Principal Engineer Reservoir Design and Construction Management

JOB LOCATION Aurora, Colorado 80016-2946 City of Aurora, Colorado It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply. Why Work for Aurora? Make a difference in the lives of real people every day Diverse community Competitive total compensation package Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan Light rail station minutes away On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement Access to innovation workspaces PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Anticipated Hiring Salary: $114,320 - $142,300/year Full salary range: $114,320 - $178,625/year The deadline to apply to this position is September 14, 2025. However, it is subject to close at any time once a qualified pool of applications is received. OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT The Principal Engineer is the most advanced professional/technical level in the engineering class providing high level subject matter expertise in various areas of Aurora Water. The Principal Engineer is responsible for developing and managing the Capital Improvement Program budget, associated spending plan and ensuring efficient and effective delivery of projects in their responsible area (RA). The RAs in the Planning and Engineering Division are Treatment, Source of Supply (SOS), Stormwater and Wastewater, Transmission & Distribution, Pumping, SOS Conveyance and SOS Storage. Principal Engineers also plan, organize, and direct complex engineering analyses and manages complex projects for the Water Department This Principal Engineer position will be responsible for leading (or co-leading) the design and construction of the Wild Horse Reservoir project. The Wild Horse Reservoir project is a proposed 95,000 acft reservoir in Park County currently in the pre-permitting phase. If approved, Wild Horse is anticipated to start construction as early as 2028, take between 6 and 7 years, and is expected to cost over $1B. The design of the proposed action (Wild Horse Reservoir) is currently at 30%. A concurrent alternative design may also be commenced shortly. COMMON DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (All Principal Engineer Positions) Complex Project Management: Initiate and manage the most complex engineering projects in RAs. These could have a sub-PM, but PEs should be PIC on all high-risk projects. Effective written and oral communication Operation's Customer Representative: Be the main customer service representative for the O&M staff within Responsibility Areas (RAs). Assist operations staff with problems that arise, find solutions, determine roles and responsibilities, and actively manage the solution process as required. Perform engineering calculations and evaluations required to support operations staff. Program Budget and Spending Develop and manage the capital improvement program budget and spending plan for RAs. Ensure projects are identified, properly budgeted and tracked via an updated cash flow and project management model monthly. When planning for each budget year, consider staff constraints (both in operations and PMs) as well as budget and potential time constraints. Program Project Knowledge Ensure that monthly you are up to date on all project in RAs to provide guidance in management and operation conversations/decisions. It is the responsibility of the PE to ensure all projects in models are up to date. Leadership Team Provide leadership, mentoring and technical guidance to direct report engineers as well as the PMs managing projects in RAs. Assure that projects meet established quality standards. Technical Expert: Be the in-house utility technical expert for your RAs and keep up to date on the latest technological advancements. Keep current on latest trends in technology and procedures in the utilities industry and makes recommendations for implementation in Aurora. Oversee the development of revisions to existing City codes, ordinances and design standards related to RAs. Serve as a spokesperson for special projects within RAs and represent the Department or City. Ensure compliance with regulatory agencies, Federal, State, and Local policies and procedures. Support the values and mission of Aurora Water, support initiatives from upper management Wild Horse Reservoir Project Principal Develop and manage the overall project plan, including defining project objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource allocation. Oversee the design development phase, collaborating with engineers and specialists to ensure designs meet safety, functionality, and regulatory standards. Review drawings and specifications for constructability, completeness, and accuracy. Coordinate with operations managers to ensure goal and objectives are achieved. Develop and manage the project budget, including cost estimation, resource allocation, and expense tracking. Implement cost-control measures and optimize spending to ensure project completion within budget constraints. Track and monitor project expenditures regularly, analyzing variances against the budget and taking corrective actions as needed. Serve as a liaison between stakeholders, including clients, architects, engineers, contractors, inspectors, and regulatory agencies. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. Provide regular updates on project progress, budget status, and any potential issues or deviations to all relevant parties. Establish and enforce a robust quality control plan to ensure all construction activities meet specified standards and adhere to design specifications. Develop, implement, and enforce safety protocols and procedures, ensuring strict adherence to site safety policies. Identify potential project risks and challenges, developing and implementing strategies to mitigate them. Develop contingency plans and response protocols for unforeseen delays, emergencies, or other project-related problems. Coordinate with the legal department to facilitate the development, negotiation, and execution of project contracts, including those related to procurement and subcontractor agreements. Lead and mentor a diverse project team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Delegate tasks effectively and provide guidance and support to team members. Motivate and encourage the team, resolving conflicts and addressing any performance issues promptly. Manage contract-related aspects of the project, including negotiating contracts with suppliers and subcontractors. Ensure all contractual obligations are met and address any contract disputes or deviations from the terms of agreements. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Education: Bachelor's degree in from an accredited institution in Civil, Geotechnical, Structural, Environmental, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering (or similar related field). Experience: At least ten years professional level engineering experience. At least three years supervisory experience. Knowledge: Knowledge and expertise of current principles and practices of dam engineering acquired through progressive experience. In-depth knowledge of various dam types (gravity, arch, embankment) and their design principles, construction methodologies, and rehabilitation techniques. Understanding soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation analysis, seepage control, and seismic stability related to dam structures. Understanding of hydrology and hydraulics, flood routing, spillway design, and hydraulic modeling to ensure safe and efficient water management systems. Understanding dam safety regulations, conducting risk assessments and analyses (like Potential Failure Mode Analysis (PFMA) and Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment (SQRA)), and developing risk reduction measures. Familiarity with dam surveillance and monitoring systems, including sensors and data analysis, for long-term safety and performance assessment. Informed of new methods and developments affecting the dams and water resources business. Knowledge of Engineering principles, practices, theories, and techniques related to infrastructure planning and project management along with an understanding of the principles, practices, financial management and operating requirements of a water utility Abilities: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and stakeholders; handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and fulfill goals and objectives; plan and schedule work unit operations; be a creative thinker who is driven by opportunities to continually improve; handle multiple projects simultaneously and use good judgment in prioritizing work assignments; independently represent the department in multiple internal and external settings; behaves and makes decisions consistent with City of Aurora values and Water vision and mission. Skills: Strong interpersonal, analytical, project management, and leadership skills Licenses and Certifications: PE (or equivalent) registration in the State of Colorado, or ability to obtain licensure within six months. Project Management Profession (PMP) certification preferred Driver's license with a good driving history WORKING CONDITIONS Essential Personnel: When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel. Physical Demands: Sedentary physical work requiring the ability to lift at least 10 pounds with or without assistance. Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing Vision sufficient to read computer screens, printouts, and related documents. Dexterity to operate a computer system and other related equipment Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens Endurance sufficient to sit and work at a computer for long periods of time. Work Environment: Works in a clean, comfortable environment The work environment will occasionally include field visits to Aurora Water facilities (treatment facilities, pump stations, tanks, reservoirs, etc.) Equipment Used: Operates a motor vehicle and personal computer. This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment. For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application. The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission. Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired. Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References: As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies. Why Work for Aurora? Competitive total compensation package Rich benefits package with low employee costs Generous paid-time-off program (Vacation, Sick and Personal leaves) Retirement pension plan Rewarding public sector work impacting a large and diverse community Growing city and employee population Expansive perk benefits such as free Recreation Center Membership, wellness programs, tuition assistance, career advancement, performance bonus programs, etc. On-site fitness center and wellness programs Remote work opportunities Benefits & Retirement - City of Aurora (auroragov.org) Please show all your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application. Leaving blanks or omitting previous employment may result in your disqualification from employment. City policy requires that selected candidates provide documentation in the form of official transcripts of the highest level of education attained by the candidate that is listed on their application materials. The City of Aurora requires all applicants for employment, who are offered positions with the City, to undergo a thorough criminal background check, drug testing for safety sensitive position and possible credit check for select positions. All job applicants shall be asked to electronically consent to or sign a release authorizing a criminal background check and submit a urine sample for the purpose of testing for a wide variety of prohibited and/or controlled substances. Please click the following link to access the summary of your rights. Applicants who hold a Commercial Driver's License will also be required to undergo alcohol testing using an Evidential Breath Testing Device. Note: The recent legalization of recreational marijuana by the state of Colorado does not change the city's policy. Applicants who test positive for marijuana during a pre-employment drug test will not be hired, and will be ineligible to be employed with the city for one year. The City of Aurora uses E-Verify to determine if employees are legally eligible to work in the United States. Know your rights! The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability or military status. The City shall develop and maintain a plan for diversity. Through its staff, the City shall periodically analyze its employment related practices and its plan for diversity to ensure compliance with this policy. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation for completing this application, please feel free to contact our office at: ... or visit us at 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Suite 3500, Aurora, CO 80012. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity Respect Professionalism Customer Service And we welcome all who share these values to apply.