Job description

The Water Distribution Senior Engineer

is responsible for overseeing the design, operation, and maintenance of water distribution systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient water service delivery. This role involves monitoring and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and optimizing water distribution infrastructure. The Senior Engineer also leads efforts to address water distribution challenges, reduce water loss, and improve service delivery in line with national and regulatory goals.

Key responsibilities

Key responsibilities are:

• Monitor the planning, design, and operation of water distribution systems, including pipelines, reservoirs, and pumping stations, ensuring effective water supply to meet demand.
• Oversee the daily operation and maintenance of water distribution infrastructure, ensuring that systems function efficiently and meet service delivery standards.
• Ensure that water distribution systems are operated in compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards, as set by regulatory authorities.
• Monitor the integrity of water distribution infrastructure and identify issues such as leaks, equipment failures, or operational inefficiencies.
• Lead and mentor young engineering teams, providing technical support and ensuring adherence to best practices in water distribution management.
• Coordinate and monitor water service providers’ installation, repair, and maintenance of water distribution systems, ensuring that activities are carried out effectively and safely.
• Conduct performance evaluations for team members and support their professional development through training and skill-building initiatives
• Monitor the planning and development of new water distribution infrastructure, including pipeline extensions, pressure management systems, and reservoir upgrades.
• Collaborate with the Division Manager and external stakeholders on infrastructure development projects, ensuring that they meet technical specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate the capacity of existing water distribution systems and make recommendations for upgrades or expansions to meet future water demand.
• Participate in various sector planning and monitor feasibility studies and design reviews for new water infrastructure projects, providing technical input and recommendations for system improvements.
• Assess water projects that require approval for implementation by service providers including designs and Bill of quantities,
• Monitor the inclusion of climate resilience and water safety plan in all water distribution projects to mitigate effects of climate impacts and follow up of their implementation
• Ensure the collection and analysis of data on water loss and ensure that Water utilities report on their performance and identify areas for improvement
• Monitor Utility efforts to reduce water loss through proactive leak detection, pressure management, and system optimization.
• Monitor metering, water distribution and maintenance of infrastructure.
• Monitor water loss data and identify areas of improvement, coordinating with field teams to address leaks, illegal connections, or inefficiencies in the distribution network.
• Propose Regulations, guidelines and standards for water utilities to adopt losses reduction protocols
• Enforce compliance with rules, regulations and propose any enforcement actions for failures,
• Initiate awareness campaigns and efforts for water loss reduction and water conservation practices

Major Requirements

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Water supply Management, Environmental Engineering Or
• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Water and Environmental Engineering with minimum of 3 years of experience in water distribution engineering.

Skills and competencies

Skills and competencies are:

• Strong knowledge of water distribution systems, hydraulic modeling, and water treatment processes and distribution.
• Proficiency in GIS tools, hydraulic simulation software, and data analysis for water distribution network design and management.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to oversee large-scale engineering projects and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex technical challenges and provide practical solutions.
• Familiarity with water laws, regulations, and industry standards, as well as experience working with regulatory bodies and government agencies.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills to effectively engage with stakeholders and present technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage emergency situations, ensuring quick and effective resolution of water distribution issues.