Water Resources Engineer Salary $118,560.00 - $166,920.00 Annually Location Tacoma, WA Job Type Non-Classified Job Number T0150-25B Department Water Division Water Planning & Engineering Opening Date 07/14/2025 Closing Date 8/4/2025 5:00 PM Pacific + Description + Benefits + Questions Position Description Are you a highly skilled and experienced Professional Engineer with a passion for water resource management? Tacoma Water (https://www.mytpu.org/about-tpu/services/water/) is seeking a dynamic and versatile Water Resources Engineer to join our team. Under the direction of a Principal Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in monitoring, maintaining, and directing the weekly and long term operations of our complex water supply and transmission system. This multifaceted position requires a deep understanding of water systems, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across various teams and agencies. This position may be eligible for a partial telework schedule after a training and onboarding period. Key Responsibilities As a Water Resources Engineer, you'll wear many hats, encompassing the roles of an Operating Engineer, Mathematical Modeler, Procedure/Report Developer, Problem Solver, and Project Engineer. Your responsibilities will include: Operating Engineer + Monitor, maintain, and direct weekly operations of a large, regional water supply/transmission system, ensuring high-quality service. + Prioritize and resolve equipment and maintenance issues, making environmentally sound decisions. + Ensure water-wide coordination on operational matters and support the Regional Water Supply System (RWSS) administration. + Make recommendations affecting water system operations, such as well runtimes, flow rates, and valve settings, and evaluate deviations from normal conditions. Mathematical Modeler + Evaluate future supply operational scenarios for both near and long-term conditions. + Determine operational strategies and recommend potential capital improvements based on hydrological data, demand forecasts, source constraints, interagency agreements, and state and federal requirements + Ensure accurate collection and recording of system operating data, confirming compliance with state and federal requirements. + Model the system using Hydraulic or Yield models to understand operational changes. Project Engineer + Manage project results, with authority to direct contract changes, enforce provisions, and resolve disputes. + Administer contracts with various consultants, contractors, and agencies, including on-site inspections. + Develop and direct the preparation of project scopes, technical specifications, calculations, timelines, and budgets, sealing (stamping) plans as needed. + Create and maintain contracts, purchase requisitions, and other purchasing documents, ensuring accurate and timely payments. + Prepare, obtain, and administer necessary federal, state, and local permits and grants as needed. Procedure/Report Developer + Assist in developing, implementing and interpreting system-wide procedures and protocols for water system operation. + Develop, implement and maintain system operating reports for internal and external use. Problem Solver + Solve unique and complex technical problems, conducting forecasts, plans, studies, and cost estimates. + Develop, seal (stamp), and publish technical reports and calculations. Qualifications Minimum Education* Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or directly related field. Minimum Experience* 4 years of professional level engineering experience *Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements Washington State Driver's License Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer and maintenance thereafter** **6-month grace period allowable to transfer PE license from another state to WA Desired Qualifications + Experience in water or utility industry Selection Process & Supplemental Information City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play. The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws. Apply Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position. Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration. Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check. Communication from the City of Tacoma: We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or neogov.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders. Should you have any questions about this position please call Human Resources at (253) 591-5400 before 4pm on the closing date. The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives. Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger. Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger. Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type. Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees. Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income. Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200. Other Employment Information Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit. Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule. Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees. Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice. 01 Do you have the equivalent combination to a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or directly related field AND 4 years of professional level engineering experience? *Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education + Yes + No 02 Do you have a Washington State Professional Engineer license or the ability to transfer a PE license from another state to Washington within 6 months? + Yes + No 03 This role requires collaboration with personnel both within and outside your direct line of supervision. Provide an example of a complex system objective you achieved through such collaboration, detailing your role in facilitating communication. 04 Describe a time you had to explain complex technical information about a water system (or similar infrastructure) to an audience with varying levels of technical understanding, including non-engineers. What strategies did you use to ensure clear communication and comprehension for everyone? 05 One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people. 06 Please tell us how you learned about this job opening. + Job Interest Card notification + Professional organization + Military organization + City of Tacoma employee + Online job board posting + Word of mouth + LinkedIn + Tacoma Training & Education Program (TTEP) + Indeed + Facebook + Instagram + Careers in Government + Government Jobs + Outreach Event + National Diversity Network + African American Job Network + Disability Job Network + Asian Job Network + Latino Job Network + Retirement Job Network + LGBT Job Network + Veteran Job Network + Other 07 Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings Required Question Employer City of Tacoma Address Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764 Phone 253-591-5400 Website http://www.tacoma.gov Apply Please verify your email address Verify Email