Engineering Assistant I or II - District Laboratory

Texas Department of Transportation; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Department of Transportation is seeking Engineering Assistants to perform engineering work in design, construction, and inspection. This role involves applying engineering principles, collecting data, and preparing plans under the supervision of licensed engineers. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, with opportunities for career advancement and licensing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science accepted by TX PELS.
• None required for Assistant I; at least 1 year for Assistant II.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering principles to transportation-related activities.
• Collect engineering data at project sites.
• Perform construction inspection and material testing.
• Conduct engineering calculations and drafting/design work.
• Prepare and review plans, specifications, estimates, and designs.

Skills

Inspection methods

Highway/bridge materials

Highway construction

Engineering fundamentals

Engineering design skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in engineering

Master's or Doctoral degree in engineering

Job description

Engineering Assistant I:

Performs engineering work involving job rotation, training, and continuing education in design, construction, inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental, and transportation activities. The goal is to actively pursue engineering licensing/registration through training and exams. Design activities are supervised by a licensed professional engineer who has final approval authority. The role requires contact with government representatives, contractors, and private entities. Employees work independently on assignments, with unusual issues referred to the supervisor.

Essential Duties:

1. Apply engineering principles to transportation-related activities.
2. Collect engineering data at project sites.
3. Perform construction inspection and material testing.
4. Conduct engineering calculations and drafting/design work.
5. Prepare and review plans, specifications, estimates, and designs.

Engineering Assistant II:

Performs similar engineering work with additional responsibilities. The work involves job rotation, training, and continuing education in design, construction, inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental, and transportation activities, with the aim to pursue engineering licensing. Design activities are supervised by a licensed engineer. Employees work independently but escalate unusual issues to the supervisor.

Additional Essential Duties:

1. Prepare and review plans, specifications, estimates, and designs.
2. Engage in planning, design, data collection, evaluation, and analysis activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in engineering or a related science accepted by TX PELS. Substitutions include a Master's or Doctoral degree in engineering from an accredited institution.

Experience: None required for Assistant I; at least 1 year of engineering-related experience for Assistant II.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license, mandatory Safety Impact Certificate. Employees must be able to drive state vehicles.

Competencies:

• For Assistant I: inspection methods, highway/bridge materials, highway construction, engineering fundamentals.
• For Assistant II: all Assistant I competencies plus engineering design skills.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment physical required.
• Drug testing required prior to and during employment.
• Participation in the EA program is mandatory, with adherence to the Program Agreement.
• Work hours include weekends, holidays, and hours outside 8-5.
• Personal protective equipment must be worn, and safety requirements followed.