Planning Engineer

Planning Engineer

The Aquarion Water Authority (AWA) is a locally governed, not-for-profit water authority providing water service to more than 735,000 people in 60 municipalities across Connecticut. Based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, AWA is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of one of the state's largest water systems. Through local governance, operational expertise, and continued investment in critical infrastructure, AWA is committed to delivering safe, reliable water service to the communities it serves.

Job Summary:

The Planning Engineer reports to the Manager, Water Resources and Infrastructure Planning and is responsible for leadership and/or support roles in all aspects of water utility project management for Aquarion's facilities in CT. This includes short term and long range planning related to watershed protection, reservoirs, dams, wells, water supply, water mains, pump stations, storage tanks, water treatment plants, and other assets;

evaluation of the physical condition of mechanical, electrical, structural and control systems of existing facilities or potentially acquired system; identification and prioritization of system deficiencies; identification and evaluation of alternative solutions for system deficiencies; design and construction of water works infrastructure improvements; supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system design and implementation; and the local, state, and federal permitting requirements to execute projects.

Principal Responsibilities:
Serves as Project Manager for a variety of capital projects from planning and design through construction, as assigned by Manager, Water Resources and Infrastructure Planning. Projects may include all aspects of water utility infrastructure including source of supply, treatment, pumping, storage, and distribution. Management of infrastructure planning projects such as: planning of water main improvements; evaluation of the physical condition of existing facilities;

identification and prioritization of system deficiencies; identification and evaluation of alternative solutions for system deficiencies; planning of water works infrastructure improvements; and the local, state, and federal permitting requirements to execute projects. Facilitates the execution of vendor contracts, creating purchase requisitions, managing purchase orders, and approving vendor invoices associated with assigned capital projects. Evaluates alternative solutions by using GIS and other tools to address infrastructure deficiencies.

Works with the various departments within the Company to evaluate issues using GIS and other tools to develop solutions. Works with the Manager, Water Resources and Infrastructure Planning to ensure proper inspection of dams, water storage tanks (including clear wells), and other facilities as required by permit, regulation, or policy. Manages the preparation of comprehensive system Master Plans and Water Supply Plans by consultants and prepares the Water Quality Master Plan, Water Quantity Master Plan, and Interconnection Plan, which address all aspects of utility operations including demand forecasting, source adequacy, water quality and treatment, facility capacity and condition assessments and distribution system deficiencies.

Assist with the preparation of diversion permit applications, monitors diversion permit requirements, and prepares the annual reports for permitted and registered diversions for submission to DEEP. Prepares Will Serve Letters for contractors/developers that submit applications for water service that may include domestic, commercial/industrial, irrigation, hydrant, and fire sprinkler demand. Prepares, maintains, and reports project critical path schedules and capital expenditure forecasts monthly for assigned projects.

Prepares required documents for Project Management Committee and/or Board approvals for each phase of assigned capital projects. Coordinates project progress with internal/external customers and reports progress in conformance with Company goals. Conducts technical review of project specifications, design drawings, contracts and bid…