Location
Description
We're hiring for an Engineering Technician I/II in our Public Works Department.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under supervision (Engineering Technician I) or general supervision (Engineering Technician II), performs a variety of technical field and office engineering work in support of the Public Works Department’s engineering services, activities, and functions; performs engineering studies and prepares progress reports; participates in the design, building, and maintenance of the Geographic Information System (GIS); provides information and assistance to contractors, developers, engineers, and the general public on the City’s engineering services and activities; and performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Engineering Technician I - This is the first level in the paraprofessional Engineering Technician class series. Positions at this level require technical engineering experience and/or training but are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Engineering Technician II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Advancement to the “II” level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.
Engineering Technician II - This is the full journey level class in the paraprofessional Engineering Technician series performing the full range of technical engineering duties with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Engineering Technician level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed program area knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Engineering Technician II level are normally filled by advancement from the Engineering Technician I level.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Perform a variety of paraprofessional field and office engineering work in support of the Public Works Department’s engineering services, activities, and functions.
- Provide phone and counter support; answer questions and provide technical information and assistance to contractors, developers, engineers, and the general public on the City’s engineering services and activities; investigate and follow-up on complaints from the public.
- Review a variety of engineering plans to assure compliance with City codes, ordinances, standards, and specifications; process public works applications including encroachment, grading, and building applications.
- Assist with the development of designs and specifications for public works projects; draft plans, maps, and design drawings for a variety of projects and studies; perform right-of-way research for projects; make or assist with engineering computations.
- Perform field inspection duties on assigned projects; ensure work performed complies with project plans, specifications, standards, and contracts; refer issues to higher level engineering staff as required.
- Provide technical support to a variety of engineering studies including traffic surveys, traffic flow studies, and accident investigations; research, collect, interpret and record data.
- Update sewer maps to accurately inventory all sewer assets; locate, verify, and map existing City sanitary sewer lines, manholes, and storm drain facilities.
- Perform technical duties in the development, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the City’s geographic information systems; compile, store, inventory, and analyze data; integrate OMI data; prepare queries and report modifications.
- Conducts field and GPS surveying for GIS database development efforts including to verify data.
- Design, develop, and assemble a variety of maps and exhibits.
- Prepare graphic displays for engineering reports and public presentations.
- Stay abreast of new and emerging trends and changing technologies related to the area of assignment including in the field of geographic information systems; read pertinent industry publications; attend meetings and training as required.
- Review, process, and issue local transportation permits.
- Maintain engineering files, records, and maps.
- Perform surveying and staking assistance for preliminary and construction field surveys; compute traverse closures, grades, distances, angles, and areas; reduce field survey notes.
- Perform related duties as required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment: Standard office setting with some travel to conduct site investigations; occasional exposure to outside weather conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain.
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and in a field environment; walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, and twist; push, pull, lift, and/or carry moderate amounts of weights; operate assigned equipment and vehicles.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Ideal Candidate
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
- Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by two years of college level course work in engineering or a related field.
- Engineering Technician I: Some technical engineering experience is desirable.
- Engineering Technician II: Two years of increasingly responsible paraprofessional engineering experience comparable to that of an Engineering Technician I with the City of Auburn.
License or Certificate:
- Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of:
- Operations, services, and activities of a municipal engineering program.
- Basic civil engineering practices and principles applicable to area of assignment.
- As assigned, GIS theory and mechanics including georelational database, forms, tables, queries, reports, layers, and programming.
- Methods and techniques of researching, compiling, interpreting, and presenting statistics and data.
- Mathematical principles as applied to engineering work.
- Methods and techniques of conducting site inspections.
- Engineering maps and records.
- Methods and techniques of developing maps.
- Construction methods, procedures, standards, and materials.
- Principles and practices of record keeping.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment including personal computer hardware and software applications.
- Uses, capabilities, and operational characteristics of specialized engineering information technology hardware and software.
- Advanced computer applications including AutoCAD, GIS, and database applications.
- Computer aided drafting principles and techniques.
- Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to:
- Perform a variety of paraprofessional office and field engineering work.
- Assist with the preparation of engineering designs, plans, and specifications.
- Prepare a variety of drawings, sketches, maps, graphs, and related technical documents.
- Prepare maps and layouts from notes and sketches.
- Read and interpret maps and blueprints.
- Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, contractors, and representatives of other agencies in providing information about Public Works Department policies, projects, and procedures.
- Perform a variety of data gathering and compilation for engineering studies.
- Make accurate engineering computations and drawings.
- Provide technical level support to geographic information systems programs.
- Implement, maintain, and operate geographic information system database systems.
- Compile and analyze geographic information systems data.
- Create, edit, and plot geographic information systems data and graphics in ArcView and ArcInfo.
- Scan maps and photographs.
- Operate a variety of engineering equipment in a safe and effective manner.
- Maintain accurate engineering files and records.
- Prepare clear and concise technical reports.
- Perform field inspections.
- Work independently in the absence of supervision.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Benefits
Compensation
- The salary ranges for each level are:
- Engineering Technician I: $55,390 - $70,699
- Engineering Technician II: $67,100 - $85,633
- Longevity pay starting at 10 years of service, up to 10%
- Tuition reimbursement up to $1,200 annually
Benefits
- CalPERS medical plans with generous City contributions toward premiums
- Cash benefit when medical insurance waived
- City-paid dental and vision
- Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care available
- City-paid $50k life insurance benefit
- Optional voluntary life insurance, critical illness, accident and other coverage plans available for employee purchase
Retirement
- CalPERS retirement plans: 2% @ 55 for classic members and 2% @ 62 for PEPRA members
- Optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan options
- The City of Auburn does not contribute into Social Security
Paid Leaves
- Vacation starts accruing at 96 hours annually and increases with years of service
- Annual vacation leave cash-out program up to 40 hours
- Sick leave accrues 96 hours
- 13 paid holidays and 12 hours of floating holiday
This position is in the City Hall Employee Association employee group (CHEA) and has a 12-month probation period; for further benefit information, see the MOU.