Water Systems Specialist

About the role

The Penn State Facilities Engineering Institute (PSFEI) has provided facility engineering services since its founding in 1947. As part of the College of Engineering at Penn State University Park, PSFEI serves clients in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania and across the nation through facility engineering, education program, facility condition assessment, and energy management services. Through our continued growth, we have built a team of more than 40 engineers, technical specialists, programmers, and administrative staff located throughout the Commonwealth. Our team is committed to helping our clients optimize facility performance and long-term operational sustainability. Your Role at PSFEI As a Water Systems Specialist, you will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technical professionals who apply analytical, research, and problem-solving expertise to evaluate water and wastewater systems critical to facility operations. Your recommendations will directly support public health, environmental stewardship of the Commonwealth's waterways, regulatory compliance, and financial sustainability of the facilities we serve. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Conducting onsite evaluations and troubleshooting of water and wastewater systems culminating in detailed written reports with actionable recommendations for system improvement. Performing design and document reviews and assisting clients with regulatory compliance. Advising clients on water quality management, conservation strategies, and water reuse initiatives. Investigating corrosion and piping system deficiencies related to water chemistry. Providing educational and training opportunities for facility personnel. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None This position is a blend of office-based work with fieldwork throughout Pennsylvania. Travel is primarily day travel, with occasional overnight stays as needed. Who Should Apply You would be well suited to apply for this position if you are an early- to mid-level design engineer interested in transitioning from a traditional design and project management role to a research-oriented engineering advisory position within the Penn State system. Ideal candidates will be able to identify water system deficiencies and apply practical, research-informed solutions grounded in sound engineering principles and real-world experience. Successful candidates often bring experience from professional design firms, municipal water and sewer authorities, and state and federal regulatory agencies. The person in this role is expected to interact with a variety of audiences and demonstrate strong verbal, written, and presentation skills. Degrees in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering and Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred. Other Requirements Worth Noting A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check are required. Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid or remote options, may be available depending on operational needs and job responsibilities. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa. Applicants must be authorized to work

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Additional Information

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants . Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants . This position is funded for 3 year(s); continuation past 3 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. POSITION SPECIFICS The Penn State Facilities Engineering Institute (psfei.psu.edu) is seeking a Water Systems Specialist (Advanced Professional) with experience in water and wastewater permitting, design, project management, and operation and maintenance guidance to join our team. In this role, you will support our mission of providing research- and knowledge-driven advisory services that help facility managers across the Commonwealth improve system performance, compliance, and sustainability.

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