Project Engineer II (Planning) - 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 complex planning engineering activities for the Commission, under the Planning Division.  Responsible for applying engineering principles for the review of specialized studies and for the systematic analysis of water and sewer problems, development of alternatives for solving those problems, and the preparation of plans to implement recommendations.  Works with homeowners, businesses, and consultants with regard to investigating the Commission’s sewer and drainage systems and sewer lateral connections. Works with other Planning Staff with processes needed comply with the MassDEP Lead and Copper Rule.

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.)

• Analyzes field information acquired by consultants regarding the results of dye tests performed on properties throughout the City of Boston.
• Assembles maps for consultants showing limits of TV inspections required on mainline system prior to performing a sewer lateral plug test.  These limits are generated based off of the information from the dye test forms submitted to the Commission.
• Supervises the consultants as they perform the cleaning and televising of the sewer and drain lines.
• Ensures attempts to dye test all sewer laterals which appear to be compromised while the camera is in the drain line. 
• Reviews all televised lines for any deficiencies and forwards the information to either the Design Department for placement on Annual Capital Improvement Projects or to Operations Department if it is a location that requires immediate attention.
• Contacts building owners and schedules sewer lateral plug tests for the consultants to complete. 
• Communicates to customers the intentions of the Commission for testing the building’s sewer lateral and answers any questions which they may have about the entire process.
• Supervises the consultants during the plug tests and prepares detailed reports for each location documenting the results of the tests.
• Informs the property owner about the results upon completion of tests and informs property owner what is needed to rectify any failing plug tests.
• Monitors the budget for the TV inspections and sewer lateral plug tests. 
• Screens the invoices submitted for accuracy and makes amendments to the invoices.
• Prepares and sends notices to homeowners to inform them of dye testing which will be commencing in their area prior to the consultants making contact with the homeowner.
• Obtains all required permits for the project.
• Performs mainline dye testing to rule out that sewer system is leaking into drain lines in areas where contamination still exists after all buildings have been cleared.
• Tests drain lines for contamination of ammonia, chlorine and surfactants.
• Open manholes to perform examination of pipe and testing.
• Prepares detailed reports documenting the work performed and findings.
• Performs processes necessary to comply with Lead and Copper Rule; including contacting property owners for participation, assisting with sampling compliance and Chain of Custody compliance.
• Performs weekend work to accommodate the building owners’ schedule and to meet deadlines.
• 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; Master’s preferred; five (5) years of related experience.  Licensed as an Engineer in Training (EIT) with the MA Board of Registration.  Some work experience dealing with consultants, contractors, and the general public; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge:  Knowledge of the city, state, and federal laws and regulations relative to and governing water and sewerage systems.  Knowledge of pollution control water quality and environmental protection. Working knowledge and experience with the inner works and construction of the water and sewer and drainage system is required.

Ability: Ability to apply engineering principles for the review of studies and for the systematic analysis of water and sewer problems, development of alternatives for solving those problems and the preparation of plans to implement recommendations.  Ability to present clear and accurate reports and notices.  Ability to plan, organize, direct, supervise, and coordinate engineering and environmental work.

Skill: Strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, proficient computer skills including MS Office applications and specialized software including ArcMAP, skill in operating the above 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, supervises staff in accordance with all State and Federal laws.

Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Director of Planning.

Supervision Given: Oversees and coordinates the work of consultants and subcontractors.

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 and group meetings, 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 building and equipment, and significant monetary loss and/or legal repercussions.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.