Section Engineer; Wastewater Process Engineer

The Wastewater Process Engineer is responsible for performing a variety of advanced level professional engineering duties for the City of Wichita’s Wastewater Treatment Division, with emphasis on the Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) treatment processes at three treatment plants. The position is responsible for optimizing, identifying and investigating problems, and developing solutions for complex chemical and biological systems, as well as reviewing wastewater process, quality, and flow data to validate treatment process and operational decisions.

The position will also be involved in planning and/or pilot testing for water reuse projects which could culminate in Direct Potable Reuse.

Work is performed with considerable independence within a generally defined scope. The position may be responsible for some administrative tasks and may supervise lower-level exempt and/or non-exempt staff. Work is directed and reviewed through the establishment of goals and subsequent evaluation of progress towards goal attainment.

Bargaining Unit: Employee Council

Posting may close at any time

• Ensures efficient and compliant operation of the BNR plants, conveyance systems, biosolids handling and disposal, and reduction of malodorous compounds by reviewing wastewater treatment processes and facility designs and standard operating procedures, gathering data, analyzing new and existing systems, and directing projects for improvement.
• Evaluates process technologies, develops and directs testing from jar testing to pilot testing.
• Identifies and investigates problems such as BNR process upsets, odors, and industrial discharges, and advises division staff on physical, biological, and chemical processes to maximize wastewater process operation efficiency and meet permit requirements.
• Monitors and analyzes operator reports, energy and chemical usage data, and lab data from the on-site lab and from contracted labs, and establishes the need and plan for collecting additional data as needed.
• Conducts analyses of conveyance and influent pump station flow reports to characterize conveyance system performance under normal and emergency conditions; advise on metering and instrumentation equipment needs, interacting with technology and operations.
• Manages the development and implementation of large-scale planning and modeling efforts and complex engineering projects for the Wastewater Treatment division with emphasis on compliance and value engineering; serves as engineering liaison with other PW&U divisions, consultants, and outside agencies.
• Consults with project managers and engineering design firms in selection of new treatment processes, methods, and means of implementation. Oversees selection and management of engineering consultant contractors, and coordinates work with project stakeholders, government agencies, contractors, and consultants.
• Analyzes new or proposed legislation or regulations to determine impact on program operations or ability to achieve permit compliance.
• Performs data control activities; proofreads and reviews process data reports to ensure accuracy of data entered; balances values and makes necessary corrections or adjustments.
• Serves as a resource to other staff, external stakeholders, vendors, and consultants regarding the City’s BNR treatment plant processes.

• Completion of work assignments may require operation of a vehicle.
• These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.
• Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

• Thorough knowledge of wastewater engineering and design, treatment processes, flow monitoring, and their application to a wide variety of treatment facility projects.
• Thorough knowledge of BNR processes; process optimization and troubleshooting.
• Considerable knowledge of project development, scheduling, and management.
• Understanding of the principles and practices of public administration, legislative and local government operation, budget management, and contract management.
• Understanding of key performance indicators and continuous improvement drivers related to wastewater treatment.
• Understanding of the concepts of risk management,…