Planning and Engineering Assistant II - Transportation

Pima County; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima County Department of Transportation is seeking a Transportation Planning and Engineering Assistant II in Tucson, AZ. The role collaborates with senior engineers to support planning studies, traffic analyses, and capital projects across the county transportation network.

Responsibilities include reviewing plans, assisting with traffic control reviews, and developing transportation studies under the guidance of a Senior Traffic Engineer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or closely related field.
• Two years of preregistration engineering experience. (Relevant education/experience may substitute)

Responsibilities

• Leads engineering assistants and technicians in preparing and reviewing reports and designs.
• Reviews plans, specs, and cost estimates for projects and ensures compliance with standards.
• Develops studies for roadway intersections, traffic control, and transportation planning initiatives.
• Assists in capital improvement plans, transportation impact studies, and policy development.

Skills

Transportation planning

Traffic analysis

Geometric design

Engineering principles

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Traffic simulation software

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Traffic simulation software

Job description

Job Description Summary Department - Transportation Job Description OPEN UNTIL FILLED Job Type: Classified Job Classification: 5334 - Engineering Assistant II Salary Grade: 14 Pay Range Hiring Range: $65,457 - $78,540 Annually Pay Range: $65,457 - $91,644 Annually Range Explanation: Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity. Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position. The first review of applications will be on 10/09/2026.

Pima County Department of Transportation is in search of a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team as a Transportation Planning and Engineering Assistant II. This role involves collaborating with senior site managers, planners, and engineers to support the department's mission.

Responsibilities include:

Developing plans and studies for roadway intersections and segments, assisting in providing solutions to safety and transportation mobility challenges, reviewing plans and specifications for Capital Improvement Projects and private development transportation projects, reviewing and evaluating various professional engineering reports and documents for compliance with local and national requirements and to evaluate traffic impacts to the County's transportation network, and providing assistance and guidance to internal and external stakeholders regarding local requirements which may include on-site field work. The successful candidate will work on a wide range of technical, non-technical, and policy issues to advance Pima County's transportation's priorities. This position will operate under the guidance of a Senior Traffic Engineer while reviewing capital improvement plans, developing studies such as signal and traffic control reviews, evaluating transportation impact studies, assisting the County's Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, and developing plans for minor roadway modifications, such as striping and signing.

Essential Functions:

• Works as leadership role for other engineering assistants or technicians
• Reviews and resolves engineering problems in connection with standards and designs involved in maintaining and constructing public works and sanitary sewer facilities
• Leads the work of engineering assistants and technicians engaged in the preparation and review of reports and designs
• Completes or reviews drawings, plans including profile, estimates and preliminary reports for construction and improvement projects
• Participates in the preparation and review of specifications and cost estimates
• Prepares technical reports in connection with engineering projects
• Analyzes alternatives to determine the most desirable routes, locations and various design features for projects
• Performs specific assigned tasks in connection with engineering analysis of sanitary sewer design and quantities estimating
• Assists in the preparation of contracts which includes special and supplemental specifications
• Conducts or reviews testing results and performs analysis to determine appropriate testing procedures for sanitary sewer improvements and excavation in rights-of-way
• Performs research on construction materials testing procedures and analysis of specialty materials and products
• Develops or revises standard details for sanitary sewer construction
• Performs Utility Coordination tasks as assigned
• Conducts intake and issuance of RWRD Construction Permits
• Application of engineering principles to public works projects and systems
• Interpreting and utilizing engineering plans, maps, specifications and preparing reports
• Application of engineering theory to resolve problems: May supervise, train, and evaluate staff, determine work assignments and priorities, and participate in personnel selection

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering or closely related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment AND two years of preregistration engineering experience. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.) Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with/knowledge of transportation engineering principles and practices, including traffic analysis, geometric design, and transportation planning.
• Experience with analytical and problem-solving methods for evaluating transportation plans, identifying traffic impacts, and proposing effective solutions.
• Experience with/knowledge of engineering standards such as AASHTO, MUTCD, FHWA documents, and/or NACTO.
• Experience with communication both written and verbal form, to convey technical information to clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Experience with relevant engineering applications such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and/or traffic simulation/analysis software.

Licenses and Certificates:

Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.

Special Notice Items:

Applicants for positions in this classification with a pending graduation date must provide documentation of the pending graduation date from the awarding college/university’s registrar’s office at the time of application. If applicant provides a pending graduation date, proof of degree awarded must be submitted to the department upon appointment. The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Pima County determines whether a position is eligible for visa sponsorship at the time of recruitment. Eligibility is based on the requirements of the position and applicable laws and regulations. Not all positions with Pima County are eligible for visa sponsorship. This position will require a post-job offer physical and/or drug screen. This position will require post-job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening.

Physical/Sensory Requirements:

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position. Action Activity - none; Motion - simple and firm grasping; Hearing Activity - behind themselves, equipment alarms, in person, on the phone, on a radio; Visual representation - operate a motor vehicle, operate machinery, operate forklift/power industrial equipment, distinguish colors, depth perception, peripheral vision. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions:

Varying, inclement outdoor weather conditions. Office environment. Additional working conditions will be determined by position.

EEO Information:

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law. Pima County stands out as an exceptional workplace, offering a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and personal satisfaction. As one of the largest employers in the region, Pima County prioritizes its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique contributions of each employee. Embracing innovation and collaboration, Pima County provides multiple opportunities in which individuals can make a meaningful impact on their community. One of the key advantages of working for Pima County is its comprehensive benefits package. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security. Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being. Furthermore, Pima County takes pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs. In addition, a County-wide employee recognition program rewards employees who exemplify the County values of being accountable, respectful and ethical as well as providing great customer service. By joining Pima County, individuals become part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal: enhancing the quality of life for residents and building a vibrant future. Pima County is not just an employer; it's a community that values its employees, encourages their growth, and invests in their success.