Engineering Technician

Town of San Anselmo; San Anselmo (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of San Anselmo is seeking an Engineering Technician to perform journey-level technical office and field engineering tasks in the Public Works Department. The role includes inspections of streets, sidewalks, sewers, and related facilities, plus assisting the public and private developments.

Ideal candidate has knowledge of construction materials, is self-directed, and can prioritize multiple activities. Strong written and oral communication, plus teamwork, are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Basic trig, geometry, and algebra for engineering calculations.
• CAD and GIS familiarity; office software.
• Public works inspection fundamentals.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Inspect public works structures and private improvements for compliance.
• Field investigations of municipal code violations; advise on abatement.
• Respond to queries about Town right-of-way, traffic, and safety.
• Maintain and update maps and records, including CAD/GIS base maps.
• Prepare data and reports from field studies and inventory.
• Process various permits issued by the Department.
• Educate residents and contractors about stormwater programs.
• Coordinate use of public right-of-way with stakeholders.

Skills

Read plans

Clear communication

Public interaction

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma

Construction coursework

Tools

CAD

GIS

MS Office

Job description

Description

The Engineering Technician performs a variety of journey-level technical office and field engineering work in support of the Public Works Department. Duties include field inspections on various maintenance and repair projects, as well as private developments. The incumbent provides assistance and information to the public.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of construction materials and practices. The individual should be personable, self-directed, and able to prioritize work and coordinate several activities at once. Highly desirable is an individual who is a team player and has excellent written and oral communication skills, including good listening techniques.

Examples of Duties

• Inspect various public works structures including streets, sidewalks, gutters, sewers, storm drain systems, and various other facilities; perform preliminary and final inspection and acceptance of private improvements
• Conduct field investigations of reported complaints of municipal code, ordinance, and resolution violations; advise individuals of violations and methods of abatement; take appropriate action to ensure compliance
• Respond to requests for information and assistance related to use of Town right-of-way, private developments, traffic, parking, and safety; conduct field studies, compile data, and prepare appropriate recommendations and reports
• Explain and interpret municipal codes, ordinances, and resolutions at the counter and in the field to property owners and the general public
• Maintain and update a variety of maps and records, including Town street maps in both digital and paper format, utility system maps, and various index maps
• Research plans and records, perform field observations of infrastructure inventory and condition; input, maintain, and update data for computerized maintenance management systems
• Read, navigate, and make updates to base maps using CAD and GIS software
• Process encroachment permits, grading permits, sewer permits, watercourse modification permits, road bonds, and all other permits issued by the Department
• Perform inspections and educational outreach to residents, contractors, and businesses relating to the Town's stormwater pollution prevention program
• Work with residents, contractors, and other public agencies on the coordinated use of the public right-of-way
• Mediate disputes between homeowners, contractors, and the Town
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Basic trigonometry, geometry, and algebra as applied to routine engineering computations
• Computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and CAD
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment
• Engineering maps and records
• Safe work practices
• Basic principles and techniques of public works inspection
• Principles and techniques of effective customer service
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public and Town staff

Ability to:

• Read and interpret project plans and specifications
• Use office and engineering software and equipment
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including the ability to present complex issues in an easy-to-understand manner
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, contractors, and citizens
• Perform moderately complex engineering and mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy
• Provide quality customer service
• Perform a full range of paraprofessional engineering work under minimal supervision
• Understand and interpret legal property descriptions, engineering records, and maps
• Review plans and documents for conformance to regulations
• Perform construction inspection activities
• Learn applicable laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and policies governing the construction of assigned public works projects enforced by the Town
• Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Make sound judgments in stressful situations
• Resolve conflicts between different parties, including homeowners, contractors, and the Town, with cordiality and professionalism
• Analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, recommend effective courses of action, and implement the most viable solution
• Build consensus to accomplish goals through a coordinated team effort both within and outside of

Supplemental Information

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical qualifying background would be:
Experience:

• Two years of technical engineering experience. Experience in a position requiring public contact is highly desirable

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by college-level construction, inspection, or engineering coursework