Engineering Technician I/II

Eureka; Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Eureka seeks Engineering Technician I/II to support professional engineering staff in surveying, drafting, and permit processing. This position handles plan reviews, field observations, and maintains engineering records.

Applicants should have a high school diploma with college coursework in civil engineering, drafting or surveying, and a valid California driver's license. Opportunities exist for progression with experience and training.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of civil engineering principles and public works.
• Ability to perform field observations and basic engineering calculations.
• Familiar with CAD drafting and GIS concepts.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing plans, specifications, maps, and reports.
• Perform field observations and surveys.
• Assist with plan checks, permit processing, and record keeping.
• Support construction inspection under supervision.
• Maintain engineering records and GIS data.

Skills

Surveying observations

Public works knowledge

Technical report writing

Team collaboration

Education

College coursework in civil engineering/drafting/surveying

Tools

CAD (Computer-Aided Drafting)

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Job description

Under direct or general supervision, performs a variety of specialized paraprofessional engineering field and office duties in support of professional engineering staff, involving surveying, design of public works facilities, construction inspection and drafting; researches engineering topics and prepares basic engineering calculations; provides technical advice to the public; coordinates plan submittals; issues permits; maintains plan files and engineering records; prepares reports; and performs related work as required.

Description Summary

Under direct or general supervision, performs a variety of specialized paraprofessional engineering field and office duties in support of professional engineering staff, involving surveying, design of public works facilities, construction inspection and drafting; researches engineering topics and prepares basic engineering calculations; provides technical advice to the public; coordinates plan submittals; issues permits; maintains plan files and engineering records; prepares reports; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct or general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. No direct supervision of staff is exercised. May exercise technical and functional direction over assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Engineering Technician I: This is the entry-level class in the engineering technical support series. Initially, incumbents learn and perform a range of duties including receiving and responding to inquiries and complaints, maintaining engineering records, performing basic engineering calculations, performing field observations and surveys, researching engineering topics and updating maps and drawings. As knowledge and experience are gained, the work becomes broader in scope; assignments are more varied, include limited project management, and are performed under more general supervision. This class is alternately staffed with Engineering Technician II and incumbents may advance to the higher-level class after gaining the knowledge, skills and experience that meet the qualifications for and demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

Engineering Technician II: This is the journey-level class in the engineering technical support series with responsibilities spanning the entire spectrum of paraprofessional engineering functions, including independent responsibilities for projects and support programs. Incumbents apply paraprofessional engineering knowledge and skills to complete assignments in engineering, mapping, surveying, contract coordination, and preparation of specifications, plans and estimates. The work requires public contact, the frequent use of tact and judgment, good knowledge of departmental operations and the ability to conduct independent projects and programs. This class is distinguished from the professional engineering series in that the latter requires a professional degree and performs professional engineering work with independent judgment.

Expectation of Job Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

• Prepares or assists in the preparation of and/or interprets specifications, plans, estimates and reports pertaining to the construction, maintenance and operation of a variety of engineering, land development, utility, and other capital improvement projects, including conducting a variety of surveys for creation of sidewalks, utility lines, and topography maps, collecting all pertinent information to create useful maps, issuing permits and work orders required for construction activities to public clients, and evaluating building plans for compliance with public works standards.
• Performs basic design and drafting duties in connection with streets, storm drains, traffic facilities and other projects.
• Performs field, office and computer-aided studies and prepares periodic and special reports based on findings from research, studies and surveys; and makes recommendations on findings.
• Receives, tags and logs, and reviews submitted engineering plans, maps, and related documents for plan check; checks calculations used in designs and estimates; routes documents to consultants or developers for preceding and following plan review; tracks status of plan checks and original documents; advises parties of revisions; contacts inspectors following plan approval to initiate construction observation.
• Performs construction inspections of public works projects to ensure compliance with contractual agreements, plans, and specifications, including preparing and recommending progress payments and change orders, evaluating possible public improvements as needed, ensuring work performed adheres to City standards, determining and noting major and minor defects, and evaluating appropriate actions in order to remedy defects as needed.
• Reviews building permit applications; confirms accuracy of submitted documents and/or requires revisions; provides written notice to applicants of required public improvements.
• Collects fees; issues permits for water and wastewater services required for new developments; issues permits for the performance of construction projects within the public right-of-way; issues transportation permits for oversized loads; records, distributes, copies, and files permits.
• Maintains engineering and traffic/transportation files, including plans, studies, inspections, surveys, maps and other data related to engineering and transportation projects; prepares, updates, reproduces, and distributes maps, drawings, blueprints, and other information recorded in GIS.
• Receives and responds to information requests from the public, consultants, engineering firms, developers, title companies, public works inspectors and staff for base maps, parcel maps and improvement plan information, encroachment permits, benchmarks, copies of maps and other geographical data, soils reports, as-builts, and street improvements; retrieves plans, reports, permits and files as necessary to comply with requests; responds to complaints from the public and resolves conflicts between owners, contractors, developers, utility companies, and others.
• Maintains and updates department records, tracking lists, permit records, and files of engineering plans, including grading, encroachments, improvements, storm drain, landscaping and final maps.
• Utilizes Computer-Aided Drafting software to create and modify engineering drawings, sketches, plot plans, site lay-outs, topographic maps, improvement plans and illustrative graphics, such as charts, illustrations, graphs for reports, drawings for design manuals and other projects.
• Utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) to create and modify mapping, collect field data and analyze data sets.
• Prepares a variety of legal documents, including construction project contract documents, hold harmless agreements, street tree agreements, sidewalk café agreements and various others
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge Of

• Civil engineering principles, practices and methods applicable to office and field work involving the design, construction and maintenance of public works projects.
• Basic design and construction practices and methods of streets, underground facilities and related public works infrastructure.
• Engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures.
• Principles and practices of technical civil engineering drafting and surveying support.
• Drafting and surveying equipment, computers, principles, problems, techniques and practices.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including administrative and department policies and procedures; State Subdivision Map Act.
• Technical engineering mathematics.
• Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
• Computer applications related to the work, including computer-aided drafting concepts and applications, geographic information systems (GIS) concepts and applications.
• Technical report writing practices and procedures.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

• Ability to:
• Prepare a variety of plans, specifications, maps, graphic materials, cost estimates, and technical engineering reports.
• Modify engineering drawings, topographic maps, improvement plans and illustrative graphics using Computer-Assisted Drafting (CAD) software.
• Modify and create maps using geographical information systems (GIS).
• Perform responsible technical engineering support work with accuracy, speed, and minimal supervision.
• Read and interpret engineering plans, technical drawings, specifications, and subdivision maps.
• Perform standard engineering design under professional engineering supervision.
• Make mathematical calculations and accurate engineering computations and drawings.
• Make and record accurate field engineering observations.
• Use engineering, drafting and surveying instruments and equipment, including GIS data acquisition equipment.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
• Apply technical research methodologies and write technical reports.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Requirements

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:

Engineering Technician I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college-level coursework in civil engineering, drafting, surveying, mathematics, or related field.

Engineering Technician I: No experience is required but one (1) year of paraprofessional civil engineering experience is desirable.

Engineering Technician II: In addition to the above, two (2) years of experience in the field or office performing engineering technical support or drafting which has provided familiarity with engineering drafting, surveying, map checking, construction inspection, materials testing, basic engineering design, and GIS, equivalent to the Engineering Technician I at the City of Eureka.

License

• Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.

No other information will be accepted and resumes, cover letters or additional materials WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle; and to visit and inspect various City development sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although the job involves field inspection work requiring frequent walking at inspection sites to monitor performance and to identify problems or hazards; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter 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. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions; but may occasionally be assigned to field work, which may involve loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

All applications received are screened to determine which applicants most closely match the desired education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the position. Applicants will receive email notification of the results of the screening process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not necessarily guaranteed advancement to the examination process, as only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate. The most qualified applicants will be invited to an examination tentatively to be held in late September. The Department Head [and/or designee(s)] will interview the top six (6) candidates from the examination process. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, and grant positions. The City reserves the right to extend the final filing date as necessary.

Important Note

Please make sure it is absolutely clear in your application exactly how you meet the minimum qualifications/requirements listed above. Applications that do not appear to meet the minimum qualifications will not move forward in the recruitment process.

City of Eureka's Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

We envision an inclusive community where everyone’s fundamental needs are met, where our employees respect and celebrate all walks of life, where everyone can grow and thrive, as we work with integrity for the good of Eureka. Our mission is to meet the needs of Eureka residents, businesses and visitors by providing services and making decisions that are socially, fiscally and environmentally responsible, creating a workplace that values growth, inclusion and empathy for all.

Disaster Service Worker

All City of Eureka employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked. The City of Eureka is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of handicap status in the admission, access to, treatment, or employment for its programs, or activities, whether funded by the City or by grants. Women, persons with disabilities, and minorities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate people with special physical or mental requirements. If you have special needs, please call [phone] prior to the examination date. When indicating you have a special need, one of the following definitions will apply to you. A disabled person is anyone who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities: i.e., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working or learning; or (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

Retirement

CalPERS Classic members: (2.7% @ 55) - Employees hired before 01/01/2013 by a CalPERS agency and who have less than a 6 month break in service, are considered “classic members” with all classic member benefits and restrictions. Employee portion: 8% per MOU agreement.

CalPERS PEPRA members: (2% @ 62) – Employees hired by a CalPERS agency after 01/01/2013, are considered PEPRA members with the new AB 340 benefit formulas, final compensation and contribution requirements. Employee portion: 7.75% per MOU agreement. The employee contribution is included in salary and is paid by the employee.

NOTE: Earnings from this job are not covered under Social Security. When you retire, you may receive a pension based on earnings from this job. For more information, go to https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1945.pdf

Medical

The City's workers' compensation coverage is self-funded. Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents is provided through Teamsters. An agreed portion of the health insurance premium is paid by the City; the remainder is paid by the employee. If eligible, the City's payment includes contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) for those employees electing medical and prescription coverage.

Vacation

Vacation is accumulated at 1 day per month upon employment and increases with time in service. The maximum accrual is 35 days.

Sick Leave

Sick Leave is accrued at one (1) day per month with no limit. Six (6) days of Family Sick Leave are also allowed per fiscal year and are deducted from employee's accrued Sick Leave. An employee may be allowed Family Death Leave up to three (3) days per incident. This is not accruable.

Holidays

The City pays for twelve (12) fixed holidays per year, in addition to three (3) floating holidays.

Life Insurance

The City pays the premium on a $5,000 life insurance policy for eligible employees, including eligible dependent coverage at $1,000 each.

Longevity/Retention Base Salary Increase

Five (5) years of continuous service = 2%

Ten (10) years of continuous service = 4%

Fifteen (15) years of continuous service = 6%

Bereavement Leave

All regular employees may utilize paid bereavement leave to attend a funeral or memorial service, or to take care of family matters that are related to the death of a member of immediate family. Employees are entitled to up to forty (40) hours for each death in the immediate family.

Other Benefits

Other benefits include optional participation in deferred compensation plans, City-paid membership in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the employee and eligible dependents, free membership at the Adorni Recreation Center for employee, spouse and dependent children, an educational reimbursement program, free enrollment at Little Saplings Preschool for children of City employees, 50% off fees for after school programs for children of City employees and free Sequoia Park Zoo membership for the entire family.

Note

Note: Although benefits have been reported as accurately as possible, there has been no warranty of complete benefit summary intended. All information provided is subject to the actual terms of the legal documents that control benefit programs.

01

Identify the courses of study you have completed in the following areas: a) Mathematics b) Science c) Engineering d) Surveying e) Construction Technology f) Computer Aided Drafting g) GIS Technology

02

Describe your work experience in the following areas: (Include employer name, your title and length of time performing the work). a) Surveying b) AutoCAD c) GIS d) Construction e) Construction Inspection

• Required Question