Project Engineer 1 - Boston Water and Sewer Commission

Employees must be Boston residents on their date of hire and for the duration of their

employment subject to BWSC policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Position Purpose:

Performs administrative and technical work related to construction engineering activities in the Boston Water and Sewer Commission.  Responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Reviews daily inspector reports for accuracy for each contract and oversees the inspector’s work.
• Reviews claims and prepares change orders.
• Resolves construction-related conflicts in a timely manner as not to incur unnecessary additional costs to the Commission.
• Prepares red lines and as-built drawings for each street on assigned contracts.
• Performs regular site visits to confirm contractor compliance with Commission Standards.
• Responds to and resolves all customer complaints.
• Reviews monthly estimates for each contract.
• Conducts “punch list” inspections of all work installed by contractors to ensure conformity to Commission specifications.
• Schedules and conducts pre-construction meetings with contractors and any impacted outside agencies to discuss nature and scope of work as well as any special conditions of the contract before the start of each construction contract.
• Re-designs water, sewer and/or drain systems as needed due to conflicts encountered during construction.
• Notifies abutting customers of upcoming work in their area through mailings and community meetings.
• Reviews and approves shop drawings for each contract to ensure compliance with Commission Standards.
• Reviews work of department Co-Ops.
• Corresponds with other public and private utilities for permission and
• Compiles plans and documents for assigned construction contracts as
• Corresponds with other local and State Agencies for permits and
• Seeks additional funding from the Commissioners for contract over-runs and change orders.
• Monitors construction progress through Construction Status Report.
• Conducts community meetings to discuss impacts of upcoming Commission work.
• Prepares close-out documentation, including contractor performance.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering required. Four (4) years’ experience with municipal infrastructure projects or construction sites, and experience with construction infrastructure of water, sewer, and drains systems. Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate required. Must possess a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License..  Water Operator License is recommended.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge:  Knowledge of civil engineering and construction practices and engineering surveys. Working knowledge of drafting. Thorough knowledge of public works construction. Working knowledge of computer applications to engineering. Working knowledge of local and state regulations. Advanced skill levels in CCP, GIS and CassWorks.

Ability: Ability to compile comprehensive reports, assess conditions in a variety of locations and determine proper course of action needed. Deals effectively and diplomatically with the public, consultants, officials, department heads and other constituencies. Ability to read site plans.

Skill: Strong interpersonal skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient computer skills including MS Office applications and specialized software including AutoCAD and HydroCAD.  Skill in operating all listed tools and equipment. 

Physical  Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear; uses hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms as in picking up paper, files, and other common office objects.  Physical agility required to access all areas of inspection sites.  Employee may occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 100 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges.

Supervision:

Supervision Scope:  Performs various duties of a routine to complex nature following acceptable standards of quality and performance; requires independent judgment in determining methods of completion and carrying out assignments.

Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Director, Construction.

Supervision Given: Oversees Construction Inspectors and Co-op students.

Job Environment:

• General office conditions; field work is performed outdoors with loud noise levels and exposure to variable weather conditions/hazards associated with heavy equipment and construction sites. The workload is subject to seasonal and weather-related fluctuations; responds to emergencies. When in the field may be required to wear safety hat, vest and shoes.
• Operates telephone, computer, hand power tools, survey equipment and standard office machines.
• Makes frequent contact with municipal, state and federal representatives; city officials, businesses, property owners, engineering consultants, department heads, the public, other city employees. Contacts are in person, by phone, email, group meetings, and hearings.
• Has access to department-related confidential and/or sensitive information.
• Errors could result in delay or loss of services, personal injury to self and/or others, damage to buildings and equipment, and cause significant monetary loss and/or legal repercussions.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer