City of Westminster, CO
Engineer/Senior Engineer/Principal Engineer - Utilities Engineering
City of Westminster, CO, Denver, Colorado, United States
This is a professional engineering position in the Department of Public Works and Utilities. The primary purpose is to safeguard public health and safety by providing safe, reliable drinking water and environmentally sound wastewater treatment and disposal services. The work consists of several roles:
Management of capital improvements projects involving water distribution systems, water treatment and storage facilities, pump stations, wastewater collection systems, wastewater treatment and lift station facilities, reclaimed water distribution systems, and reclaimed water treatment; the development, coordination, project management, plan review, and construction inspection of utility capital improvement projects; major responsibilities include project management from master planning level design through project construction and implementation within defined schedules and budgets
The Utilities Engineering Division works as a team to support Long Term Planning, Communications and Public Participation, and other activities as needed. Long Term Planning involves inventory of the City’s infrastructure assets and planning for Capital Improvements Projects; this activity coincides with the City’s two-year budget cycle, rate and fee studies, and development activities in the City; communications and public participation is an initiative for Utilities Engineering to increase knowledge and awareness of the City’s infrastructure
Work is under the direction of the Utilities Engineering Administrator, but with appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action for achievement of desired objectives. This position will require attendance at occasional evening meetings. An on‑boarding program is in place to provide training and acclimation to new staff.
Please note: While this posting includes the full job description for the Engineer, Senior Engineer, and Principal Engineer levels, we are currently hiring only for the Senior Engineer level (2026 salary range will be \$115,388.00 to \$144,247.00 annually). Interested applicants should review the qualifications and responsibilities listed under the Senior Engineer section when assessing their fit for this opportunity.
This role offers a clear path for future progression to the Principal Engineer level (2026 salary range will be \$133,356.00 to \$166,690.00 annually) based on business need, performance review, years of directly related experience required, and supervisor recommendation.
The full salary range for these positions is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage, and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi‑weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.
The City’s work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high‑quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well‑maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).
This position supports the goals of the Public Works and Utilities Department, which maintains and enhances public health and safety by providing exceptional water and wastewater service and maintaining the City’s extensive, four‑billion‑dollar network of utility infrastructure. The department continuously strives to meet the needs of the community by constantly focusing on protecting public health and safety, customer service, efficient and effective utilization of resources, communications, innovation, and teamwork.
Every employee is accountable to:
Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is a priority
Communicate with customers to ensure that, where possible, they are satisfied, and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedback
Act as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization’s mission and vision
Exhibit pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conduct self in a professional manner
Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty, and ethical behavior
Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive and confident manner
Support/promote change; demonstrate flexibility, and take calculated risks when appropriate
Participate in personal growth opportunities, and attend training designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
Work to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered
Demonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
Value diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity, and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences
GENERAL COMPETENCIES Citywide
Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow‑through on commitments
Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses, and target areas for personal self‑development
Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
Exhibit problem‑solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
Achieve goals on time and on budget, and handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independently; demonstrate ability to prioritize tasks and accomplish them
Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
Demonstrate accountability for work, and take ownership in job performance
Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product
Job Specific
Demonstrate education, background, or on‑the‑job knowledge of and experience with:
Best practices for design, construction, operations, and maintenance of water and wastewater utilities
Industry and City design standards and preferences
Water/wastewater operating and treatment systems principles and practices
Public works contract administration and project management
Discuss and explain technical issues to non‑technical audience
Discernment on variances, cost implications, customer service, and compliance with standards for the long‑term viability of the City’s utility system
Ability to learn and use a variety of computer programs including: GIS, City tracking and logging software, PDF‑style editing software (i.e. Bluebeam), Microsoft Office software – Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, ESRI‑ArcMap software, Asset Management software, water/sewer modeling software, contract creation and management software, and other software as implemented by the City
Applicable codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards relating to public water/wastewater systems construction, maintenance, and repair
Familiarity with industry hydraulic modeling and ability to interpret results of various engineering utility studies submitted to the City for review
Conduct and evaluate engineering and technical studies and analysis on various programs to determine recommendations based on the information received
Manage time and workload to meet deadlines; this employee must be able to prioritize to meet deadlines, communicate schedule changes, and appropriate/allocate time within the work hours available to meet deadlines
Cross‑coordinate, share information, and share decisions with utility operations superintendents and supervisors
Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, orally and in writing to technical and non‑technical audiences
Resolve problems, mediate or facilitate cooperation among various parties – internal and external to the City
Work in a team environment with strong desire for program success while championing Public Works and Utility’s needs
Work may involve coordination with outside developers/engineering firms; close partnership with several Divisions within Public Works and Utilities; and collaboration with City Departments including Community Development, Economic Development, and Parks Recreation and Libraries
Leadership
Foster a participatory organizational climate that is open, positive, reinforcing, and supportive
Encourage employees to be accountable for their work and take ownership in what they do
Demonstrate leadership and courage by making or supporting decisions that reflect the organizational mission and goals even when the decision may be unpopular to some
Demonstrate collaboration and conflict resolution skills with other departments and employees
Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks 1. Project & Program Management These responsibilities focus on managing capital projects, budgets, schedules, and consultant coordination:
Manage Department of Public Works and Utilities capital improvement projects (CIP) within the defined design and construction schedules and budgets; complete reporting on time
Demonstrate advanced project management skills including but not limited to task prioritization, budget forecasting and management, communications and project reporting, and completing projects on time
Prepare scope, schedule, and budget for projects and prepare Requests for Proposals to solicit independent consulting services; lead the process for consultant selection and the management of consulting and construction contracts that follow
Participate in construction management, inspection, and implementation of utility infrastructure
2. Strategic Planning & Policy Support These tasks relate to long‑term planning, development review, and infrastructure strategy:
Participate and contribute to Long Term Planning activities to support the planning, prioritizing, and implementing of Capital Improvement Projects. Represent the PWU Department, and Utilities Engineering Group and Utilities Operations Divisions and other City departments to provide high quality utility services
Play an active role in comprehensive master planning for the Department and the City’s Public Works assets and $4 Billion infrastructure
Participate in Development Review with the focus on utility standards, specifications and Public Works and Utility policies
3. Communication, Engagement & Administrative Duties These responsibilities involve public and internal communication, reporting, and general administrative expectations:
Give presentations in internal and public meetings regarding utility projects, prepare written reports and memoranda including City Council Agenda Memos and Staff Reports
Participate in Communications and Public Participation activities as appropriate
Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record
4. Maintains regular and punctual attendance Other Duties and Responsibilities Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion.
Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses, and Certifications Required
Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major course work in civil or environmental engineering or closely related field
Must possess a valid driver's license, provide proof of a safe driving record, and maintain a safe driving record for continued employment
Engineer
Experience in design, construction, and/or review of water/wastewater systems and facilities
The ability to obtain Engineer‑in‑Training (E.I.T.) credential in less than six months
Senior Engineer
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the design and construction of water/wastewater systems and facilities
Minimum of five (5) years of development review experience related to water/wastewater systems and facilities
Registration with the Colorado State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors as a professional engineer (P.E.) is required
Preferred
Eight (8) or more years of experience in the design and construction, of water/wastewater systems and facilities
Significant experience working directly for a municipality or for a consulting firm providing services to a municipal government
Master’s Degree in civil or environmental engineering or a related field
Candidate will be hired as Senior Engineer. Progression from Senior Engineer to Principal Engineer is contingent upon a supervisor’s performance review with a recommendation and meeting the following requirements:
Meet all minimum requirements for Engineer and Senior Engineer
Minimum of ten (10) years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in water/wastewater project management
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.
Physical Requirements Work is sedentary in nature and requires sufficient physical stamina, strength and ability for:
Constant sitting to perform daily tasks; occasional walking through a multilevel facility to retrieve information; frequent standing, sometimes for extended periods
Frequent squatting, reaching above shoulder, and twisting to file documents and lift supplies and material; occasional bending, kneeling, climbing, balancing, and reaching below shoulder to store documents, material, and supplies
Constant light grasp, fine manipulation, and handling to perform daily duties; occasional firm grasp to safely use equipment
Frequent lifting, carrying, and pushing and/or pulling of up to 15 pounds to move material and supplies; occasional lifting and pushing and/or pulling of up to 25 pounds with dollies and carts
WORKING CONDITIONS Work is primarily performed indoors with infrequent field and off‑site tours and inspections. Indoor work involves sitting for extended periods in an office environment, with frequent exposure to distractions and interruptions created in a multipurpose work environment. Outdoor fieldwork requires the ability to stand and walk on uneven terrain in various conditions. Work entails exposure to periods of high activity and stress under demanding conditions. The position requires a great deal of communication with City employees, the public, and outside agencies as well as clear articulation of information in presentations and on the phone. May be required to use personal vehicles to travel to and from meetings and other locations throughout the City and metro area. Occasional evening or weekend events for improved public participation and outreach may be required.
Required Materials and Equipment Personal computers, keyboards, calculators, telephones, audio‑video equipment, and standard office equipment. Utilizes electronic connections to off‑site locations.
PRE‑EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Background checks will include employment references and criminal history, and when applicable, credit check, driver license record, and education verification
Drug screen
Must be legally entitled to work in the United States
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Management of capital improvements projects involving water distribution systems, water treatment and storage facilities, pump stations, wastewater collection systems, wastewater treatment and lift station facilities, reclaimed water distribution systems, and reclaimed water treatment; the development, coordination, project management, plan review, and construction inspection of utility capital improvement projects; major responsibilities include project management from master planning level design through project construction and implementation within defined schedules and budgets
The Utilities Engineering Division works as a team to support Long Term Planning, Communications and Public Participation, and other activities as needed. Long Term Planning involves inventory of the City’s infrastructure assets and planning for Capital Improvements Projects; this activity coincides with the City’s two-year budget cycle, rate and fee studies, and development activities in the City; communications and public participation is an initiative for Utilities Engineering to increase knowledge and awareness of the City’s infrastructure
Work is under the direction of the Utilities Engineering Administrator, but with appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action for achievement of desired objectives. This position will require attendance at occasional evening meetings. An on‑boarding program is in place to provide training and acclimation to new staff.
Please note: While this posting includes the full job description for the Engineer, Senior Engineer, and Principal Engineer levels, we are currently hiring only for the Senior Engineer level (2026 salary range will be \$115,388.00 to \$144,247.00 annually). Interested applicants should review the qualifications and responsibilities listed under the Senior Engineer section when assessing their fit for this opportunity.
This role offers a clear path for future progression to the Principal Engineer level (2026 salary range will be \$133,356.00 to \$166,690.00 annually) based on business need, performance review, years of directly related experience required, and supervisor recommendation.
The full salary range for these positions is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage, and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi‑weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.
The City’s work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high‑quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well‑maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).
This position supports the goals of the Public Works and Utilities Department, which maintains and enhances public health and safety by providing exceptional water and wastewater service and maintaining the City’s extensive, four‑billion‑dollar network of utility infrastructure. The department continuously strives to meet the needs of the community by constantly focusing on protecting public health and safety, customer service, efficient and effective utilization of resources, communications, innovation, and teamwork.
Every employee is accountable to:
Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is a priority
Communicate with customers to ensure that, where possible, they are satisfied, and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedback
Act as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization’s mission and vision
Exhibit pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conduct self in a professional manner
Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty, and ethical behavior
Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive and confident manner
Support/promote change; demonstrate flexibility, and take calculated risks when appropriate
Participate in personal growth opportunities, and attend training designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
Work to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered
Demonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
Value diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity, and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences
GENERAL COMPETENCIES Citywide
Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow‑through on commitments
Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses, and target areas for personal self‑development
Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
Exhibit problem‑solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
Achieve goals on time and on budget, and handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independently; demonstrate ability to prioritize tasks and accomplish them
Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
Demonstrate accountability for work, and take ownership in job performance
Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product
Job Specific
Demonstrate education, background, or on‑the‑job knowledge of and experience with:
Best practices for design, construction, operations, and maintenance of water and wastewater utilities
Industry and City design standards and preferences
Water/wastewater operating and treatment systems principles and practices
Public works contract administration and project management
Discuss and explain technical issues to non‑technical audience
Discernment on variances, cost implications, customer service, and compliance with standards for the long‑term viability of the City’s utility system
Ability to learn and use a variety of computer programs including: GIS, City tracking and logging software, PDF‑style editing software (i.e. Bluebeam), Microsoft Office software – Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, ESRI‑ArcMap software, Asset Management software, water/sewer modeling software, contract creation and management software, and other software as implemented by the City
Applicable codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards relating to public water/wastewater systems construction, maintenance, and repair
Familiarity with industry hydraulic modeling and ability to interpret results of various engineering utility studies submitted to the City for review
Conduct and evaluate engineering and technical studies and analysis on various programs to determine recommendations based on the information received
Manage time and workload to meet deadlines; this employee must be able to prioritize to meet deadlines, communicate schedule changes, and appropriate/allocate time within the work hours available to meet deadlines
Cross‑coordinate, share information, and share decisions with utility operations superintendents and supervisors
Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, orally and in writing to technical and non‑technical audiences
Resolve problems, mediate or facilitate cooperation among various parties – internal and external to the City
Work in a team environment with strong desire for program success while championing Public Works and Utility’s needs
Work may involve coordination with outside developers/engineering firms; close partnership with several Divisions within Public Works and Utilities; and collaboration with City Departments including Community Development, Economic Development, and Parks Recreation and Libraries
Leadership
Foster a participatory organizational climate that is open, positive, reinforcing, and supportive
Encourage employees to be accountable for their work and take ownership in what they do
Demonstrate leadership and courage by making or supporting decisions that reflect the organizational mission and goals even when the decision may be unpopular to some
Demonstrate collaboration and conflict resolution skills with other departments and employees
Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks 1. Project & Program Management These responsibilities focus on managing capital projects, budgets, schedules, and consultant coordination:
Manage Department of Public Works and Utilities capital improvement projects (CIP) within the defined design and construction schedules and budgets; complete reporting on time
Demonstrate advanced project management skills including but not limited to task prioritization, budget forecasting and management, communications and project reporting, and completing projects on time
Prepare scope, schedule, and budget for projects and prepare Requests for Proposals to solicit independent consulting services; lead the process for consultant selection and the management of consulting and construction contracts that follow
Participate in construction management, inspection, and implementation of utility infrastructure
2. Strategic Planning & Policy Support These tasks relate to long‑term planning, development review, and infrastructure strategy:
Participate and contribute to Long Term Planning activities to support the planning, prioritizing, and implementing of Capital Improvement Projects. Represent the PWU Department, and Utilities Engineering Group and Utilities Operations Divisions and other City departments to provide high quality utility services
Play an active role in comprehensive master planning for the Department and the City’s Public Works assets and $4 Billion infrastructure
Participate in Development Review with the focus on utility standards, specifications and Public Works and Utility policies
3. Communication, Engagement & Administrative Duties These responsibilities involve public and internal communication, reporting, and general administrative expectations:
Give presentations in internal and public meetings regarding utility projects, prepare written reports and memoranda including City Council Agenda Memos and Staff Reports
Participate in Communications and Public Participation activities as appropriate
Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record
4. Maintains regular and punctual attendance Other Duties and Responsibilities Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion.
Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses, and Certifications Required
Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major course work in civil or environmental engineering or closely related field
Must possess a valid driver's license, provide proof of a safe driving record, and maintain a safe driving record for continued employment
Engineer
Experience in design, construction, and/or review of water/wastewater systems and facilities
The ability to obtain Engineer‑in‑Training (E.I.T.) credential in less than six months
Senior Engineer
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the design and construction of water/wastewater systems and facilities
Minimum of five (5) years of development review experience related to water/wastewater systems and facilities
Registration with the Colorado State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors as a professional engineer (P.E.) is required
Preferred
Eight (8) or more years of experience in the design and construction, of water/wastewater systems and facilities
Significant experience working directly for a municipality or for a consulting firm providing services to a municipal government
Master’s Degree in civil or environmental engineering or a related field
Candidate will be hired as Senior Engineer. Progression from Senior Engineer to Principal Engineer is contingent upon a supervisor’s performance review with a recommendation and meeting the following requirements:
Meet all minimum requirements for Engineer and Senior Engineer
Minimum of ten (10) years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in water/wastewater project management
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.
Physical Requirements Work is sedentary in nature and requires sufficient physical stamina, strength and ability for:
Constant sitting to perform daily tasks; occasional walking through a multilevel facility to retrieve information; frequent standing, sometimes for extended periods
Frequent squatting, reaching above shoulder, and twisting to file documents and lift supplies and material; occasional bending, kneeling, climbing, balancing, and reaching below shoulder to store documents, material, and supplies
Constant light grasp, fine manipulation, and handling to perform daily duties; occasional firm grasp to safely use equipment
Frequent lifting, carrying, and pushing and/or pulling of up to 15 pounds to move material and supplies; occasional lifting and pushing and/or pulling of up to 25 pounds with dollies and carts
WORKING CONDITIONS Work is primarily performed indoors with infrequent field and off‑site tours and inspections. Indoor work involves sitting for extended periods in an office environment, with frequent exposure to distractions and interruptions created in a multipurpose work environment. Outdoor fieldwork requires the ability to stand and walk on uneven terrain in various conditions. Work entails exposure to periods of high activity and stress under demanding conditions. The position requires a great deal of communication with City employees, the public, and outside agencies as well as clear articulation of information in presentations and on the phone. May be required to use personal vehicles to travel to and from meetings and other locations throughout the City and metro area. Occasional evening or weekend events for improved public participation and outreach may be required.
Required Materials and Equipment Personal computers, keyboards, calculators, telephones, audio‑video equipment, and standard office equipment. Utilizes electronic connections to off‑site locations.
PRE‑EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Background checks will include employment references and criminal history, and when applicable, credit check, driver license record, and education verification
Drug screen
Must be legally entitled to work in the United States
#J-18808-Ljbffr