Engineer / Planner II

Summary:

The Engineer / Planner II manages a varied portfolio of wastewater utility planning, design and construction projects under the direction of the Engineering Manager. They are responsible for ensuring that their projects support AlexRenew's organizational goals and comply with regulatory requirements. This role involves completing assignments that require technical judgment, analyzing and monitoring project budgets and cost estimates, performing engineering calculations, demonstrating initiative in problem-solving, analyzing record documents, policy interpretation, and work planning. The Engineer / Planner II identifies and manages project risks, supports the development of project delivery strategies, and contributes technical expertise to assigned projects. They regularly coordinate with internal departments, external stakeholders, consultants, and contractors to ensure successful program and project execution. The position continues to develop technical expertise, independent judgment, and leadership skills necessary to manage increasingly complex assignments. Must also be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the Engineer/Planner I position.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Project and Program Management

• Manages an assigned portfolio of wastewater-related capital improvement (CIP), infrastructure renewal and replacement (IRR), and planning projects to meet defined scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Coordinates day-to-day project activities with consultants, contractors, construction management team, and internal stakeholders; resolves routine project issues and escalates complex or significant issues to the Engineering Manager as appropriate.
• Manages consultant and contractor performance, including monitoring deliverables, cost estimates, schedules, and invoices; documents performance issues and recommends corrective actions.
• Prepares scopes of work, work authorization memoranda, cost estimates, and supporting documentation for Engineering Manager review and approval.
• Identifies and manages project risks, including technical challenges, permitting constraints, cost impacts, and schedule conflicts; develops proposed mitigation strategies and escalates significant issues as appropriate.
• Supports procurement by preparing solicitation documents and evaluating proposals (including ITBs, RFQs, and RFPs) in coordination with the Procurement Department.
• Coordinates with Finance, Procurement, and other departments to support the development, review, and administration of contracts, agreements, and task orders.
• Coordinates construction activities, field observations, inspections, commissioning, and equipment performance testing; tracks open issues through resolution.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and organized project documentation, including contracts, correspondence, schedules, cost records, and technical deliverables using SharePoint.

Technical Oversight and Coordination

• Performs and coordinates technical reviews of engineering reports, design plans, specifications, hydraulic analyses, cost estimates, and submittals for technical accuracy, constructability, and consistency with project objectives.
• Locates, reviews, and analyzes existing design documents, technical studies, and as-built records to understand existing system configurations and operations, identify potential conflicts, and inform project planning, design, and construction.
• Provides technical comments and recommendations to consultants and contractors and works collaboratively to resolve design and construction issues.
• Coordinates input from Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, Finance, and other stakeholders to incorporate their respective needs into project planning, design, and execution.
• Supports the development of engineering solutions for wastewater treatment, conveyance, pumping, and related utility infrastructure.
• Assists with preparation of permit applications and supporting documentation and coordinates assigned activities with VDEQ, the City of Alexandria, and other regulatory agencies; supports compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Participates in the City of Alexandria development review process and attends permit and special inspection meetings as assigned

Departmental Support

• Develops an understanding of AlexRenew's strategic plan and aligns assigned project activities with departmental and organizational priorities.
• Supports implementation of CEO and Board initiatives and directives through assigned engineering projects and related analyses.
• Assists the Engineering Manager with capital and operating budget development, expenditure tracking, invoice review, and project status reporting.
• Prepares analyses, project updates, and supporting materials for departmental planning, budget discussions, and management decision-making.

Communication and Engagement

• Develops clear, well-organized presentations, technical memoranda, reports, and project updates that synthesize technical information for management, executive staff, and other stakeholders. Demonstrates an understanding of the underlying issues, applies critical thinking to interpret findings and implications, and effectively communicates key conclusions and recommendations.
• Organizes and facilitates project meetings, documents decisions and action items, and follows up on assigned actions to maintain project progress.
• Coordinates with internal departments, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and City staff to communicate project requirements and resolve project-related issues.
• Participates in relevant professional development activities, professional organizations, and industry events to expand technical knowledge and professional relationships.

Leadership Development

• Demonstrates accountability, initiative, sound judgment, teamwork, and professionalism in managing assigned responsibilities.
• Develops skills in prioritization, independent problem-solving, stakeholder management, and decision-making; seeks guidance when issues exceed delegated authority.
• Shares technical knowledge and provides guidance to less experienced team members as appropriate.

Safety and Compliance

• Actively promotes safe behaviors and health awareness at all times in the execution of daily tasks.
• Participates in and completes all AlexRenew safety trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Key Competencies, Individual Contributor:

• Accountability
• Quality of Work
• Initiative
• Safety Awareness
• Teamwork

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in civil, sanitary, environmental, mechanical or chemical engineering, or related technical/construction discipline preferred.

• Five (5) years of engineering experience relating to the design, construction and/or operation of wastewater collection systems or treatment plants; or a combination of education, coursework and professional experience as described above desired.
• Ability to obtain Virginia Professional Engineer (PE) within required years of experience desired.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong verbal/written communication skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work well both independently and in team environment required.
• Ability to resolve problems using tact and diplomacy required.
• Demonstrated project management skills on a large project or suite of smaller projects involving engineering, planning, design, construction and/or facilities commissioning. Project Management Professional (PMP) desired.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. A detailed Physical Demands Analysis is available in Human Resources and a copy will be provided to all incumbents in this position. While performing the duties of this job, typical of office work, include lifting up to 10 pounds, and minimal pushing or pulling.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter on an occasional to regular basis while performing the functions of this job. Environmental conditions necessitate following strict safety guidelines and use of Personal Protective Equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs work indoors in a climate controlled environment, with some outdoor work required for routine project site visits.

Disclaimer:

The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.