DWM Watershed Director I (Chief Engineer) (OLIO - Technical Services) chez City of Atlanta

Posting expires: October 7, 2025

General Description and Classification Standards:
Responsible for supporting the Office of Linear Infrastructure Operations (OLIO). The purpose of the position is to provide comprehensive operations technical support and guidance to the planning, design, construction, investigation and operation of the water distribution system and sewer collection and conveyance system infrastructure. The Chief Engineer interfaces with the OLIO senior DWM leadership, engineers, managers, operating staff, contractors, consultants, utilities, utilities, government agencies, developers, and the general public in the execution of the mandate to maintain quality water supply and collection services to DWM customers.

This position requires the use of independent judgment and discretion in setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations.

Supervision Received:
May work independently or part of a team of directors and managers that meet to discuss issues related to budgets, staff, policy, and operations. Direction received is very general and focuses on strategic objectives and is typically collaborative in nature. This is a policy-making level of management and would be considered "upper middle" management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

•    Responds to the direction of the Director II of Technical Services and the OLIO Deputy Commissioner to address emergency or pressing needs impacting the system or specific customers.
•    Interfaces with counterparts in other DWM departments (i.e., OCCBS, OES, OPA, OWP, OWTR) and external City of Atlanta departments such as AFRD, DOA, DOL, DOP, DPW, Renew Atlanta with a focus on operational integrity of the water and sewer infrastructure.
•    Interfaces with external agencies such as GDOT, EPD, DeKalb County Water, City of Sandy Springs, GA Tech etc. as required in the planning, design, construction, and operation of water/wastewater facilities.
•    General support for field engineers, inspectors, project managers, valve team operations, system flow testing and records personnel.
•    Contract and project development in response to needed system improvements. 
•    Manage contracts as directed by the OLIO Deputy Commissioner.
•    Performs field investigations, research and response to water and wastewater related claims and lawsuits against the City of Atlanta.
•    Provides effective communication (written and oral) with citizens, developers, contractors, plumbers, etc. and other internal DWM staff.
•    May perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

•    Extensive knowledge of civil engineering, environmental engineering, and engineering design; working knowledge of computer aided drafting systems; and working knowledge of facilities construction.
•    Ability to interact effectively with various personality styles and with upper departmental management or elected officials; ability to read and interpret construction drawings; ability to interpret laws, regulations, and guidelines; ability to utilize Microsoft suites and project management programs; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees and representatives of other public agencies.
•    Ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
•    Ability to interpret laws, regulations, and guidelines.
•    Ability to utilize Microsoft suites and project management programs.
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees, and representatives of other public agencies.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience –
•    Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field
•    Seven (7) to ten (10) years of design, construction and/or operations experience with an emphasis in water/wastewater facilities
•    Experience managing projects valued in excess $50MM

Licensures and Certifications Preferred –

•    CCM (Certified Construction Manager) or PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is preferred.
•    Professional Engineer (PE) license in Civil or Environmental Engineering is preferred.

Preferred Requirements – 
•    Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
•    Ten (10) plus years of design, construction and/or operations experience with an emphasis in water/wastewater facilities.
•    Experience managing projects valued in excess $100MM.

Work Environment:

Lifting Requirements:
Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Work Schedule:
This position follows the City’s hybrid work schedule policy as assigned by the Department of Human Resources Commissioner and requires in-person work at City worksites/facilities at least four (4) days per week, with the option to work remotely one (1) day per week, based on eligibility, departmental needs, and supervisor approval. The hybrid work schedule is subject to change at any time to five (5) days in-person work.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta {"COA'') that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran's status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.