Director, Plant Engineering (Engineering Contract Management), Supervisor, Meter Reading

Metropolitan Utilities District Omaha, NE Full-time Engineering

Posted on May 1, 2024

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Director, Plant Engineering (Engineering Contract Management)

Position Summary
The Director, Plant Engineering is responsible for providing oversight and direction of the District's contracted projects (including plant improvements and capital improvement projects), services, and activities including the water main extensions, gas and water infrastructure replacement programs, cross bore program, soil and concrete testing, emissions compliance, valve audit, water services, traffic barricading, among others. This person will direct a team of engineers and technicians to develop contract specifications, bidding, perform project inspection, generate pay estimates and completion reports, as-builts, develop Request for Proposals and Request for Qualifications (RFP/RFQ) in addition to other essential documents required to complete contract work for the District. This position is part of the Engineering leadership team to provide recommendations to continue enhancing the District's infrastructure replacement programs, support the lead water service inventory and replacement initiatives, and assist the District's water and gas operations department's capital improvement projects, ensuring the safety of employees and customers and adherence with all regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

Develop division goals, manage and coordinate work assignments and set priorities.
Prioritize the health and wellbeing of District workforce by leading with a safety-first mindset.
Ensure designs, drawings and specifications prepared by Engineers and Senior Engineering Technicians meet established quality standards and timelines are met.
Provide direction on gas and water Infrastructure Replacement (IR) programs requiring contract workforce as needed. Direct contract pricing negotiations with contract IR partners and manage contractor partnership capacities in coordination with other departments.
Oversee the timely completion and accuracy of water and gas main installation and abandonment as-builts, completion reports, consultant or contractor pay estimates, and purchase orders and requisitions.
Collaborate with the operating and administrative departments in evaluating, preparing recommendations and contract specifications for the selection of equipment, building modifications, and plant improvements. Assist various divisions in the development of estimates for budget purposes on plant equipment, structures and maintenance projects.
Provide engineering and technical assistance on site assessments for future pump stations, reservoirs or other major District facilities.
Review consultant, contractor, equipment supplier or service provider quotes, bids or proposals, and make recommendations for acceptance to senior management or the Board of Directors.
Oversee preparation and distribution of project specifications, standards and contracts for capital improvement projects and main extensions for the District.
Coordinate, administer and review work of outside architectural and/or engineering firms engaged by the District, including the development of Request for Proposals and Request for Qualifications documents.
Provide continued development and administration of a variety of District programs to include cross bores, valve audits, joint contracting with the City, water service reconnects, contracted inspections of water projects, air emissions, barricades, paving replacement, and others.
Present final payments, contract change orders, consultant amendments to the Board of Directors and periodic updates on major capital projects.
Develop talent: coach and mentor employees; support employee growth and development through leadership opportunities and professional development.
Provide employees feedback through completion of performance appraisals and employee one-on-one meetings
Manage employee unacceptable behavior, poor work performance or policy violations, including the use of discipline when appropriate.
Maintain financial oversight of budget or works with financial responsibility in mind.
Plan for attrition through awareness of separation risks, cross-training, employee development and succession planning.
Drive District vehicles.
Fulfill responsibilities common to all Supervisory, Professional and Administrative positions as stated.

Required for All Jobs

Perform a variety of other duties as assigned
Understand and comply with all District policies and procedures
In contributing to the objectives of the District, this role is responsible for the initiation, cultivation, and maintenance of strong relationships of a business and professional nature. This position requires good communication skills and tact in order to maintain professional relationships with the following, but not limited to:

• Board of Directors

• All levels of District personnel including Union officials

• Internal and external customers

• Federal, State, and local agencies

• Community organizations and partners

• Consultants, contractors and other third-party organizations that fall within the scope of this role

• Professional, industry, trade, and civic associations

Minimum Requirements

Required - Minimum of 7 years of increased responsibility in Engineering and/or Operations.
Required - Minimum of 5 years overseeing and/or managing major capital improvement projects.
Required - Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Significant experience in day-to-day utility operations to include regulatory compliance, safety programs/policies and interactions with customers. (Intermediate proficiency)
Experience directing and scheduling the work of subordinates, evaluating employee performance, identifying staff development and training needs, setting priorities and improving employee performance through coaching and accountability. (Intermediate proficiency)
Demonstrated attention to detail, highly organized, ability to effectively manage competing priorities, and focus on delivering results and meeting established deadlines. (Intermediate proficiency)
Proficient with personal computers, tablets, and/or other electronic devices to include, but not limited to, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word), CAD, and enterprise wide software (e.g., SAP, GIS). (Intermediate proficiency)
Ability to learn new or upgraded computer software as required. (Entry proficiency)
Experience writing, reviewing and providing project management and administration of contract documents. (Advanced proficiency)
Excellent written and oral communication skills, in English, in order to professionally assist internal and external customers, co-workers and management, regardless of provocation. (Advanced proficiency)

Education

Required - Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited university.

Licenses, Certifications and/or Testing

Required - Licensed Professional Engineer-NSPE in Nebraska. Upon Hire and
Required - Have and maintain a valid driver’s license Upon Hire
Required - Employees under this position are covered under the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol policy, including random testing. Upon Hire

Physical Demands

Stationary Position - Occasionally
Move/Traverse - Occasionally
Stationary Position/Seated - Constantly
Transport/Lifting - Rarely
Transport/Carrying - Rarely
Exerting Force/Pushing - Rarely
Exerting Force/Pulling - Rarely
Ascend/Descend - Rarely
Balancing - Rarely
Position Self/Stooping - Rarely
Position Self/Kneeling - Rarely
Position Self/Crouching - Rarely
Position Self/Crawling - Rarely
Reaching - Rarely
Handling - Occasionally
Grasping - Occasionally
Feeling - Rarely
Communicate/Talking - Constantly
Communicate/Hearing - Constantly
Repetitive Motions - Frequently
Coordination - Frequently

Additional Physical Demands
Physically capable to perform field visits to various District facilities and projects through the city (i.e., underground reservoirs, manholes and pipelines).

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Combination: Work is primarily performed in an office setting amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, office lighting and noises, but field/plant visits may be required when needed.

Hybrid Flexible Work Arrangement
Job may be eligible for a hybrid in-office and work from home flexible work arrangement.

Supervisor, Meter Reading

Position Summary
The Supervisor, Meter Reading is responsible for the efficient management of gas meters, water meters and endpoint readings. It is accountable for ensuring accurate meter readings and is part of the Meter Services team that is responsible for a reliable metering system for customer billings. This division's objectives are achieved through strategic and operational meter reading planning, management, technology, regulatory compliance, meter information support, and a focus on continuous improvement.

Essential Functions

Schedule and provide direction of Meter Reading personnel by changing routes; initiate re-reads, special reads, and ensure maintenance of Meter Reading records.
Work in Enterprise Systems viewing and updating data related to requisition time, meters and meter readings.
Work on Meter Reading reporting related to productivity, absences, OQ, safety and QA/QC.
Review and recommend changes to District policies and procedures as they pertain to the Division.
Analyze metering efficiencies and recommend solutions and technology trends.
Handle difficult customer contacts, explain Meter Reading policies and procedures, and negotiate with customers to reach a mutually agreeable solution to Meter Reading problems.
Oversee and manage annual work planning and daily scheduling processes for metering and device management.
Establish work priorities and manage Meter Reading cycle planning.
Prepare periodic reports relating to the performance of the Meter Reading Department, data management systems and status of work in progress.
Oversee the yearly maintenance contracts and the operation and installation of new software releases for the Meter Reading systems.
Oversee any Meter Reading programs regarding regulatory compliance, meter readings and customer satisfaction.
Develop KPI’s to create department reporting to be used for productivity and analysis using the District’s reporting system.
Plan daily and weekly work to meet established objectives, performance metrics, and deadlines.
Prepare, administer, and maintain assigned staff’s vacation, overtime, and stand-by schedules assuring adequate staffing levels are maintained to complete daily work and determine inclement weather decisions.
Review service orders produced through the scheduling system to ensure work orders meet appointment windows scheduled with and agreed upon by the customer.
Investigate and document any customer complaints received related to assigned staff. Take appropriate action to resolve complaint through training, coaching, or other effective action.
Work with Supervisor, Meter Operations & Maintenance to prepare, plan, and conduct Meter Services’ monthly safety meetings. Maintain and report related documentation.
Periodically review KPI’s and update as needed or as directed by the Director, Meter Services. Record and report daily productivity results for assigned staff.
Conduct site visits, with Meter Services staff to ensure staff are working safely, have needed PPE, and are following District policies and procedures.
Develop talent: coach and mentor employees; support employee growth and development through leadership opportunities and professional development.
Provide employees feedback through completion of performance appraisals and employee one-on-one meetings.
Manage employee unacceptable behavior, poor work performance or policy violations, including the use of discipline when appropriate.
Maintain financial oversight of budget or works with financial responsibility in mind.
Plan for attrition through awareness of separation risks, cross-training, employee development and succession planning.
Handle stresses related to effective completion of the above referenced responsibilities.
Fulfill responsibilities common to all Supervisory, Professional, and Administrative positions as stated.