Engineering Assistant

Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District; Beaumont (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District is seeking an entry-level civil engineer to work under supervision on water, sewer, and recycled water capital projects. Responsibilities include basic design, calculations, and coordinating with developers and contractors.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in civil or mechanical engineering, 1 year of relevant experience, and an EIT certification within 12 months. A US driver's license is desirable. Office and field duties are involved.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil or mechanical engineering.
• 1 year of professional or technical engineering experience.
• EIT certification within 12 months of employment.
• Valid US driver's license desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic engineering planning and design for capital projects and prepare plans for water and related facilities.
• Prepare calculations, sketches, plans, and estimates for water systems.
• Conduct hydraulic calculations and modeling to determine design requirements.
• May serve as project engineer for small facilities projects and liaise with developers and contractors.
• Review plans for adherence to standards and respond to RFIs from contractors.
• Coordinate with other departments and agencies on engineering projects.
• Prepare studies, cost estimates, RFPs, and contract documents for design and construction.
• Monitor progress on projects and verify compliance with plans and specs.

Skills

Engineering design basics

Hydraulic calculations

Project coordination

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil or mechanical engineering

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification within 12 months

Tools

AutoCAD

Hydraulic modeling software

Job description

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical and routine professional civil engineering work in the research, design and construction of water, sewer, and recycled water capital improvement, maintenance, and construction projects; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level classification in the professional Engineer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine to moderate professional engineering work requiring the application of fundamental engineering principles. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; frequent review of work lessens as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. The Assistant Engineer is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer in the complexity of assignments and in the licensure as a Professional Engineer at the Associate Civil Engineer level.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to provide a representative list of the various types of work that may be performed. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job class, and incumbents may expect to perform other related similar duties. Some of the duties include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Performs basic engineering planning and design for capital construction and improvement programs; prepares or oversees the preparation of plans and specifications for the construction of a variety of water and recycled water facilities including pipelines, pumping stations, filtration plants, water tanks, drainage facilities, and roadways.
• Prepares calculations, sketches, plans, specifications, and estimates for water supply, treatment, storage, and related distribution facilities.
• Researches and identifies project design requirements; conducts hydraulic water computer modeling to determine design requirements and parameters; performs routine to difficult engineering calculations, including but not limited to fire flow analysis and static pressure calculations.
• May serve as project engineer for basic facilities construction, expansion, and/or refurbishment projects designed in-house or by engineering consultants; evaluates and recommend solutions to problems; generates basic preliminary design reports; serves as liaison with developers, contractors, and design engineers.
• Performs design and drafting tasks; reviews submittals and shop drawings; assists in the solution of difficult problems; reviews plans for adherence to District standards; answers contractors’ requests for information.
• Coordinates engineering design projects with other departments and agencies.
• Prepares and/or reviews special engineering studies, cost estimates, requests for proposals, correspondence, records, files, and reports; prepares contractual documents on design and construction projects.
• Monitors construction work in progress, including conducting field investigations, to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, and standards.
• Prepares standard and non-standard Developer Facility Agreements; evaluates potential frontage reimbursements, frontage to-be-paid, and reviews prevailing wage bids.
• Researches sub-regional development data and/or as-built files; meets with developers, consultants, and owners to discuss development processes, preparation or review of facilities plans of service, and associated analysis and calculations.
• Maintains records of work progress and expenditures of project funds; prepares progress estimates.
• Researches, coordinates, and reviews proposed right-of-way and the vacation of existing rights-of-way; prepares documentation for easement acquisitions and coordinates with legal counsel; reviews and implements permit requirements in the design of facilities.
• Provides technical support in answering design questions for customers via walk-in, on the phone, or through email.
• Coordinates with District operations, administrative, and finance staff regarding capital improvement and development projects.
• Assists management staff in training District personnel, landscape maintenance personnel, and property managers in the safe use of recycled water and state and local regulatory requirements.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Theory and basic principles and practices of civil and/or mechanical engineering design and construction.
• Basic techniques and equipment used in design, construction, and maintenance of various public works projects.
• Hydraulic calculations and hydraulic system analysis; principles of physics and mathematics applicable to civil engineering and land surveying.
• Basic principles and techniques of project management and legal guidelines applicable to public works engineering.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and programs, projects, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Review and prepare engineering plans, specifications, and legal contracts.
• Perform technical research, analyze engineering and mathematical problems, and recommend and adopt alternative courses of action.
• Perform accurate engineering calculations and cost estimates.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports, drawings, maps, notes, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Learn California Public Works Contract Code.
• Explain basic design criteria, policies, ordinances, and procedures to consultants.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems and software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field; and

One (1) year of professional or technical engineering experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification within twelve (12) months of employment.
• Possession of a valid US driver's license is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also occasionally work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and road hazards. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing District policies and procedures.