Environmental Engineer I or II

CLOSING DATE: 03/31/23 12:00 PM
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than
60,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers
year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe
neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.
The City of Ames is accepting applications for qualified candidates to fill at least one Environmental
Engineer vacancy with the Water and Pollution Control department. Actual classifications as
Environmental Engineer I or II will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected
candidate. There may be a Civil Service list established for the classification of Environmental
Engineer I and the list will be valid for up to one year from the date of certification by the Ames Civil
Service Commission, which may be used to fill this vacancy. In addition, City of Ames Civil Service
employees who have previously held Civil Service status in the Environmental Engineer I
classification and are interested in voluntarily demoting or laterally transferring into the current
vacancy must submit their application by the deadline.
Either position performs environmental/civil engineering duties related to the City’s water and
wastewater treatment plant facilities and performs related work as required. (The Environmental
Engineer I would be performing under general supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer.)
In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online
application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete
responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume
in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not
sufficient.
Compensation Philosophy:
The City of Ames has a compensation philosophy that the starting pay for our merit salary ranges
establishes the salary for employees who meet minimum requirements of a position. The median of
any merit salary range is for an employee who can reasonably meet all expectations of the position
responsibilities without initial extensive training. In order for employees to have an opportunity to
grow within their position, we may consider a candidate’s education, experience, and skills above
the minimum requirements when looking at a salary closer to or slightly above the median.
Environmental Engineer I (EIT level position) salary range is $67,200 – $98,245, median is
$82,722.
Environmental Engineer II (PE level position) salary range is $73,406 – $108,668, median is
$91,037.
Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at: City of Ames Benefits
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is
intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal
student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed
by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit:
PSLF Program
Please see the Residency Requirement GIS link outlining the living area for Blue Collar required for
this merit position to live within.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Environmental Engineer I Job Functions:
Conducts studies of plant operations to improve performance and cost efficiency; prepares
engineering designs, plans and specifications on assigned projects for review and certification by a
licensed Professional Engineer including minor plant equipment replacement, piping changes,
wells, meter pits, sludge lagoon, and other related improvements; completes basic engineering
studies and prepares reports; conducts construction inspections; approves contractors bills for
payment; completes studies related to present and potential water supply sources; completes
studies of stream conditions in and near Ames; evaluates and interprets water quality data for
compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, and other federal, state, and/or local
requirements; provides advice and assistance to the operating divisions on surveying and
engineering problems; responds to inquiries and complaints from citizens, other customers, and
contractors; assists in budget preparation, review, and monitoring; completes reports required by
state and federal government; reviews, evaluates and assesses industrial/commercial discharges
to the City system and effects or limitations on system operations; operates motor vehicle to
perform essential functions.
Education, Experience, and other Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in civil, chemical, environmental, biological, or agricultural engineering, or a
closely related field; and at least 6 months of related experience. Related experience obtained in a
co-op or internship program may be applied toward this requirement.
Licenses and Certificates: Must possess an Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate within nine
months of original appointment; must possess a valid driver’s license.
Environmental Engineer II Job Functions:
Conducts in-depth studies of the water and wastewater treatment facilities and operating records to
determine plant efficiencies, points of overload, and ways of improving plant performance; acts as
design engineer on assigned projects including major plant equipment replacement, major changes
to treatment processes, plant expansions or upgrades, plant control systems, well field
development, pumping facilities, utility security, and other related improvements; completes
complex engineering studies and prepares technical reports; prepares and certifies engineering
designs, plans, and specifications; supervises construction and authorizes deviations where
appropriate; provides general oversight of engineering interns; completes studies related to present
and potential water supply sources; completes studies of stream conditions in and near Ames;
evaluates and interprets water quality data for compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean
Water Act, and other federal, state, and/or local requirements; provides high-level technical advice
and assistance to the operating divisions on complex operating, engineering, or regulatory
compliance issues; represents department at meetings; responds to inquiries and complaints from
citizens, other customers, and contractors; assists in budget preparation, review, and monitoring;
provides input into development of long-range capital and infrastructure needs of the department;
assists in conducting rate studies and fund projections; completes reports required by state and
federal government; reviews, evaluates and assesses industrial/commercial discharges to the City
system and effects or limitations on system operations; operates motor vehicle to perform essential
functions.
Education, Experience, and other Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in civil, chemical, environmental, biological, or agricultural engineering or a
closely related field; and four years of related engineering experience.
Licenses and Certificates: Must be licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of Iowa or the
ability to obtain licensure by comity in the State of Iowa within 6 months and must maintain
licensure throughout appointment. License must be in the branch of civil, chemical, environmental,
or closely related field. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Other Detailed Job Function of Both Classifications:
Reviews water conservation activities; investigates water quality conditions and environmental
health/impact; participates in public relations activities in a manner that elevates the image of the
department; conducts tours and presentations; responds to inquiries from customers, contractors,
vendors, and regulatory agencies.
Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our
Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous
improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven
decisions; committing to diversity, equity and inclusion; championing employee involvement;
striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting
leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness;
and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values
to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is
to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an
enjoyable and stimulating work environment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required to Perform Essential Functions: Knowledge of chemistry,
biology, and hazardous or toxic substances as they apply to the treatment of water and
wastewater. Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental/civil engineering;
knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the resolution of problems in utility construction,
design, and operation; knowledge of the principles and practices of computer-assisted drafting and
geographical information systems (GIS); knowledge of surveying methods; knowledge of material
testing procedures; knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to utility design and
construction; knowledge of computer applications pertaining to civil or environmental engineering.
(More of a considerable knowledge is required of Environmental Engineer II candidates.)
Skill in the application of engineering theory to operational problems; skill in interpreting and
utilizing engineering details, plans, and specifications; skill in quickly and accurately executing
standard engineering calculations.
Ability to prepare design details, estimates, plans, and specifications related to utility engineering
projects (Level II required to have ability to check complex design details as well.); ability to
prepare clear, concise written reports; ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written
form; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, supervisors, coworkers,
other City employees, contractors, vendors, and representatives from other governmental
organizations and agencies; ability to evaluate alternatives and to resolve technical engineering
problems; ability to effectively address the questions, concerns, and complaints of citizens in
relation to projects; ability to effectively use standard office computer equipment and software;
ability to operate a motor vehicle.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
General Physical Characteristics: The work involves sitting 50 percent of the time; standing (but not
walking) 25 percent of the time; standing and walking 25 percent of the time; routinely lifting objects
under 10 pounds; routinely lifting objects from 10 to 25 pounds; occasionally lifting objects from 25
to 50 pounds; and occasionally lifting objects over 50 pounds.
Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use with those whose work deals largely with
preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, extensive
reading, visual inspection involving small defects or parts, use of measurement devices or
assembly of parts at distances close to the eyes.
Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling,
reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking,
hearing, repetitive motions.
Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and/or outside and includes being
exposed to noise, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the
respiratory system or skin, oils.
Examples of Equipment Essential to the Job: Motor vehicle; two-way radio; general office
equipment; computers and peripheral equipment; spreadsheet, database, and communications
software; a variety of printed materials; a variety of safety equipment and clothing.
Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience; phone interview;
hiring assessment; on-site interview which will include a manager meeting and written exercise;
and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All
candidates will be notified by email of their application status.
Depending on the number of qualified candidates, the City may forego phone interviews.
E-Verify Process:
The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA)
and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each
applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with
the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to
work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be
prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information
regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at
515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at:
http://www.uscis.gov.
Veteran’s Preference Points
The City of Ames provides Veteran’s Preference Points for Civil Service positions. A copy of your
DD214 and, if applicable, proof of disability, must be attached with your application (or faxed to
515-239-5297) prior to the close date of the posting in order to receive Veteran’s Preference
Points.
NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview
accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.
The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will
receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability,
or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the
Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.cityofames.org/jobs
OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:
515 Clark Ave
Ames, IA 50010
515-239-5199
hr@cityofames.org
Job #22-5305/06-01
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER I OR II
KH
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Environmental Engineer I or II Supplemental Questionnaire
* 1. Please indicate if you are a Professional Engineer or an Engineer in Training.
Professional Engineer
Engineer in Training
Neither
* 2. If you are a Professional Engineer (PE), please provide the state(s) where you currently hold a
certification as a PE, your license number(s), any expiration date associated with each license, and
what area of engineering your certification is in. If you do not currently hold any PE license, please
confirm either that you do possess an Engineer in Training certificate, or will within nine months of
original appointment.
* 3. Describe your familiarity with drinking water systems, wastewater treatment systems, waste
management issues, and water resources planning and design.
* 4. Describe your familiarity with regulatory issues related to water and wastewater utilities, such as the
Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act.
* 5. Describe your training and experience in utilizing technology tools such as computer-aided drafting
(CAD) and geographical information systems (GIS) to perform engineering tasks.
* 6. Describe your familiarity in preparing and interpreting engineering plans and specifications.
* 7. Describe the most technically challenging project you have had to complete.
* 8. Please provide at least 2 specific examples of when you were in a leadership role.
* Required Question