Utility Engineer

Uganda Req #130
Sunday, October 13, 2024

Water Mission is a Christian engineering nonprofit that builds safe water solutions for people in developing countries, refugee camps, and disaster areas. Since 2001, Water Mission has served more than 8 million people in 60 countries, sharing safe water and the message of God’s love. Working at Water Mission is as much a calling as it is a career, and we are searching for people with the courage, passion, and drive to help us change the world. Read more about our Statement of Faith and Our Christian Mission.

What is the opportunity? 

SWIG is a Water Mission owned, Christian social business that operates and maintains safe water solutions for people in developing countries, refugee camps and disaster areas. As an employee of Safe water Infrastructure Group Initiative (SWIG) , the Utility Engineer is responsible for developing a biblical worldview culture that leads to God-honoring excellence in all work and reinforces the following: providing accurate data, empowering staff to have the skills and mindset needed to acknowledge mistakes or problems as opportunities to find appropriate solutions, and consistently work for excellence in solutions that are consistent with Water Mission’s mission, vision, values, and standards.

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Utility Director, the Utility Engineer – is responsible for performing the duties and tasks as outlined below. This is a full-time position and requires that the person resides near the Safe water Infrastructure Group Initiative (SWIG) office and travels to remote locations within Luuka district. This role will support the team in ensuring sustainable operation and maintenance, as well as the extension of distribution points in communities where Water Mission implements safe water projects.

Status: Full-Time-Fixed Term Contract

General responsibilities

  • Maintain a strong Christian witness and model servant leadership to colleagues, donors, partners, volunteers the communities we serve, and the public.
  • Work in a posture of humble service to God and others.
  • Engage and participate in prayer before and after team meetings.
  • Lead and participate in biblically based staff devotions. 
  • Understand, support, and nurture the Vision, Mission, and Core values of Water Mission.

Key duties and Responsibilities

Operation and Troubleshooting

Priority is given to monitoring and troubleshooting of:

  • functionality of water systems,
  • water system monitoring, and
  • STS prepaid meters

Be part of an on-call rotation to respond to system outages during weekends, working collaboratively with the team to ensure timely resolutions, which may include in-person support if necessary.

  • Ensure and monitor operation and maintenance of water systems. Must be able to use and interpret the Water Dashboard, Assetas Dashboard, and other tools to track the water system performance. Oversee system operators and technicians as they perform follow-ups, troubleshooting, and respond to other technical needs.
  • Participate in and oversee hydraulic troubleshooting: Must be able to give guidance on any issues related to pumping, piping, system pressure, distribution point flow, and other issues.
  • Participate in and oversee system electrical troubleshooting. Must be able to give guidance on any issues related to solar arrays, wiring, inverters, motors, or other electro-mechanical issues.
  • Raise requisitions for spare parts and assist in technical procurements. Must keep track of inventory and non-inventory assets and spares that can be used for troubleshooting breakdowns. 

  1. Monitoring and assessment of the systems and the Water Quality 

  • Technical assessments for distribution network extensions: Obtain all the necessary technical information for the distribution network design in technical assessment trips.
  • Topographical surveys: Complete GPS-grade topographical surveys for design purposes during assessments, ensuring that survey equipment is functional and ready to use, and checking the data quality.
  • Water quality analysis: Ensure that all water quality testing is done in full compliance with Water Mission testing standards.  

  1. Maintain and Adjust System Design 

  • Estimate water demand and size of the system per Water Mission Technical Handbook and local governmental requirements for water demand and size of the system. 
  • Ensure that the communities remain appropriately served by regular checking system design size and address any arising challenges. 
  • Maintain/adjust a Google Earth (KMZ) project layout file per Water Mission Technical Handbook.
  • Maintain/adjust a hydraulic model in EPANET and sizing pipe network per Water Mission Technical Handbook.
  • Maintain/adjust complete set of design/record documents as per Water Mission Technical Handbook. 

  1. Implementation and Installation 

  • Complete detailed inspections during the project extensions, including progress photos, inspection checklists, and a technical punch list. Inspection reports should be timely and organized.
  • Oversee equipment installation so that equipment is installed properly.
  • Ensure the system and all associated equipment run according to the design.
  • Ensure quality assurance and quality control during the implementation and installation phase and the overall finished product aesthetic of the project. 

  1. Documentation and reporting 

  • Train and facilitate a culture of capacity building for team members.
  • Maintain timely documentation of work activities, prepare regular reports on progress and outcomes, and ensure timely submission of all required documentation to the supervisor.
  • Prepare and conduct presentations to the Operations Team, strategic partners, donors, and volunteers. 

  1. Other duties as assigned.

  2.  

  3. Education Qualification and Experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering-Civil, Chemical, Environmental or Mechanical are preferred.
  • Master’s degree and /or project management certifications are desirable but can be offset with quality experience.
  • Registered professional Engineer
  • Minimum experience of 8 years in similar project work, including leading and managing technical teams.
  • WASH engineering Experience 

Skills and Abilities 

  • Advanced skills with an office computer (Word, Excel, Power point etc...) and drafting and modeling programs (AutoCAD,EPANET,Power CADD, SolidWorks,ProE,Civil 3D)
  • Verbal and written communication skills in English
  • Excellent analytical, process design, and project planning and management skills.
  • Must be detailed oriented with an ability to plan.
  • A strong work ethic
  • Ability and willingness to travel for field work
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Legal authorization to work in Uganda

Application Instruction 

  • Apply directly via the Water Mission Website.
  • Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of academic certificates, Testimonials.
  • Applications shall be received no later than 1st November 2024 

Other details

  • Pay Type Salary
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