The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. This job description is not a “contract” between the employee and the Authority. The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager.
General
Job Title:
Supervisor, Engineering Specifications and Standards
Job Code:
P0673
Supervises Directly:
Yes
New or Revised:
New
Regular or At-Will:
At-Will
Date Last Revised:
1/12/2026
Exempt or Non-Exempt:
Exempt
Compensation Approval Signature:
Union/ Non-Union:
Non-Union
Division
Department Name
Engineering
Shared Services and Asset Management- Central Administration
Salary Schedule:
Non-Union Salary Range
Cost Center Code:
805000
Grade:
NU17
Essential Position:
No
Reports To:
Manager, Integrated Standards and GIS Asset Information
EEO Code:
Professionals
Work Format
Hybrid
Who We Are & What We Do:
At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.
Role Description:
The Supervisor, Engineering Specifications and Standards provides technical expertise for specifications, standard details, qualified products, design manuals, and other technical standards.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Duties within the scope of the practice of engineering will be performed under the responsible charge of a District of Columbia licensed PE as defined in D.C. Official Code Section 47–2853.131. Scope of practice for engineers:
For the purposes of this part, the term “practice of engineering” means the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences and the methods of engineering analysis and design in the performance of services and creative work including consultation, investigation, expert technical testimony, evaluation, planning, design and design coordination of engineering works and systems, planning the use of land and water, performing engineering surveys and studies, and the review of construction for the purpose of monitoring compliance with drawings and specifications, in connection with any utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, work systems, projects, and industrial or consumer products, or equipment of a control systems, communications, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal nature, that may involve safeguarding life, health, or property, and including such other professional services as may be necessary to the planning, progress, and completion of any engineering services.
Writes, updates, and maintains standard specifications and guide specifications (all Divisions).
Writes, updates, and maintains project design manuals.
Writes and manage content of technical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Designs and creates standard details including signing and sealing responsibilities.
Develops and manages a process that qualifies products for use on DC Water systems.
Collects input from multiple stakeholders (staff engineers, project managers, program managers, project design engineers (PDEs), design consultants, inspectors, construction contractors, and others) to update and manage standard and guide specifications, project design manuals, standard details, qualified products, and technical SOPs.
Trains DC Water staff and other stakeholders on how to use specifications, project design manuals, standard details, qualified products list, and technical SOPs.
Reviews track changes versions of specification deliverables to provide comment on PDE and evaluates changes for inclusion into standards.
Collects and shares lessons learned. Manages lessons learned process to continuously improve specifications, project design manuals, standard details, qualified products, and technical SOPs.
Makes recommendations for improved design and construction procedures.
Supports new materials committee. Collects and shares product developments, new materials, and industry trends.
Develops, administers, implements, and maintains design and construction standards.
Reviews design submittals from both in-house and consultant design teams.
Performs design quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) and calculations back-check as needed.
Creates standard forms to support technical DC Water policies and procedures.
Ensures DC Water standards are in accordance with national and global standards such as ASTM, AWWA, ACI, CSI, and DC Building Codes.
Ensures updates to national and global standards are reflected in DC Water standards.
Performs routine technical and administrative functions.
Performs other related duties as assigned at the discretion of the immediate supervisor.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides daily planning and administration in the selection, assignment, supervision, promotion, discipline, and training of personnel within the area.
Key Working Relationships: Interacts with co-workers in the Department and throughout the Authority, and contractors and project engineers from other organizations and agencies, etc.
Skills & Qualifications:
The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Required Experience:
Five (5) years of experience designing projects in the water and wastewater industry, including coordinating with various regional or federal agencies
Minimum Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
Required Skills:
Knowledge of design and construction standards, building codes, materials standards, and construction contract procurement.
Demonstrates a knowledge of standard specifications versus guide specifications and how to apply and implement each type of specification.
Experience developing and/or implementing standard specifications.
Experience creating and developing standard details.
Knowledge of design standards, CSI format specifications, and construction contracting.
Field experience working in construction related positions is a plus.
Strong analytical, planning, interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability to lead tasks/initiatives with minimum supervision.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Strong written and verbal communication, data management, and project management skills.
Utilizes personal computer and maintains a working knowledge of applicable software programs (i.e., Word, Excel, email, SharePoint, MS Teams, etc.).
Required Licenses & Certifications:
A valid District of Columbia (DC) Professional Engineering License (PE) is required at the time of hire
Physical Requirements:
Subject to indoor and/or outdoor environmental conditions that include exposure to extreme cold and/or extreme hot temperatures
Subject to noise, vibration, and to hazards from a variety of physical conditionsSubject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases or poor ventilation, or to exposure to oils or other cutting fluids
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
Preferred Experience:
N/A
Preferred License Requirements:
Certification from the Construction Specification Institute (CSI) as a Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) or certification from the Construction Specifications Institute as a Certified Construction Specifier (CCS)
Preferred Skills:
N/A
*The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
Your Experience at DC Water:
At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital.
Take pride in your work. We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community.
Connect to a strong culture. Everything we do is grounded in our shared values—accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing.
Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees’ individuality and unique contributions.
Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities.”
If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to
perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please
email [email protected].
Top Skills
What We Do
DC Water is an industry leader because of the caliber of our employees. We are thinkers and leaders. We are innovators and problem-solvers. Every day we're helping to solve the environmental challenges of the nation's capital. We take pride in our work. Join us.
