Water Resources Engineer

Under limited supervision of Water Resources Supervisor performs responsible work in planning designing and implementing water resource projects that improve water quality and mitigate flooding across Polk County.

• Leads the development of specifications plans reports and cost estimates for water resource engineering projects; oversees permitting processes and manages civil engineering surveys design and construction activities related to conservation initiatives including wetlands stream rehabilitation stormwater management and agricultural best management practices.
• Assists the Water Resources Supervisor in strategic planning administration and operational management of the division; oversees consultant-led engineering efforts including contract development design review and provision of technical guidance.
• Provides expert technical support to the Water Resources Division and the Public Works Department to enhance program effectiveness and target improvements.
• Collaborate with public and private agencies to implement watershed plans develop targeted water resources programs and secure external funding.
• Prepares and submits permit applications for water resources projects (e.g. Section 404 floodplain permits etc.).
• Supports the development of new programs and strategic initiatives aligned with Polk Countys goals and funding opportunities from state federal local and private sources.
• Maintains statistical financial and operational records related to project costs schedules supplies and equipment; prepares budgetary reports and funding requests.
• Designs and implements water resources projects on both private and public lands in urban and agricultural areas.
• Support the management and maintenance of Polk County Drainage Districts under the oversight of the Board of Supervisors; represents the county on boards and commissions as assigned.
• Delivers formal presentations and prepares technical reports based on research and project outcomes.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of the modern principles and practices of civil engineering practice.
• Considerable knowledge of the provisions of various federal state and local laws codes and regulations pertaining to civil and environmental engineering.
• Thorough knowledge of construction methods and materials contract negotiation and administration and construction inspection as utilized in conservation practices including constructed wetlands stormwater management and stream restorations.
• Thorough knowledge of conservation design techniques and best management practices.
• Knowledge of land and engineering survey methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of safety standards applicable to civil and environmental engineering design and specifications.
• Knowledge of design practices aligned with the Iowa Stormwater Management Manual Iowa River Restoration Toolbox and Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Knowledge of the preparation of plans cost estimates and construction standards of water resources engineering projects.
• Ability to express ideas clearly/concisely both verbally and inwriting.
• Ability to plan organize assign direct and supervise the work of professional engineers and technical staff.
• Ability to conduct technical research develop comprehensive recommendations and implement effective engineering solutions.
• Ability to prepare highly technical reports cost estimates material lists and specification data.
• Ability to conduct engineering inspections.
• Ability to use persuasion tact negotiation skills and diplomacy to effectively resolve disputes and gain consensus.
• Ability to make formal presentations to boards commissions and community groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials public officials county staff engineers contractors and the general public fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Ability to sit stand and walk on uneven or unstable terrain such as construction sites.
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs.

• Bachelors Degree in Civil or Construction Engineering and
• Five years of progressively responsible environmental engineering experience or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge skills and abilities.
• Must be a licensed engineer in the State of Iowa or able to obtain licensure within six months of hire.

Special Requirements:

• Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
• A criminal background check isrequired.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer ofemployment.
• A valid State of Iowa drivers license is required.