Job Description

Requisition ID: 47381

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose & Function

The Senior Water Design Engineer is responsible for managing programs that support the renewal and replacement of aging drinking water infrastructure (distribution main and transmission main). The position provides design, project management and contract management during the design and construction of infrastructure projects; establishes water system requirements for development proposals; supports water system maintenance and operations; and provides long range asset planning in branch, departmental and city-wide planning initiatives.

The position reports to the Assistant Branch Manager and manages a team comprised of Civil Engineers, Engineering Assistants and Survey Assistants, responsible for project scoping, design drawings, budget estimating and inspection during construction The position works closely with Waterworks Operations, Engineering Strategy and Standards, Engineering Project Delivery, and various branches across Engineering and the other departments. Also liaises with external organizations such as Metro Vancouver and BC Hydro

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership and Resource Planning

• Managing a team of Engineers, Engineering Assistants, and Surveyors responsible for capital project design submissions and project management documents
• Recruits, selects, coaches and mentors team staff
• Assigns responsibilities/tasks and completes performance plans/reviews and training plans

Planning, Design & Construction

• Manages and oversees the quality control of water and multi-disciplinary (i.e., water, sewer, streets) capital projects, in accordance with the City’s Project Management Framework.
• Responsible, as the Engineer of Record, for all capital design submissions generated by the team, including Direct Supervision requirements of subordinates
• Ensure all team members and design submissions adhere to the Quality Management System (QMS), Professional Governance Act (PGA) and Project Management Framework (PMF) requirements
• Oversees constructability planning during design submissions for cost effective construction implementation Coordinates and liaises with Waterworks Asset Management, Planning, and Development groups during capital project planning and detailed design
• Liaises with other City departments to coordinate the design, planning, and construction of Waterworks projects. Develops and maintains construction schedule and budget; oversees progression and budgetary expenditures of capital projects.
• Completes post construction evaluation of project closing tasks
• Oversees the scoping, procurement and management of professional design service contracts, as required, for the replacement or rehabilitation of linear Waterworks assets
• Oversees progression and budgetary expenditures of capital projects Prepares technical reports, presentations, letters and memos
• Communicates with the public, consultants, and staff across the city departments

Standards and Reviews

• Advances the design and construction standards for Waterworks, as part of overall City of Vancouver Engineering Design Standards
• Leads the review of externally designed Waterworks projects.

Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a Professional Engineer designation and minimum of eight years related experience in the design and construction of water infrastructure, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Experience in developing and managing budgets for infrastructure capital works Registration or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer in British Columbia.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of civil engineering practices and underground infrastructure design and construction practices particularly related to water main design.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management System (QMS) and Professional Governance Act (PGA) processes and frameworks
• Knowledge of Project Management methodologies, processes, standards and policies.
• Excellent knowledge of management principles, policies and practices including recruitment and selection, leadership, performance and attendance management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a variety of stakeholders, with experience writing technical reports
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to prepare and manage project and program budgets
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and engage staff
• Excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal and presentation skills
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills with the ability to effectively and efficiently prioritize actions in response to numerous and diverse demands
• Strong conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation skills
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, productive relationships at all levels in the organization and external stakeholders
• A current and valid BC Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record

Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services

Affiliation: Exempt

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: November, 2026

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-091: $117,909 to $147,377 per annum

Application Close: October 29, 2026

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).More about unceded traditional territories

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.