Location : Detroit, Michigan, MI
Job Type: Classified- Regular (DWSD Only)
Job Number:
Department: Water Department
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 10/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: 3400-Association of Municipal Engineers (DWSD)
Description
This is not a Civil Service Position. DWSD employees are subject to provisions of Court Orders entered in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Case No. 77-71100 with regard to certain terms and conditions of employment. DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates.
This project is a temporary initiative funded by a grant, set to span a duration of four years.
Applicants for open positions at the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
SUMMARY:
The Engineer 3 performs engineering work for municipal projects. This position provides engineering support in the execution in the administration for the design and implementation, and/or delivery and execution of consultant and contract services, for all projects required for the improvement and expansion of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department System.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Perform construction engineering tasks for municipal engineering projects. Prepare plans, drawings, specifications and detailed computations for municipal engineering projects. Prepare technical scopes of work for proposals and evaluate proposals for consultant contracts. Evaluate bids for construction contracts. Attend construction meetings. Assist with field and design issues on construction of projects. Review and enforce consultant work and responses. Participate and review all site surveys. Provide technical oversight and devise testing related to proper maintenance and operation of equipment. Develop engineering reports and other correspondence. A valid Michigan Driver's License and the ability to drive a motor vehicle on all terrain. Follow security and safety policies and procedures in carrying out work duties. Identify lessons learned on current projects for review and corrective action on future projects.
RELATED JOB FUNCTIONS:
Facilitate in obtaining consultant approvals and in construction contract advertisement. Obtain contract number(s) and other required information for consultant and construction contracts. Review and confirm that consultant submitted work is completed in accordance with the scope of work, standards and specifications of the contract. Prepare blue sheet updates. Perform related work duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
? Water and wastewater, distribution and collection processes, equipment and systems
? Principles and practices of engineering design and construction management
? Project Management principles
? Basic Geographic Information Systems
? Green Stormwater Infrastructure
SKILL TO:
? Devise solutions to engineering problems
? Provide Qualified Engineering Support to multiple projects
? Use advanced technology
? Prepare clear, accurate and comprehensive reports
? Use survey instruments, tools and other equipment
? Develop and understand critical path methodology/scheduling
? Provide operational support
? Proficiently use standard word processing, spreadsheet, database, GIS software, and other Microsoft Office applications.
Provide excellent written skills needed to support development of technical products, tools, support documents, and training materials.
? Conduct statistical analyses.
? Provide strong oral communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills.
ABILITY TO:
? Read and interpret contract drawings/specification and schematic drawings
? Conduct and record precise observations
? Plan, manage and administer the engineering function
? Effectively utilize appropriate security and safety equipment and procedures
? Make complex arithmetic computations
? Read and interpret schematics
? Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
? Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
? Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
? Communicate frequently with the team members and other units across the Department about process, equipment or potential problems
? Develop proficiency in unit specific operations and software
? Direct engineering activities or to work as a team member
? Perform construction administration tasks for municipal engineering projects
? Prepare plans, drawings, specifications and detailed computations for municipal engineering projects
? Estimate quantities and costs
? Meet with operations and maintenance staff to discuss requirements and experiences for upgrading systems and equipment
? Review Requests for Information, Technical Correspondence and identify corrective action needed to be addressed by Project Managers
? Participate and review all site surveys
? Review contractor submittals and request for interpretations for accuracy and conformity to specification and established standards
? Assist with contract close-outs
? Assist with field and design issues on construction of projects
? Participate on the evaluation of bids for construction contracts
? Prepare progress reports
? Attend construction meetings
? Follow security and safety policies and procedures in carrying out work duties
? Perform related work duties as assigned
? Review and send comments on consultant prepared study and design reports, drawings and specifications
? Prepare technical scopes used in requests for proposals and evaluate proposals for consultant contracts
? Review site surveys and provide recommendation
Estimate construction change costs and prepare budget estimates
? Prepare capital improvement program (CIP) project proposals
? Assist in the technical feasibility study for the CIP project under consideration
? Review suburban water system construction plans for conformity to departmental standards; coordinate the regional standardization of materials, components, construction methods and records; and maintaining a regional record system including an as-built section map system
? Collect regional topographical, demographic, economic and land use data; project water requirements and the correlative need for expanded water system facilities
? Prepare preliminary engineering studies of alternate solutions and cost estimates
? Prepare Engineering Services for field construction and field inspection for major improvement projects in the water supply system
? Assist operations to overcome deficiencies pointed out by regulatory agencies having jurisdiction on wastewater and water plants
? Assist operations and systems control in fixing emergency repairs in booster stations, reservoirs, and pumping stations
? Provide engineering technical input and communication that may be required for the approval from regulatory authorities like EGLE, Drain Commissions, County Road Commissions, Corps of Engineers, and other cities/governmental units
? Prepare capital improvement program (CIP) project technical proposals
? Prepare technical feasibility study for the CIP project under consideration
? Assist operations to overcome deficiencies pointed out by regulatory agencies having jurisdiction on wastewater and water plants
? Assist operations and systems control in fixing emergency repairs in booster stations, reservoirs, and pumping stations
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (position requirements at entry)
? Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil/sanitary, environmental, mechanical, electrical or chemical engineering
? Engineering and construction management experience
? E.I.T. (Engineer in Training) certificate
? P.E. (Professional Engineering) License (could be waved with at least eight (8) years' experience in treatment plants, or distribution and collection systems and/or green stormwater infrastructure projects)
? Six (6) years of experience in treatment plants, or distribution and collection systems and/or green stormwater infrastructure projects
? Master's degree in engineering preferred
Supplemental Information
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
This position requires the ability to climb, bend, twist, carry, stack, push, pull and other efforts requiring considerable physical strength. This position also requires the ability to lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds, walk, stand, or work for long periods of time, demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms, detect abnormal equipment sounds, visually inspect equipment and processes at any time of the day or night. Employees will be required to wear respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment; perform scaffold, confined space, elevated and underground work. Employees will also be required to pass a vision test, yearly baseline physical and fit test for respirator/Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. While performing the duties of this position, employees are regularly required to use hands to handle, feel or operate equipment.
Environmental Working Requirements:
Work is performed at the plants or in a field environment. This position requires the ability to work in all conditions involving exposure to outside elements and seasonal weather. Work may be performed near open water and systems with hazardous chemicals that are acidic, highly corrosive, heat producing and potentially explosive. Work may be performed in confined spaces, hazardous areas that require respiratory protection and personal protective equipment (PPE), and under slippery and wet conditions.
Other Requirements:
Valid Michigan Driver's License
Ability to work irregular hours, to commute to DWSD facilities and work sites
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. Employees in this class are required to undergo alcohol and drug screening and are subject to a criminal background investigation.
