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Performs engineering work. Work involves job rotation, training and continuing education in design, construction, construction inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental and/or transportation operations-related activities with the intent to actively pursue engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams. Design activity is supervised by a licensed professional engineer who has authority for final approval of all projects. Work requires contact with local governmental representatives, engineering contractors and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

NOTE: All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the Engineering Assistant Career Development program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment.

Essential Duties:

The essential duties for the Engineer Assistant I include:

• Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams and completion/maintenance of required documentation.
• Applies engineering principles, methods, and techniques to a wide variety of transportation-related activities.
• Assists during emergencies and inclement weather.
• Assists in survey activities.
• Assists with contract administration for construction and maintenance projects to ensure contract compliance.
• Collects engineering data at project sites.
• Creates detailed PS&E.
• Participates in Career Development for the Engineering Assistants program which includes job rotation, training, and continuing education.
• Performs construction inspection and material sampling/testing.
• Performs traffic barricade inspections, identifies problems and assists with resolution of traffic control plans.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Engineer Assistant II:

In addition to the above

• Assists in training less experienced engineering assistants, specialist and/or technicians.
• Performs engineering calculations for plan quantities as part of PS&E preparation activities.
• Performs engineering-related planning, design, data collection, evaluation and analysis activities
• Performs research and problem solving of engineering-related problems.
• Performs traffic analysis and data collection
• Prepares and checks plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) and designs
• Uses automated roadway/structural/hydraulic design programs and computer-assisted design/engineering systems.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for all levels:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Acceptable Substitutions for all levels:

• Master's degree in engineering or a Master of engineering degree from an institution that offers a bachelor of science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.
• Doctoral degree in engineering or a doctor of engineering degree from an institution that offers a bachelor of science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

Engineer Assistant I: No work experience is required. No supervisory experience required.

Engineer Assistant II: 1 year of Engineering related experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). No supervisory experience required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Additional Certification required for Engineer Assistant II and III:

• Mandatory: TX Engineer In Training Certificate

Competencies:

Engineer Assistant I:

Some knowledge of:

• Transportation engineering terminology and fundamentals
• Transportation design engineering principles, practices and methods and the application of engineering theory
• Engineering designs.

Proficient skill in:

• Research and analysis methodologies
• Application of engineering fundamentals
• Collecting, sorting and compiling data
• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities
• Performing calculations using algebra, trigonometry and geometry
• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others

Engineer Assistant II:

In Addition to the above

Considerable knowledge of:

• Traffic engineering terminology and fundamentals
• Plan review methods, processes and procedures
• Applicable inspection methods, procedures and techniques
• Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance
• Highway construction and maintenance
• Transportation engineering terminology and fundamentals
• The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Proficient skill in:

• Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints and maps
• Performing calculations to include material and labor estimates, expenses, technical survey data and engineering calculations

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Engineer Assistant I and II:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Subject to noise
• Subject to vibration
• Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device
• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs
• Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
• Visual Acuity-operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment
• Visual Acuity-determine work quality/make general observations of facilities/structures

Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

Conditions for an Engineer Assistant I or II:

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
• All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the EA program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment. Failure to comply with all terms of the Program Agreement will result in reclassification.