Water/Wastewater Engineers

17-2051.02

Design or oversee projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Prepare environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. Perform hydraulic modeling and pipeline design.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Provide technical direction or supervision to junior engineers, engineering or computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, or other technical personnel.
• Review and critique proposals, plans, or designs related to water or wastewater treatment systems.
• Design domestic or industrial water or wastewater treatment plants, including advanced facilities with sequencing batch reactors (SBR), membranes, lift stations, headworks, surge overflow basins, ultraviolet disinfection systems, aerobic digesters, sludge lagoons, or control buildings.
• Evaluate the operation and maintenance of water or wastewater systems to identify ways to improve their efficiency.
• Design or select equipment for use in wastewater processing to ensure compliance with government standards.
• Design pumping systems, pumping stations, pipelines, force mains, or sewers for the collection of wastewater.
• Design water distribution systems for potable or non-potable water.
• Conduct water quality studies to identify and characterize water pollutant sources.
• Analyze and recommend chemical, biological, or other wastewater treatment methods to prepare water for industrial or domestic use.
• Identify design alternatives for the development of new water resources.
• Design water runoff collection networks, water supply channels, or water supply system networks.
• Design water or wastewater lift stations, including water wells.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for the construction of water supply systems, runoff collection networks, water and wastewater treatment plants, or wastewater collection systems.
• Provide technical support on water resource or treatment issues to government agencies.
• Conduct feasibility studies for the construction of facilities, such as water supply systems, runoff collection networks, water and wastewater treatment plants, or wastewater collection systems.
• Analyze storm water or floodplain drainage systems to control erosion, stabilize river banks, repair channel streams, or design bridges.
• Oversee the construction of decentralized or on-site wastewater treatment systems, including reclaimed water facilities.
• Develop plans for new water resources or water efficiency programs.
• Perform hydrological analyses, using three-dimensional simulation software, to model the movement of water or forecast the dispersion of chemical pollutants in the water supply.
• Perform hydraulic analyses of water supply systems or water distribution networks to model flow characteristics, test for pressure losses, or to identify opportunities to mitigate risks and improve operational efficiency.
• Write technical reports or publications related to water resources development or water use efficiency.
• Design water storage tanks or other water storage facilities.
• Analyze and recommend sludge treatment or disposal methods.
• Design sludge treatment plants.
• Gather and analyze water use data to forecast water demand.
• Conduct environmental impact studies related to water and wastewater collection, treatment, or distribution.
• Analyze the efficiency of water delivery structures, such as dams, tainter gates, canals, pipes, penstocks, or cofferdams.
• Perform mathematical modeling of underground or surface water resources, such as floodplains, ocean coastlines, streams, rivers, or wetlands.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Bentley StormCAD; DHI MIKE URBAN; EPA Storm Water Management Model SWMM; HEC-1; HEC-GeoRAS; HEC-HMS; HEC-RAS; Hydraulic modeling software; KYPipe; Minitab; MWH Soft InfoSWMM; NIWA Tideda; Wallingford Software InfoSewer; Wallingford Software InfoWorks WS; XP Software XPSWMM
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD ; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D ; Autodesk Revit 🔥; Bentley GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite; Bentley InRoads Suite; Bentley MicroStation ; Bentley SewerCAD; Bentley WaterCAD; Computer aided design and drafting software CADD; Eagle Point LANDCADD; HydroCAD Software Solutions HydroCAD Stormwater Modeling System; OpenRoads Designer
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥; Structured query language SQL 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software ; ESRI software; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems
• Industrial control software - Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
• Internet browser software - Google Chrome; Microsoft Internet Explorer; Mozilla Firefox; Web browser software
• Map creation software - MapInfo
• Object or component oriented development software - Oracle Java 🔥; Python 🔥
• Office suite software - Business software applications; Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Bash 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word ; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
• Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
• Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
• Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
• Design civil structures or systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
• Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
• Design industrial processing systems.
• Investigate the environmental impact of projects.
• Develop technical methods or processes.
• Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
• Advise others regarding green practices or environmental concerns.
• Research advanced engineering designs or applications.
• Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.
• Direct environmental development activities.
• Prepare detailed work plans.
• Create models of engineering designs or methods.
• Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
• Prepare technical or operational reports.
• Design structures or facilities.