Section Engineer (Wastewater Process Engineer)

The City of Wichita is NOT an E-Verify Employer.

The Wastewater Process Engineer is responsible for performing a variety of advanced level professional engineering duties for the City of Wichita’s Wastewater Treatment Division, with emphasis on the Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) treatment processes at three treatment plants. The position is responsible for optimizing, identifying and investigating problems, and developing solutions for complex chemical and biological systems, as well as reviewing wastewater process, quality, and flow data to validate treatment process and operational decisions. The position will also be involved in planning and/or pilot testing for water reuse projects which could culminate in Direct Potable Reuse. 

Work is performed with considerable independence within a generally defined scope. The position may be responsible for some administrative tasks and may supervise lower-level exempt and/or non-exempt staff. Work is directed and reviewed through the establishment of goals and subsequent evaluation of progress towards goal attainment.

Workdays and Hours - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Bargaining Unit: Employee Council

• Ensures efficient and compliant operation of the BNR plants, conveyance systems, biosolids handling and disposal, and reduction of malodorous compounds by reviewing wastewater treatment processes and facility designs and standard operating procedures, gathering data, analyzing new and existing systems, and directing projects for improvement. 
• Evaluates process technologies, develops and directs testing from jar testing to pilot testing.
• Identifies and investigates problems such as BNR process upsets, odors, and industrial discharges, and advises division staff on physical, biological, and chemical processes to maximize wastewater process operation efficiency and meet permit requirements.  
• Monitors and analyzes operator reports, energy and chemical usage data, and lab data from the on-site lab and from contracted labs, and establishes the need and plan for collecting additional data as needed.
• Conducts analyses of conveyance and influent pump station flow reports to characterize conveyance system performance under normal and emergency conditions; advise on metering and instrumentation equipment needs, interacting with technology and operations.
• Manages the development and implementation of large-scale planning and modeling efforts and complex engineering projects for the Wastewater Treatment division with emphasis on compliance and value engineering; serves as engineering liaison with other PW&U divisions, consultants, and outside agencies.
• Consults with project managers and engineering design firms in selection of new treatment processes, methods, and means of implementation. Oversees selection and management of engineering consultant contractors, and coordinates work with project stakeholders, government agencies, contractors, and consultants.
• Analyzes new or proposed legislation or regulations to determine impact on program operations or ability to achieve permit compliance.
• Performs data control activities; proofreads and reviews process data reports to ensure accuracy of data entered; balances values and makes necessary corrections or adjustments.
• Serves as a resource to other staff, external stakeholders, vendors, and consultants regarding the City’s BNR treatment plant processes.

• Completion of work assignments may require operation of a vehicle.
• These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.
• Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

• Thorough knowledge of wastewater engineering and design, treatment processes, flow monitoring, and their application to a wide variety of treatment facility projects.
• Thorough knowledge of BNR processes; process optimization and troubleshooting. 
• Considerable knowledge of project development, scheduling, and management. 
• Understanding of the principles and practices of public administration, legislative and local government operation, budget management, and contract management.
• Understanding of key performance indicators and continuous improvement drivers related to wastewater treatment.  
• Understanding of the concepts of risk management, facility resilience, and business continuity.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of data processing, data entry and retrieval techniques, and ability to use engineering computer software applications, wastewater treatment simulation models, and water information management systems (WIMS) platforms. 
• Understanding of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to wastewater permits and environmental protection, including the Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

• Ability to read and interpret building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and system control plans with information printed as small as twenty characters per inch.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain, climb steps or ladders, and tolerate environmental nuisances associated with wastewater environments.
• Must possess manual dexterity to use equipment, see and read printed material with or without vision aids, physical ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds and be able to bend, stoop, walk, and reach overhead.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license.
• Must obtain certification as a Class IV Wastewater operator, issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), within two years of hire.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Required Experience and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Environmental Engineering, and/or Chemical Engineering
• Two (2) years of experience in the design of wastewater treatment systems.
• Must be eligible to obtain a Kansas Professional Engineer (PE) license within one (1) year of hire. Candidates who currently hold a PE license in another state obtained by examination may be appointed, provided Kansas licensure is obtained within one (1) year of employment.
• A valid Driver’s License.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship. 

• Certification as a Class IV Wastewater operator, issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), or an equivalent certification issued by another state agency.
• Certificate of Licensure as a Professional Engineer in the State of Kansas.
• Two (2) years of design, construction, and/or wastewater operational experience.

Starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement. 

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check. 

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf