non-availability of water and wastewater service for New Development project requests. Manages, updates, and maintains CWS Minimum Standards and all associated water and wastewater standard construction details as necessary and in accordance with regulatory requirements. Perform all drafting activities associated with maintaining CWS standard construction details using AutoCAD software. Conducts written and verbal communication with developers and developer engineers regarding issues with New Development projects as required. Provide technical assistance as it relates to hydraulic modeling and the New Development Program to other engineers, surveyors, technicians, developers and others involved in CWS business. May be required to work during emergency conditions.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Job performance must conform to all CWS policies and procedures.
• Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System Policy and Procedures.

  Additional Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements, Activities, and Working Conditions

• Ability to issue and receive as well as understand complex written and oral instructions and communicate with others orally and in writing.
• Ability to visually observe computer screens and hard copy drawings.
• Ability to operate personal computer and optical surveying equipment.
• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally when removing manhole covers with puller or similar types of equipment. Objects greater than 50 pounds require a two-person operation.

• Ability to maneuver and traverse in adverse field conditions as necessary to perform required work.
• Ability to ascend/descend short distances, ladders or steps to evaluate or inspect equipment and
• facilities.
• Ability to read and comprehend as well as develop and write technical reports.
• Ability to work individually or in groups.
• Ability to operate and maintain motor vehicles.
• Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to perform the required essential functions.  

Education and/or Experience

• B.S. Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program, with preference given for a strong program of

courses in the design of water and wastewater infrastructure.

• At least four (4) years of progressive experience in civil design and working with hydraulic modeling on environmental projects. Experience with distribution and/or collection system modeling software and knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering as applied to civil design and hydraulics associated with utilities and other types of associated facilities is required.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of water and wastewater distribution and collection systems and water and wastewater treatment plant hydraulics.

• Ability to operate a personal computer and efficiently use AutoCAD, hydraulic modeling software, and Microsoft Office software programs.  Experience with WaterGEMS and SewerGEMS hydraulic modeling software preferred.
• Ability to evaluate problems, develop and implement solutions, and make decisions to ensure schedule compliance and project progression in accordance with schedules.
• Must have strong IT skills and strong analytical ability. Good public speaking skills enabling the presentation of reports, project concepts and other information to regulatory boards, environmental groups, town or city councils or others as required.

• Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• Valid South Carolina driver’s license required. Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state of South Carolina or ability to obtain within six (6) months.

Training Needs:

• OSHA and Departmental safety training as required.
• Skills Based Training
• Standard Operating Instruction (SOI) per department requirements
• ISO 14001 standards for department and company.
• See Department Competency and Training Matrix for this position

Potential Career Path:

ELIGIBILITY FOR PROMOTION TO VARIOUS POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMISSION DEPENDS UPON INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS, AND NOTED JOB PROGRESSIONS ARE NO GUARANTEE OF CAREER PATH TO THESE OR ANY OTHER JOB(S) AT THE COMMISSION.

• Assistant Director of Engineering & Construction Assistant Director of Water Distribution Assistant Director of Wastewater Collection Assistant Director of Environmental Resources Assistant Director of Hanahan Water Treatment Plant