JOB LOCATION

Aurora, Colorado 80016-2946

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Principal Engineer Range:

Anticipated Hiring Salary: $122, 737 - $146,115/year

Full salary range: $116,892 - $182,644/year

Project Engineer II and Senior Engineer Range:

Anticipated Hiring Salary: $93,375 - $116,719/year

Full salary range: $93,375 - $145,899/year

Salary and level to be commensurate with experience.

This posting is considered "continuous." Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. However, it is subject to close at any time once a qualified pool of applications is received.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT

Exciting, career defining opportunity to co-lead the design and construction of a new Colorado reservoir.

This job will be responsible for leading and/or co-leading the design and construction of the Wild Horse Reservoir project. The Wild Horse Reservoir project is a proposed 95,000 acft reservoir in Park County currently in the pre-permitting phase. If approved, Wild Horse is anticipated to start construction as early as 2028, take between 6 and 7 years, and is expected to cost over $1 billion. The design of the proposed action (Wild Horse Reservoir) is currently at 30%. A concurrent alternative location design is in the process of being procured.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (All Principal Engineer Jobs)

The list of duties and responsibilities below are common for the Principal Engineer, Senior Engineer and Project Engineer II jobs. The successful candidate’s job title and compensation will depend on their ability to perform the required duties and responsibilities. Level of candidate performance (master, expert, or advanced respectively) will align with the job title and compensation.

• Assist operations staff with Wild Horse design problems that arise, find solutions, determine roles and responsibilities, and actively manage the solution process as required. Perform engineering calculations and evaluations required to support operations staff.
• Program Budget and Spending: Develop and manage the Wild Horse program budget and spending plan. Ensure contracts are identified, properly budgeted and tracked via an updated cash flow and project management model monthly.
• Program Project Knowledge: Ensure that monthly you are up to date on all program contracts and provide guidance in management and operation conversations/decisions.
• Leadership Team: Provide leadership, mentoring and technical guidance to direct report engineers (applicable to Principal Engineer level only) and the consultant teams managing program tasks. Assure that projects meet established quality standards.
• Technical Expert: Be the in-house WHR program design and construction technical expert and keep up to date on the project status, issues, resolutions and latest applicable technological advancements to make recommendations for implementation in Aurora.
• Serve as a spokesperson for WHR design and construction tasks and represent the Department or City. Ensure compliance with regulatory agencies, Federal, State, and Local policies and procedures.
• Support the values and mission of Aurora Water, support initiatives from upper management
• Develop and manage the overall project plan, including defining project objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Oversee the design development phase, collaborating with engineers and specialists to ensure designs meet safety, functionality, and regulatory standards.
• Review drawings and specifications for constructability, completeness, and accuracy.
• Coordinate with operations managers to ensure goal and objectives are achieved.
• Develop and manage the project budget, including cost estimation, resource allocation, and expense tracking.
• Implement cost-control measures and optimize spending to ensure project completion within budget constraints.
• Track and monitor project expenditures regularly, analyzing variances against the budget and taking corrective actions as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between stakeholders, including clients, architects, engineers, contractors, inspectors, and regulatory agencies.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide regular updates on project progress, budget status, and any potential issues or deviations to all relevant parties.
• Establish and enforce a robust quality control plan to ensure all construction activities meet specified standards and adhere to design specifications.
• Develop, implement, and enforce safety protocols and procedures, ensuring strict adherence to site safety policies.
• Identify potential project risks and challenges, developing and implementing strategies to mitigate them.
• Develop contingency plans and response protocols for unforeseen delays, emergencies, or other project-related problems.
• Coordinate with the legal department to facilitate the development, negotiation, and execution of project contracts, including those related to procurement and subcontractor agreements.
• Lead and mentor a diverse project team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Delegate tasks effectively and provide guidance and support to team members.
• Motivate and encourage the team, resolving conflicts and addressing any performance issues promptly.
• Manage contract-related aspects of the project, including negotiating contracts with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Ensure all contractual obligations are met and address any contract disputes or deviations from the terms of agreements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:

• Principal, Senior and Project Engineer II: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Civil, Geotechnical, Structural, Environmental, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering (or similar related field).

Experience:

• Principal Engineer: Ten years of professional level engineering experience including at least three years of supervisory experience.
• Senior Engineer: Eight years of professional level engineering experienceincluding at least one year supervisory experience preferred.
• Project Engineer II: Six years of professional level engineering experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management Profession (PMP) certification preferred

Knowledge: 

The list of knowledge requirements below are common for the Principal Engineer, Senior Engineer and Project Engineer II jobs. The successful candidate’s job title and compensation will depend on their level of knowledge in these areas which would be master, expert or advanced respectively.

• Knowledge of current principles and practices of dam engineering acquired through progressive experience.
• Knowledge of various dam types (gravity, arch, embankment) and their design principles, construction methodologies, and rehabilitation techniques.
• Understanding soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation analysis, seepage control, and seismic stability related to dam structures.
• Understanding of hydrology and hydraulics, flood routing, spillway design, and hydraulic modeling to ensure safe and efficient water management systems.
• Understanding dam safety regulations, conducting risk assessments and analyses (like Potential Failure Mode Analysis (PFMA) and Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment (SQRA)), and developing risk reduction measures.
• Familiarity with dam surveillance and monitoring systems, including sensors and data analysis, for long-term safety and performance assessment.
• Informed of new methods and developments affecting the dams and water resources business.
• Knowledge of Engineering principles, practices, theories, and techniques related to infrastructure planning and project management along with an understanding of the principles, practices, financial management and operating requirements of a water utility

Abilities: 

The list of abilities below are common for the Principal Engineer, Senior Engineer and Project Engineer IIjobs. The successful candidate’s jobtitle and compensation will depend on their abilities in these areas which would be master, expert oradvanced respectively.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and stakeholders
• Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Establish and fulfill goals and objectives
• Plan and schedule work unit operations
• Be a creative thinker who is driven by opportunities to continually improve 
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously and use good judgment in prioritizing work assignments
• Independently represent the department in multiple internal and external settings
• Behaves and makes decisions consistent with City of Aurora values and Water vision and mission.

Skills: 

• Strong interpersonal, analytical, project management, and leadership skills

Licenses and Certifications:  

• PE (or equivalent) registration in the State of Colorado, or ability to obtain licensure through reciprocity within six months.
• Driver's license with a good driving history

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel:

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands: 

• Sedentary physical work requiring the ability to lift at least 10 pounds with or without assistance.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing
• Vision sufficient to read computer screens, printouts, and related documents.
• Dexterity to operate a computer system and other related equipment
• Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens
• Endurance sufficient to sit and work at a computer for long periods of time.

 
Work Environment: 

• Works in a clean, comfortable environment
• The work environment will occasionally include field visits to Aurora Water facilities (treatment facilities, pump stations, tanks, reservoirs, etc.)

Equipment Used: 

• Operates a motor vehicle and personal computer. 
• This job may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.

For Veterans preference:  Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
           
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.  We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants.  It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
                                         
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace.  A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
 

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. 

Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.  

Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.