Engineer Technician Senior Permits

Southern Arkansas University; Mechanicsville (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Arkansas University is seeking a candidate to support the Residency Permits application process in Mechanicsville, Virginia. The role involves prescreening applications, ensuring prompt communication with applicants, and maintaining records. Responsibilities include processing various types of permits, conducting inspections, and applying engineering technology. Successful candidates should possess effective communication skills, knowledge of highway construction, and an ability to interpret policies. A combination of education and experience in Civil Engineering is desired, along with necessary certifications.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans.
• Knowledge of land use permitting processes.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with VDOT staff and external staff.
• Review and inspect field work for compliance.
• Document and maintain project records.
• Issue and process permit applications.

Skills

Effective communication

Follow instructions

Interpret policies

Prepare records

Provide training

Read engineering plans

Knowledge of highway construction

Computer skills

Education

Training in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Computers

Job description

This role will support the Residency Permits application process by conducting the prescreening of Permit applications for federally funded projects. They will communicate with Residency staff and Permits applicants to ensure that applicants receive prompt information, that submitted materials are complete, and that questions or issues are resolved expeditiously. They will enter information into the system, maintain records, and generate information, as needed.

Job Description

Perform special duties as assigned. Review, inspect and process new street additions and county bond projects and additions into the State Secondary System. Review, approve, process, issue and inspect work activities under permit, i.e., private and commercial entrance permits, utility permits and land use permits, to ensure compliance with agency standards and specifications and to ensure safety of the traveling public where permit work is taking place. Provide engineering technical support and assistance to assigned program area.

How you will contribute

• Communication: Communicate with VDOT staff as well as external staff (consultants, localities, etc.) to proactively resolve issues. Advise supervisor on critical developments and field observations.
• Engineering Technology: Apply advanced principles and practices of engineering technology to assigned program areas. Interpret policies and procedures and apply them in daily work assignments.
• Field Reviews and Inspections: Review or inspect field work being performed by VDOT staff or contractors. Determine compliance with policies, procedures and standards.
• Issue Land Use Permits: Issue and process permit applications for work within VDOT right of way. Inspect permit work to ensure conformity to plans and special provisions and requirements of the land use permit manual. Meet with applicants in the field, review project work zones and determine bond estimates. Provide technical expertise in onsite evaluation of elements such as sight distance, stopping sight distance, geometry, drainage pipe requirements, locations and size, percent of grade, sub‑grade stabilization and surface.
• Project Documentation: Document, enter and complete required data such as work orders, schedules or records. Provide technical assistance to field staff and contractors and provide training.
• Records Maintenance: Compile and maintain automated and written reports and project records for assigned program areas in accordance with guidelines and policies.
• Review and inspect new subdivision streets: Perform final inspection and handle assemblies for acceptance of streets into state system and submit completed package to Central Office for processing. Plan and coordinate phase inspections during construction and post‑installation inspections. Review, approve, and process abandonments and discontinuances.
• Review site plans, special use permits, rezoning requests, and land divisions: Check plats for administrative approval by county planning. Conduct onsite field review with owner or owner’s agents. Communicate with citizens, public officials, state employees and business representatives.
• Technical Assistance: Address questions, policies and procedures related to assigned program area. Provide support to field personnel. Provide guidance related to VDOT policy and standards.
• Time Management: Demonstrate knowledge of all project activities and deliverables. Manage time to ensure project work is completed efficiently and within timeframes established by supervisor. Inform supervisor in a timely manner regarding issues which may affect the scheduled completion of an assignment.

What will make you successful

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures related to VDOT's program areas.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.
• Ability to provide training and guidance to other technicians.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, road construction plans, property plats, utility plans and sketches.
• Knowledge of highway construction and roadway maintenance procedures.
• Skill in the use of computers and job-relevant software programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to interpret VDOT Road and Bridge standards and specifications, VA Work Area Protection manual, Access Management and Land Use Permit Regulations, and Subdivision Street Requirements.
• Ability to obtain necessary materials certifications needed within the first 12 months of employment.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, road construction plans, property plats, utility plans and sketches.
• Knowledge of highway construction and roadway maintenance procedures.
• Knowledge of land use permitting processes and procedures.
• Skill in the use of computers and web‑based applications.
• Valid driver's license.

Additional Considerations

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Civil Engineering or related field desired.
• Experience in roadway construction and maintenance activities.
• Experience working with MUTCD, Virginia Work Area Protection Manual, Road Design Manual, VDOT Road and Bridge Standards and Specifications, Access Management Regulations and Land Use Manual.
• Possession of certifications required for the position.