Engineer I (Field Engineering)

Salary : $64,600.00 - $97,000.00 Annually
Location : Detroit, Michigan, MI
Job Type: Classified- Regular (DWSD Only)
Job Number:
Department: Water Department
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
Bargaining Unit: 9000-Non Union Salary Regular Service General

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.

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 performs engineering work for municipal projects. This position administers and manages 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 administration tasks for municipal engineering projects. Prepare plans, drawings, specifications and detailed computations for municipal engineering projects. Prepare requests 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. Oversee and devise testing related to proper maintenance and operation of equipment. Assist management with 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. Provide on the job training.

RELATED JOB FUNCTIONS:
Assist in obtaining consultant approvals and in construction contract advertisement. Obtain contract number(s) and other required information for consultant and construction contracts. Process consultant invoices. Prepare requests to approve hiring a consultant. 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
• Basic Geographic Information Systems
• Green Stormwater Infrastructure

SKILL TO:
• Devise solutions to engineering problems
• Manage 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 team 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 and enforce consultant work and responses
• 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
• Oversee and devise test related to proper maintenance and operation of equipment
• Evaluate bids for construction contracts
• Prepare progress reports
• Attend construction meetings
• Follow security and safety policies and procedures in carrying out work duties
• Provide on the job training
• Perform related work duties as assigned
• Review and send comments on consultant prepared study and design reports, drawings and specifications
• Review and enforce contract documents per system requirements and master specifications
• Prepare requests for proposals and evaluate proposals for consultant contracts
• Supervise and approve all site surveys
• Estimate construction change costs and prepare budget estimates

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 preferred
• E.I.T. (Engineer In Training) certificate 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.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

HEALTH

• Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
• Dental
• Vision

INSURANCE

• Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.

PAID TIME OFF

• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holidays

OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,

RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
• Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or

- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
• In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
• Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.