Water Agency Principal Engineer - Operations

Job Description:

Water Agency Principal Engineer - Operations

Description

Position Information

The Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) seeks an experienced and resourceful Principal Engineer specializing in Operations!

The Water Agency Principal Engineer in Operations plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the work of the Operations Engineering Section. They will manage and review the duties of staff responsible for engineering and regulatory compliance support related to the operation of large municipal water and wastewater utility systems and flood management systems. Additionally, this position will:

• Work closely with teams throughout Sonoma Water to plan, coordinate, and prioritize implementation of engineering studies and various maintenance and/or capital projects
• Collaborate with local, regional, state, and federal water and wastewater regulatory agencies
• Represent Sonoma Water before official bodies, regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and the general public
• Procure the services of various consultants and oversee consultants’ technical work
• Provide quality control review of engineering studies, plans, and technical specifications
• Prepare recommended budget and financial planning information
• Prepare staff reports for various agreement/project approvals by the Agency’s Board of Directors
• Supervise a team of engineers and technical staff

The ideal candidate will have t horough knowledge, extensive experience, and a successful track record of compliance with regulations and operational permitting pertaining to publicly owned systems for potable water supply, wastewater (treatment and collection facilities), air pollution, storm water, recycled water, and hazardous waste. They will also have experience with many of the following:

• Managing the design of complex civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering capital projects for public water supply and wastewater systems
• Supervising professional engineering staff in the management of multiple, simultaneous projects
• Preparing and reviewing project cost estimates and budgets
• Implementing and ensuring compliance with process controls to facilitate project readiness for construction, including complete and accurate preparation of construction bidding documents
• Complying with regulations, codes, permits, and industry standards applicable to water supply, wastewater, and flood management projects
• Knowledge and experience implementing formalized Asset Management programs
• Planning, engineering, and developing flood management projects
• Public speaking before elected boards/councils and the general public

About Sonoma Water Sonoma Water is a special district formed by the California State Legislature in 1949 and is responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to its customers in Sonoma and Marin counties. Sonoma Water also maintains 75 miles of flood control channels and provides sanitation services. Employing approximately 250 employees, Sonoma Water consists of four divisions, including Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services and External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance. Sonoma Water supports the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on renewable power sources, and strives to be a leader in its water use efficiency and fishery restoration programs.

Employees of Sonoma Water are employees of a special district and are not subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Ordinance of the County of Sonoma.

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement- A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off- Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay- Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions- 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement- County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement- A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation- 3% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution
• Paid Parental Leave- May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits: Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief- County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Salary Resolution (SalRes) and our Employee Benefits Directory .

Sonoma Water is currently recruiting to fill a Water Agency Principal Engineer - Operations position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment . The formal title for this position is Water Agency Principal Engineer.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Any combination of experience that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, four years of full-time, professional engineering employment with at least two years at a level comparable to or higher than the Water Agency Engineer classification would provide such opportunity. One year of supervisory experience is highly desirable.

Education: Any combination of education and training that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in mechanical, electrical or civil engineering with emphasis in water resources, hydraulics, hydrology or a closely related field would provide such opportunity.

Other Requirements

Certification: Possession of a valid certificate of registration in one of the specialty areas, depending on assignment.

Mechanical

Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Professional Mechanical Engineer issued by the State of California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Electrical

Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Professional Electrical and/or Control System Engineer issued by the State of California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Civil

Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Professional Civil Engineer issued by the State of California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

License: Possession of a valid California driver's license at the appropriate level, including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of: mechanical, electrical and/or civil engineering principles, practices and methods with particular reference to the planning, design, construction and operation of water and wastewater facilities, and the design and construction of flood control projects; mechanical, electrical and/or civil engineering mathematics; hydraulics as applied to pumping and water distribution systems; mechanical power transmission and control systems; pneumatic and hydraulic instrumentation systems; the usual sources of mechanical, electrical and/or civil engineering information; electronic data processing applications to engineering problems; applicable building and safety standards; engineering economics; heat transfer, ventilation, noise control, engineering materials, control systems and principles; metallurgy and welding technology; corrosion control principles; principles and practices of management; principles of budgeting relative to water and wastewater related projects and division operations; and management principles, methods and techniques.

Working knowledge of: management and leadership styles and techniques designed to train, supervise, motivate and lead a group of employees, which includes understanding employee behavior and performance standards; interviewing techniques; public speaking principles and practices and public relation styles and techniques; CEQA; and the fundamentals of specification writing.

Ability to: provide leadership; schedule, assign, direct, train and evaluate the work of professional groups and staff; assign projects, organize work, set priorities, and exercise independent judgment; manage multiple projects and staff simultaneously; prepare budget recommendations; apply engineering principles and techniques to the solution of difficult mechanical, electrical and civil engineering problems; direct the preparation of plans, designs, specifications, and estimates for engineering installation or modification projects; prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports and correspondence; maintain divisional and personnel records; analyze complex engineering data and reports and draw sound conclusions; make presentations before public agencies and community groups; deal tactfully and effectively with Agency personnel, representatives, and others; layout plans and review the work of project staff; prepare designs and make accurate drawings and maps; make accurate mathematical calculations; prepare neat and accurate field notes; read, understand and interpret complex technical and legal documents, maps, technical drawings and plans; listen attentively and participate in negotiations by providing required data and information.

In addition, knowledge specific to the specialized areas are required as follows:

Mechanical

Thorough knowledge of: mechanical engineering principles, practices and terminology with particular reference to water supply and wastewater treatment facilities; hydraulics, engineering mechanics and mechanics of materials; pump selection and performance; corrosion control; engineering mathematics and statistical analysis and techniques; and the principles and methods of testing mechanical equipment.

Electrical

Thorough knowledge of: electrical engineering principles, practices, and terminology, with particular reference to water supply and wastewater treatment facilities; electrical and/or control systems; power; physics and chemistry; communication systems, telemetry, basic electric, electronic, and solid-state circuits; the principles and methods of testing electrical materials and equipment; principles, methods, and systems of corrosion control; computer-based systems, instrumentation and equipment; and local, state, and national electrical codes.

Civil

Thorough knowledge of: the principles, practices and techniques of civil engineering; statistics and advanced mathematics including algebra and analytic geometry; topographic and construction surveying, stress analysis, analytical mechanics and the strength, properties and uses of construction materials, common methods and equipment utilized in engineering construction and of inspection methods used in reviewing such work; real property descriptions.

Working Conditions

Duties require sitting and standing for prolonged periods. Additionally, walking on level, inclined, uneven, wet and slippery surfaces; reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping and climbing over objects is required in the performance of routine duties when visiting field and equipment sites. The incumbent may, while monitoring projects in the field, be subjected to all weather conditions including wet, hot, and cold. During project inspections and field site visits incumbents may be exposed to dust, pollen and loud noises. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders and be around mechanical, electrical and/or structural hazards.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.

Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Personally identifiable information (PII) is removed from the standard application fields and applicable attachments. This PII blind screening practice redacts a candidate’s personal information that could potentially influence or bias the scoring process. Personal information includes the applicant’s name, former last name, address, phone number, email, driver's license number, school name, education start and end dates, age, date of birth, gender, and race. This PII blind screening practice helps contribute to a fair and equitable examination process.

Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
Additional Information
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: JT

HR Technician: VH

Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

County of Sonoma Benefits: Management*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at Labor Agreements & Salary Resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to Human Resources or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at [email protected] or (707) 565-2900.

*Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 3/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$188,592.16 - $229,228.39 Annually