Engineering Technician I

City of Spokane; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Job summary

City of Spokane is seeking an entry-level Engineering Technician I to train as a Chain Helper, Surveyor, or Rod Helper on a survey crew and learn routine drafting with AutoCAD.

You will gain technical skills, participate in surveys, measurements, and drafting tasks while advancing toward professional growth with a pension and structured pay steps.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and basic math skills.
• Interest in surveying or drafting and computer literacy.
• Ability to learn engineering plans and work on a survey crew.

Responsibilities

• Designated as Surveyor, Chain, or Rod Helper on a survey crew; assist in measuring distances and setting up survey instruments.
• Perform routine drafting work using computer-aided drafting software in training; assist in tracing plans and diagrams.
• Assist in installing and maintaining traffic counters; operate plotting and drafting equipment.
• Learn to compute areas, distances, grades, and prepare diagrams with AutoCAD; support field and lab activities.

Skills

Surveying

Drafting

AutoCAD

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Are you looking for an entry level position that can lead to long term professional growth and personal achievement? Do you need a career with challenging projects and diverse opportunities? If you are interested in developing technical engineering and planning skills to build a better community, consider an Engineering Technician career with the City of Spokane.

This position is a good fit if you:

• Are interested in surveying or computer-aided drafting.
• Have an aptitude for mathematical concepts like trigonometry, geometry, and basic algebra. Click HERE to see examples of concepts you may encounter on the job.
• Are technologically skilled and computer savvy.
• Would like to learn engineering principles and learn engineering plans and specifications. Click HERE to see examples of what you may encounter on the job.

As a City of Spokane Engineering Technician I, you will train as a Chain Helper, Surveyor, or Rod Helper on a survey crew and learn routine drafting. A surveyor at the City provides dimensional control for all stages of construction work, including the stake out of reference points and markers that will guide the construction of new structures such as roads, utilities, or buildings.

Over the course of your career with the City you will learn new technical skills like how to compute areas, distances, and grades, and how to prepare diagrams and structural plans with the use of AutoCAD.

Employees can expect to work within a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, with fast paced and rewarding work. Our Engineering Technicians have excellent advancement opportunities, professional development, annual pay step increases, and great employee benefits including a pension plan.

Check out our day in the life video series to hear from Engineering Techs across different departments.

• Engineering Services
• Construction Management
• Development Services

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Designated as Surveyor, Chain, or Rod Helper on a survey crew. Holds the end of a surveying chain, plumb bob, or tape in measuring distances; uses a range pole and prism to indicate a point, or places the device as directed by the instrument operator. Uses a level rod, and adjusts and reads the target in establishing or obtaining existing elevations. Sets up and moves survey instruments and related equipment. Drives hubs and stakes to indicate point and grade; digs and searches for survey monuments and benchmarks; clears and removes obstacles from survey line of sight.
• Cleans and cares for instruments and equipment. Uses hand tools and may use a total station theodolite or level in training and under close supervision.
• Sets cones to direct traffic.
• Performs routine drafting work using computer-aided drafting software in training and under close supervision. Draws and traces simple maps and diagrams. Assists in tracing other plans and diagrams and in preparing assessment rolls. Makes routine computations. Maintains location maps and water pump age records. May assist in the laboratory.
• Assists in the installation and maintenance of traffic counters. Uses a radar speed machine and recorder. Repairs traffic counter hoses and assists in obtaining field data for traffic studies.
• Operates a plotter, copying machine, calculator, computer, and surveying and drafting equipment and software.
• Performs related work as required.

Open Entry Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of mathematics, including trigonometry, geometry, and basic algebra, and the ability to perform calculations are essential requirements.

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of multiple-choice questions.

The examination may include such subjects as:

• Mathematical Reasoning
• Surveying and Drafting
• Reading Comprehension

If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

This is an online examination that will require a computer.

Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on October 7th, 2026. The testing window is October 8th - 12th.

Please note:

The email will come from City of Spokane ([e-mail]).

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.