Senior Project Engineer - Water

This is lead and professional engineering work in the investigation, development, construction and maintenance of projects in the Grand Rapids Water System. The work involves responsibility for supervising and participating in the conduct of engineering activities, which include the preparation of engineering design, plans, specifications, contract work items, bid proposals and cost estimates for various projects, and the inspection of city contract construction activities.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Water System Manager and is reviewed through discussion and inspection of projects in progress and upon completion.

• Manage complex water system capital projects, including planning, design and construction.
• Collaborate with Engineering and other City departments to oversee consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Provide technical support and information as needed.
• Oversee operations and maintenance of water distribution facilities (pump stations, storage tanks, transmission mains).
• Manage predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance of pumps, motors, valves, communications, and electrical systems.
• Coordinate engineering studies and field data collection for cost estimates and scope development.
• Develop long‑term capital and maintenance plans spanning 5‑20+ years.
• Create detailed workplans for planned and emergency system outages involving transmission mains, pump stations, and storage facilities.
• Coordinate teams and develop alternative operation plans during system shutdowns.
• Prepare and manage the water distribution budget, including personnel, equipment, services, supplies, and utilities.
• Maintain asset inventory, review the criticality and probability of failure of distribution assets, and develop and implement maintenance plans to ensure assets remain available and functional throughout their useful life.
• Implement maintenance plans to ensure asset reliability and longevity.
• Assist Utility Engineering with planning, design, and review of water system improvements.
• Prepare requests for proposals and establish timelines to ensure successful project completion.
• Review plans and specifications to ensure compliance with city specifications and strategic plans.
• Prioritize, assign, and evaluate the work of mechanics and support staff, providing training, leadership, and mentorship.
• Supervise and help develop less experienced staff while managing succession planning.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Graduation from college with a bachelor's degree in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering.
• Four (4) years of professional engineering experience of which two (2) years must be in city water systems; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Professional Engineer license.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1.
• 6% employee 401(a) contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit).
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account.
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options.
• Twelve Paid Holidays.
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time.
• Paid parking (if applicable).
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive.
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling.
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive.
• Employee Discounts and Perks.

Should an applicant need any disability‑related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application.

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factor.

Please note:

This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreements and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules