Planning Engineer

Water/Wastewater Allentown, Pennsylvania


Description

Planning Engineer 
  
Are you passionate about making a tangible impact on your community? Do you excel at turning complex data into actionable strategies? At Lehigh County Authority in Allentown, PA, we have a new opportunity for a skilled Water/Wastewater Planning Engineer to drive our mission forward. 
  
Apply today to join our dynamic team - we are committed to the enhancement and sustainability of water distribution systems in the Lehigh Valley!   
  
What the job Looks Like 
Handling long-term water/wastewater facility planning, resource development, and stakeholder management, your work will be vital in supporting LCA’s goals in various areas, including operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, strategic planning, data/knowledge management, project delivery, asset management, and continuous improvement. Day-to-day you’ll:  
  • Lead Compliance Efforts: Work closely with municipal leaders and internal teams to ensure we're meeting all environmental and regulatory standards 
  • Coordinate and Collaborate: Act as the bridge between departments and regulatory agencies to ensure seamless project execution  
  • Strategic Management: Oversee water supply studies, including capacity planning, modeling, and optimization  
  • Economic and Trend Analysis: Develop systems to monitor economic growth and analyze trends, lead regional or local Act 537 planning efforts, and conduct key engineering studies. 
  • Technical Expertise: Serve as a go-to resource for water and wastewater system planning, and engage stakeholders to build support for new facilities 
  • Leadership: Mentor and manage a team, making key decisions on hiring, training, and performance evaluations  
 
What We’re Looking For  
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, related technical field, or professional engineering (PE) license 
  • Experience: 5+ years of water/wastewater utility, municipal, or private consulting engineering experience
  • Skills and Expertise: 
    • Proven experience in asset management planning, water and sewer system master planning, and energy efficiency studies  
    • Proficient in hydraulic modeling for distribution systems or similar water/sewer system design work
    • Deep understanding of local, state, and federal regulations, including the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and PA-specific regulations like Act 537 and municipal planning codes 
    • Exceptional record-keeping and report-writing skills
  • Leadership and Communication: 
    • Ability to mentor staff, tackle major utility planning issues, and create comprehensive reports  
    • Strong interpersonal skills for maintaining productive relationships both internally and externally 
    • Effective in planning, assigning tasks, training, and evaluating team members  
    • Capable of making informed decisions and managing administrative responsibilities independently   
    • Clear and concise communicator, both verbally and in writing  
 
About Us and What We Offer You 
Since 1966, we've been dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable water and sewer services to our community. At LCA, we believe in teamwork and collaboration. We work closely with our customers and neighboring municipal systems to create partnerships that benefit everyone. Our regional approach allows us to respond quickly and enhance services whenever and wherever they're needed.  
 
LCA isn't just a service provider; it's a vibrant and dynamic place to work. We offer an exciting and busy environment where our employees are the heart of our operations. By joining our team, you'll play a key role in ensuring that our public services are valuable, affordable, and high-quality. If you're passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and service, LCA is the place for you. Join us and help shape the future of our community! 
 
Benefits and Perks 
At LCA, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package that ensures you and your family are well taken care of. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join our team:
  • Competitive Salary: $80,000 - $85,000/yr. range   
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind with coverage for you and your eligible dependents, all at affordable employee contribution rates  
  • Generous Paid Time Off: We believe in a healthy work-life balance, offering you ample vacation days, excused absences, personal days, and holidays to recharge and spend quality time doing the things you enjoy  
  • Comprehensive Insurance: LCA provides company-paid life insurance, long-term disability, and short-term disability coverage to support you in unexpected situations  
  • Retirement Plans: Secure your future with eligibility for two retirement plans – the Pennsylvania Municipal Defined Benefit Retirement Plan and a 457 plan through Empower  
 
I’m interested, how do I get started? 
Apply to:  https://app.jobvite.com/j?cj=otSnufwW&s=myHRpartner
  
We’re excited that you’re considering joining the Lehigh County Authority (LCA) team! To make the hiring process smooth and efficient, we've partnered with myHR Partner. Rest assured, they’re not a staffing service or recruiter – they’re here to help us find the best fit for our organization. Your resume will be reviewed specifically for opportunities with LCA. 
 
At LCA, we pride ourselves on being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected status. Employment decisions at LCA are based on your qualifications, merit, and the needs of our business. 
 
Thank you for considering LCA as your next career move. We look forward to learning more about you!