Staff Engineer, Environmental Engineer

Salary : $87,430.00 - $ Annually
Location : Water Works Park, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number:
Department: Engineering
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 06/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/2/2026 12:00 PM Central

JOB SUMMARY
Why Work at Des Moines Water Works? At Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), every employee plays a vital role in delivering Water You Can Trust for Life to over 600,000 central Iowans. We're looking for team members who are customer-focused and committed to our mission.

When you join DMWW, you become part of a team that values environmental stewardship-protecting our most essential natural resource: water. Just as importantly, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Your wellbeing matters to us-from physical and psychological safety to wellness, fitness, and professional growth, we're committed to supporting your health and development at work and beyond.
About the Position: Under the supervision of the Engineering Supervisor, serves as project engineer, conducts studies, designs improvements to water distribution systems, treatment facilities and processes, grounds facilities, and provides technical assistance during construction.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Completes design plans and technical specifications for a variety of water distribution, water treatment and facility projects, with final review and approval by a licensed PE
• Creates bid documents and facilitates bidding process.
• Ensures contractor compliance with plans and specifications for improvements and additions, subject to PE oversight
• Provides inspection and administration of construction projects.
• Performs a variety of engineering analyses related to new and existing facilities and infrastructure.
• Determines the most cost-effective and operationally effective alternatives on assigned projects.
• Develops conceptual plans and cost estimates for future capital improvement projects.
• Serves as project engineer on projects involving outside consultants, contractors, or DMWW's crews.
• Represents DMWW at project meetings with local utilities, local agencies, or state agencies.
• Reviews construction plans submitted by developers, outside agencies, or consultants for compliance with DMWW requirements, with PE review as required.
• Conducts engineering studies on source water, water treatment and water distribution systems.
• Reviews contractor submittals and shop drawings related to construction projects.
• Prepares operation and maintenance manuals.
• Provides assistance, as needed, answering questions concerning water service and construction projects.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering

Experience:

• Zero to three (0 to
  3) years of experience in design and construction of water treatment, facilities, and process-related projects.

Licenses/Certifications:

• This position requires certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
• Must possess a valid driver's license with good driving record.
  • This position requires Driver remain insurable under the Company's coverage.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Any additional experience in designing general civil, environmental, structural, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and/or process improvements within a municipal environment, including experience in managing all phases of projects from conception to completion.
• IDNR Grade II Water Distribution Operator and/or Grade II Water Treatment Operator License

SCOPE OF PRACTICE:

• The employee may not sign, seal, or stamp engineering drawings, reports, or specifications, and does not serve in responsible charge of engineering work as defined by Iowa Code.
• All engineering work performed in this role must be reviewed, approved, and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer within the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Basic engineering principles, practices, and methods applicable to water distribution, treatment, and related infrastructure.
• General engineering design codes, construction methods, and building code requirements.
• Construction trades, materials, and typical practices used in water utility construction.
• Safety practices and OSHA requirements for construction and industrial environments.
• Local, state, and federal regulations related to water utilities, public health, and environmental compliance.

Skills:

• Skill in performing engineering calculations and technical analyses.
• Skill in preparing construction cost estimates and developing project budgets.
• Skill in interpreting and reviewing plans, specifications, and technical submittals.
• Skill in organizing engineering and technical data.
• Skill in communicating technical information clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.

Abilities:

• Ability to apply engineering principles to identify problems and develop technically sound solutions.
• Ability to gather and evaluate as-built information and assess compliance with standards.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into clear guidance for contractors or field staff.
• Ability to make informed…