Water Agency Principal Engineer - Operations

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 thorough 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

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.

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,…