Description

About the Role:

We are seeking a wastewater industry leader to lead WTD’s Technology Assessment Program (TAP). WTD is a leader in piloting and assessing new treatment technologies and working with academic researchers and colleagues across the industry. TAP resides in the Policy & Research group which ensures that WTD has a well-thought-out approach to research, testing and policy initiatives to support emerging regulations and new developments in research and technology. Join our team of proactive, innovative, trusted subject matter experts in wastewater engineering!

This position will lead a team of wastewater test engineers. You will develop annual work plans, assign staff work, and manage a capital budget. You will serve as the primary contact for WTD’s Technology Assessment Program and develop and present information to a variety of internal and external audiences. In addition to leading staff, you will play a key hands-on role in testing innovative treatment technologies and participating in applied research projects. Overall, this position is responsible for evaluating the applicability of new technologies to King County wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance, which includes monitoring trends in the wastewater industry. This position supports innovation and helps ensure that WTD has a well-thought-out approach to support emerging regulations and new developments in research and technology.

What you will be doing:

• Testing of innovative treatment technologies, writing test plans, procuring pilot equipment, designing pilot installations, commissioning and operating pilot systems, evaluating data, writing test reports.
• Participation in applied research projects in collaboration with academic institutions and industry organizations (ex. Water Research Foundation).
• Support treatment plant process groups with troubleshooting and optimization of treatment plant unit processes.
• Support planning and capital program projects with alternatives evaluation, design review, and commissioning.
• Technology proposal review and disposition.
• Maintain a physical presence at WTD’s treatment plants and offsite facilities.
• Provide leadership on long-term TAP program strategy and program-wide issues and projects including research partnerships, industry-wide monitoring, pilot projects, and strategic planning.
• Participate in development, implementation and monitoring of TAP capital program budget.
• Develop annual work plan and priorities for TAP, monitor staff workloads and assign work to program staff. Coordinate backup to other staff when they are unavailable.
• Serve as primary contact for TAP on internal and external groups. Develop and present information to a variety of internal and external audiences.
• Conduct regular check-ins with all TAP staff and assist supervisor with personnel matters including staff professional development.

Requirements

Qualifications You Bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• Twelve years increasingly responsible wastewater engineering experience commensurate with a professional engineer registration; at least eight of those years as a licensed P.E.
• Thorough knowledge of wastewater engineering principles and techniques as well as familiarity with wastewater facilities construction principles and techniques.
• Experience in technology pilot testing, drafting test plans, commissioning, operating, troubleshooting, sampling, data collection, data analysis, and writing final reports.
• Imagination and creative abilities to develop alternatives and prepare designs for additions and improvements to new and existing wastewater facilities.
• Ability to analyze and interpret technical or scientific information and to communicate this information in writing or verbally at a level appropriate for various target audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations, for example peers, managers, external experts, regulators, citizens, customers, or community organizations.
• Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, including with external partners (ex. Consultants, other utilities, academic institutions, national research organizations)
• Skill with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) in preparing documents, reports, presentations, spreadsheets and analyzing data.
• Registration as a PE in the State of Washington, or conversion of out of state license within 90 days of hire

Required licenses:

• Valid WA State driver's license within 90 days of hire.