JAMES OKUMU P.E.
Nixa,MO
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven engineer with extensive experience in water treatment and supply operations, seeking a challenging role as the Director of Water Treatment and Supply. Adept at leading teams, optimizing processes, and ensuring regulatory compliance to achieve operational excellence through strategic planning, project management and team leadership.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Water Systems Planning and Engineering Manager
City Utilities of Springfield
04.2023 - Current
- Managing subordinate personnel, contractors and design engineering firms to optimize use of budgeted funds for operational efficiency and project completion.
- Overseeing development of project scopes, exploring and evaluating various concepts/alternatives and preparation of plans and specifications.
- Directing and coordinating design of all water treatment, supply, transmission, and storage projects, including pipeline projects, pump stations, storage tanks, and treatment projects.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to develop budgets, projects and plans for capital and non-capital activities.
- Leading cross-functional teams for successful project design, construction, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to specifications.
- Interfacing with outside agencies at all levels of government including but not limited to EPA, MODNR, Watershed of the Ozarks, Ozark Greenways. Trail Springs and the Kiwanis group.
- Developing start-up procedures for various systems and supervising installation of equipment.
Water Treatment & Supply Engineer IV
City Utilities of Springfield
01.2013 - 04.2023
- Supervised Water Systems and Planning Engineering staff preparing construction drawings, inspecting water storage facilities and maintaining dam safety program.
- Collaborated on interdisciplinary teams to develop creative, cost-effective solutions for complex projects.
- Reduced project completion time with efficient resource allocation and effective communication strategies.
- Responsible for engineering design and layouts of pump stations, water treatment, and contract work.
- Developed comprehensive project plans to ensure timely completion within budget constraints.
- Achieved successful project outcomes by maintaining accurate documentation while meeting strict deadlines.
- Evaluated vendor proposals for equipment procurement, selecting optimal solutions based on performance requirements.
- Presented technical findings to stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding of project status and goals.
Natural Gas &Water Systems Engineer
City Utilities of Springfield
05.2009 - 12.2012
- Reviewed and updated gas and water construction standards.
- Prepared and performed peer reviews of engineering cost estimates for capital and non-capital projects and devised cost estimates and schedules for annual budgets.
- Conducted exploration, design, permitting, and modification as required for various projects.
- Prepared formal reports of results of studies, stating conclusion reached and offering recommendations.
- Prepared engineering layout of relocations and adjustments to utility water facilities as required for city projects.
Natural Gas and Water Systems Designer
City Utilities of Springfield
10.2006 - 05.2009
- Redesigned existing commercial and industrial gas and water service lines and meters.
- Performed periodic checks of gas and water department procedures and records for compliance with Missouri Public Service Commission.
- Designed district regulator stations and provided technical assistance to pressure control and regulation department.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Project Management
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
University of Missouri Rolla
Rolla, MO05.2009
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Physics and Computer Engineering
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO05.2005
Skills
- Water Treatment Expertise
- Leadership and Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Budget and Financial Analysis
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Team Collaboration
- Problem Solving
Accomplishments
- Directed the Fulbright Water Treatment Filter Project upgrade with a budget of $2.4M, realizing a savings of over $1M by acting as the general contractor.
- Collaborated with multiple teams to successfully apply for and win grants totaling to $26.5M for Water Treatment and Supply within the past 3 years.
- Oversaw the chemical feed conversion at Fulbright Water Treatment Plant from chlorine gas to onsite generation.
- Collaborated with community partners to manage public recreational access on City Utilities owned property around Fellows Lake.
Affiliations
- American Waterworks Association
- Missouri Society of Professional Engineers
- Engineers Without Borders
Timeline
Water Systems Planning and Engineering Manager
City Utilities of Springfield
04.2023 - Current
Water Treatment & Supply Engineer IV
City Utilities of Springfield
01.2013 - 04.2023
Natural Gas &Water Systems Engineer
City Utilities of Springfield
05.2009 - 12.2012
Natural Gas and Water Systems Designer
City Utilities of Springfield
10.2006 - 05.2009
Graduate Certificate - Project Management
Missouri State University
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
University of Missouri Rolla
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Physics and Computer Engineering
Missouri State University
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