Principal Engineering Technician

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Position available with the Water Department - Pipeline Division
Location: 2409 E. 18th St.
Salary Range: $5,276-$7,914 per month

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Application Deadline: June 12, 2026


Responsibilities

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About the role
This position provides oversight and coordination of engineering staff and contractors supporting pipeline operations. The role ensures repairs, shutdowns, and construction activities are planned, documented, and executed correctly while supporting staff supervision, customer coordination, and technical problem solving.
What you'll do

• Oversee the following positions: Senior Engineering Technician, Engineering Technician Lead, and Engineering Technician.
• Oversee, plan, coordinate, verify, approve, follow up, and schedule repairs during regular hours and after hours.
• Verify that contractors are inputting pictures, comments, and resource usage into the web application for payment.
• Meet with consumers for critical and non-critical repairs and provide SCADA with shut information that affects designated areas.
• Be fluent in GIS mapping for shutting and opening valves.
• Coordinate shuts and repairs with Dispatch and provide information on inoperable valves to Dispatch for repair.
• Document job sites and ensure traffic control is set up by contracting groups and that street plates are embedded where applicable.
• Ensure contractors notify appropriate parties for scheduled and unscheduled work, including preparatory work.
• Possess the ability to receive and provide oral instructions.
• Provide coaching and counseling, administer disciplinary actions, problem solve, and troubleshoot.
• Investigate and follow up on consumer complaints.
• Review and modify plans and specifications for private contract work; prepare notices to contractors, proposals, contract papers, and related materials; and calculate costs and total project bid costs.
• Review developer plans and drawings for utility facilities, traffic control, and other code requirements.
• Apply appropriate management, supervisory, and leadership techniques; motivate employees; and assess technical and leadership qualities.
• Perform technical research work and provide reliable advice on difficult engineering problems.
• Use highly complex CADD, GIS, engineering, survey, and testing instruments and equipment.
• Understand the basic operation of other software packages and coordinate data between different sections or departments.
• Perform related duties as required.

What success looks like

• Repairs and shutdowns are coordinated accurately and completed on schedule
• Contractor documentation and payment data are complete and accurate
• Staff receive clear direction, coaching, and support
• Customer concerns are addressed promptly and professionally
• Job sites meet safety, traffic control, and documentation requirements

What you get

• Leadership opportunity within KC Water
• Direct involvement in pipeline operations and engineering decisions

Why this role matters
Pipeline infrastructure is critical to reliable water service. This role ensures repairs, shutdowns, and construction activities are coordinated safely and effectively while supporting staff performance, contractor accountability, and customer communication.
What you'll bring

• Strong supervisory and coordination skills
• Ability to manage complex repair and construction activities
• Experience working with contractors, GIS, and engineering documentation
• Ability to communicate clearly with staff, customers, and Dispatch
• Sound judgment in technical and operational decision-making

Qualifications

REQUIRES:

• High school graduation and 9 years of experience in engineering drawing, mapping, automated mapping, geographical information systems (GIS) and equipment or computer aided drafting and design (CADD), engineering, land survey, or construction inspection or an acceptable combination of education and experience
• OR high school graduation and 7 years of experience in engineering drawing, mapping, automated mapping, geographical information systems (GIS) and equipment or computer aided drafting and design (CADD), engineering, land survey, construction inspection and possession of a Level II Engineering Technology Certification in any Civil, Electrical or Mechanical discipline as issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) or "Land Surveyor in Training" as issued by the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects
• OR high school graduation and possession of the Level IV Certification as "Engineering Technician (ET)" as issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) or a Registered Land Surveyor's License as issued by the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects.
• Must possess a valid state-issued driver's license in accordance with City of KCMO policies.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and post-offer physical examination as prescribed by the City.

Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life's Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).

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• City of Kansas City

• 816-513-1903

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