Search Jobs

The Engineering Group Manager – Facilities will oversee a diverse and talented team responsible for managing the planning, design, and construction of capital projects at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). This individual will lead the delivery of high-impact projects ranging from transit infrastructure upgrades to the improvement and rehabilitation of maintenance yards and other critical facilities. The role includes overseeing staff, consultants, and stakeholders in the successful execution of these projects, while also ensuring compliance with VTA’s overall objectives and community needs.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Water System Worker I

($20.56 -26.32 per hour)

The City of Chowchilla is seeking a Water System Worker I to assist in the operation and maintenance of the City’s water distribution system, including pumps, mains, chlorinators, meters, and other equipment; and perform related work as required on an assigned shift, under the general supervision of the Utilities Systems Supervisor and/or Director of Public Works.

Please click on the Job PDF below or visit Teri Black and Company - Recruitment Assistant Public Works Director - City of Mountain View, CA (tbcrecruiting.com) for more information on this opportunity.

The City of Livermore is accepting applications to fill a Senior Management Analyst position in the Public Works Department.  This position will perform complex administrative and analytical work in support of a wide range of asset management related programs and department project development with budgetary oversight; manages and promotes public education and engagement campaigns; negotiates and administers departmental and City-wide contracts; serves as a liaison with other departments, committees, governmental agencies, businesses, and the Livermore community; and performs related duties as assigned. 

Apply at livermoreca.gov/jobs by 5 pm on September 30th, 2024!

The City of Sunnyvale is looking to fill the Part-Time Golf Services Assistant position with a team member that believes the impossible is possible. This person is driven to continuously make a positive impact on the organization and believes that as a team we accomplish more. As an organization, we are motivated to produce the highest level of service possible.  

Sunnyvale Golf Course is a par 70 regulation 18-hole course with numerous bunkers, dog legs and water holes. Sunnyvale is a well-manicured test of the player's skill stretching out to 6,255 yards. Sunken Gardens Golf Course is a 9-hole, 1,502-yard executive course. Sunken Gardens is ideal for the beginner golfer with ample practice facilities and shorter length holes. 

The Part-Time Golf Service Assistant is responsible for performing customer service and cash handling tasks in accordance with standard procedures and following specific instructions from the supervising staff. The Golf Service Assistant classification is distinguished from the higher classification of Assistant Golf Professional in that the latter has increased level of responsibility, such as explaining and enforcing rules of the game of golf, equipment repair, golf starting, and event coordination.
 

Working in the Public Works Department for the City of Sunnyvale as a Golf Services Assistant provides an opportunity to improve the golf courses in the community and see the results of your work. All of this, plus a generous benefits package which includes a competitive salary, career development and training opportunities make the City of Sunnyvale a great place to work.

This position requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent, AND six months of customer service experience (40 hours per week). A complete application packet consists of a city employment application and responses to the required supplemental questions. The final filing date is on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 5:00 pm or after receiving 75 qualified applicants, whichever is first. For complete information regarding this opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov.

Salary: $21.31 - $27.20 Hourly

Associate Engineer - Auto Cad experience desired

You may attach any certificates or education documents

Summary Description

Under general supervision, performs professional and technical engineering work in design, land development, or capital improvements.

Distinguishing Characteristics

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.

1. Perform professional and technical engineering work relative to assigned area of responsibility, such as design, land development, and capital improvements.
2. Design and prepare plans and specifications for public works projects including pumping stations, streets, storm drains, sewer lines, and related projects; research project design requirements; perform calculations and prepare estimates of time and material costs.
3. Answer inquiries from realtors, developers, engineers, and the general public.
4. Develop revised design and construction standards for public works structures and appurtenances.
5. Serve as construction inspector to ensure compliance on City projects, subdivisions, and encroachments.
6. Investigate field problems affecting property owners, contractors, and maintenance operations; resolve problems or refer as appropriate; coordinate or perform field work associated with infrastructure projects.
7. Administer contracts; coordinate and review the work of outside consultants; review and recommend payments and billing for contracted services related to assigned projects.
8. Write legal descriptions for right of way and easement dedications.
9. Issue encroachment, water, and sewer permits.
10. Request and participate in the collection of survey and mapping data.
11. Prepare estimates and feasibility reports for new or modified services and structures.
12. Participate in the plan check, review, and processing of plans for private developments affecting City streets, sewers, drains and related public works facilities; assure compliance with appropriate codes, ordinances, rules and regulations.
13. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of municipal engineering; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.
14. Prepare visual presentations and reports.
15. Prepare special engineering studies and reports.
16. Coordinate public works activities with other City departments, divisions and sections and with outside agencies.
17. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

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:

Principles and practices of engineering as applied to public works, utilities, transportation or land development.

Methods, materials, techniques, tools, and equipment used in engineering construction and design.

Principles of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry and their application to engineering.

Operation, principles, and practices of engineering drafting and computer programs.

Topographic and construction surveying.

Strengths, properties, and uses of engineering construction materials.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.

Ability to:

Prepare plans and drawings neatly and accurately.

Prepare engineering design computations and check, design, and prepare engineering plans and studies.

Learn and understand City engineering policies and procedures.

Administer contracts and coordinate and review the work of outside consultants.

Learn applicable laws and regulatory codes.

Prepare quantity and cost estimates.

Use and care for engineering and drafting instruments and equipment.

Prepare reports encompassing raw technical data; prepare effective cost estimates and recommendations.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - 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:

Associate Engineer

Education/Training:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field.

Experience:

Two years of responsible engineering experience equivalent to that of an Assistant Engineer in the City of Ceres.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid, California Driver License.

Possession of an LSIT or EIT certificate.

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: Work is performed in an indoor and outdoor setting with exposure to all types of weather and temperature conditions, and travel from site to site.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate amounts of weight; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

The City of Sunnyvale is recruiting for a Fleet Manager.  Are you interested in joining an innovative and values-focused team to deliver excellent services?  The city is searching for a new team member with these attributes and experience in fleet maintenance, vehicle/equipment replacement, fleet planning and management, permitting, and regulatory compliance.

The Fleet Division works hard to ensure the City's vehicles and equipment are operating safely and efficiently.  As the Fleet Manager you will find satisfaction in being a part of a team that provides quality services for the City of Sunnyvale.   City staff and the community count on the Fleet Division for the vehicles and equipment needed to deliver exceptional service.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package including generous health benefits, retiree medical, and a 2% deferred compensation contribution.  A complete application consists of a City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.  The final filing date is September 23, 2024, at 5:00 pm. For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS.

$143,018.00 - $178,772.00 Annually

DEADLINE TO APPLY: This recruitment will remain open on a continuous basis until the needs of the City are met. Applications are reviewed bi-weekly.  Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.  

THE POSITION:

The City of Hayward is currently looking to fill one (1) Utility Worker-Water vacancy in the Water Division of the Public Works & Utilities Department. The Utility Worker performs a variety of semi-skilled tasks requiring a limited knowledge of water and sewer facility installation and maintenance activities. The duties assigned include physical labor and are frequently routine but are more difficult or skilled than work performed by Laborers. The operation of various types of light and moderately heavy automotive or other power-driven equipment as a regular assignment is characteristic of this class.  

 

You are:

The ideal candidate is a person looking for a career in the water industry, that has experience in underground construction (trench safety, confined space training, piping and plumbing, proficiency with common power and hand tools); traffic safety; and/or experience in a parallel industry (shipyard, refinery, earthwork) AND possess a D1 distribution water certificate. 

 

The ideal candidate will be the first in the hole, a self-starter, motivated, interested in learning, and capable of working in a team or as an individual to complete assignments. 

 

The person should have the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, have basic computer skills, and have an interest in serving the public by providing the highest quality water, at the lowest possible price, in the safest and most reliable manner. 

 

The ideal candidate will be accountable, reliable, conscientious, and take pride in the work that they do.

 

 

Essential Duties

What you will do: 

1. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

2. Assists in the installation, cleaning and repair of water lines, mains, water service connections, meters, valves, and other related facilities. 

3. Cuts, threads, and assembles pipes, makes new water service connections, involving installation of meters and boxes and tapping main lines. 

4. Assists in locating and repairing leaks or breaks in water lines. 

5. Participates in the inspection, cleaning and flushing of water lines. 

6. Fills out valve locator cards and makes field maps showing locations. 

7. Uses pipe locator for tracing pipe routes. 

8. Paints pipe location marks on streets for excavation purposes.

9. May perform leak detection as directed. 

10. Operates trucks and uses various hand or pneumatic tools and maintenance equipment including loader.

11. Operates light power equipment such as compressors, jackhammers, tampers and concrete saws. 

12. Picks up, unloads and delivers materials and supplies. Performs related duties as assigned.  

Link to full job description: Class Specifications | Utility Worker - Water | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com) 


CORE COMPETENCIES  

Knowledge of:  
1. Basic mathematics. 

2. Construction and maintenance materials, methods, and terminology. 

3. Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.

4. Basic methods, materials and equipment used in laying or repairing pipe connections. 

5. Operation and use of light and moderately heavy automotive or other power-driven equipment used in the installation, maintenance and repair of water lines. 

6. Uses, purposes and maintenance of hand tools.  

Ability to: 
1. Perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks in the installation and repair of water lines. 

2. Use hand and power tools. 

3. Understand and follow oral and written directions. 

4. Learn the procedures and safe handling of non-commercial chemicals, sprays and poisons. 

5. Meet the requirements for wearing respiratory protection and other safety equipment. 

6. Follow established safety procedures. 

7. Work with diverse groups of people. 

8. Work alone or as a member of a team. 

9. Operate skillfully a variety of light and moderately heavy power-driven equipment. 

10. Communicate with the public in a professional manner. 

11. Perform heavy physical labor for an extended period of time. 

12. Read water and sewer maps 
 

Minimum Qualifications

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

You have: 

 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:

Experience: One (1) year of experience in the construction and maintenance of water facilities, involving the use of dump trucks, loaders, jackhammers, or related equipment.  

Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. 

License: Licenses and Certificates: Possess upon appointment a valid Class B California Driver's License with a Tanker Endorsement. Depending upon assignment, a valid Class A Driver's License may be required. Must possess at time of appointment, a California State Water Resources Control Board D-1 Water Distribution Certificate.  

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) REQUIREMENTS

Upon receipt of any license other than a Class C California Driver’s License, incumbents may be called upon, at any time, to perform safety sensitive functions, and therefore, may be subject to the Federal Highway Administration DOT regulations and the City’s policy concerning drug and alcohol testing as a condition of employment with the City.  

 

Supplemental Information

BENEFITS AND REWARDS:

Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 14.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

SELECTION PROCEDURE 

Apply - Candidates must submit a completed City of Hayward job application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.  Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.

Application Review - Based on the information provided, employment applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications.  

Job Related Testing -Those best qualified may be invited to the next phase of the process, which may include an oral, practical, written examination and/or supplemental questionnaires reviewed by subject matter experts.

The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department derived from any of the exam processes mentioned above. 

Department Interviews - Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process. 

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.

Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.

APPLICATIONSCandidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com.  Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA  94541.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system.  Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at  (855) 524-5627.
 

If you are unsuccessful in this recruitment, you are highly encouraged to look at City of Hayward's current vacancies and apply to any and/or all positions that you meet the minimum qualifications for. 

Agency

City of Hayward

Address

777 B Street

Hayward, California, 94541

Phone

510-583-4500

Website

http://www.hayward-ca.gov

DEADLINE TO APPLY: This recruitment will remain open on a continuous basis until the needs of the City are met. Applications are reviewed weekly.  Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.  

The Position

The City of Hayward is seeking a Senior Civil Engineer - Water and Wastewater [Formal Title: Senior Utilities Engineer] with a water and/or wastewater background to supervise, direct, plan, and coordinate the activities of the Utilities Division. The Senior Civil Engineer - Water and Wastewater  is a mid-management level position that performs, oversees, and directs engineering activities including planning, conceptual design, final design, cost estimating, project bidding, services during construction and construction management for a variety of projects in wastewater treatment, water storage and distribution, sewer collection, and storm water management. This position will serve as a key member of the team that will manage and deliver a $300 million treatment system upgrade for the City's Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) to incorporate nutrient removal into the treatment process.

You are:

The ideal candidate will be a senior level professional engineer with experience, interest and skills in designing and implementing a wide variety of wastewater treatment, sewer collections, and water distribution projects in a collaborative and team-focused setting. The City's $300+ million upgrades to its Water Resources Recovery Facility offers an opportunity to implement state-of-the art advanced treatment technologies working in a team environment through design, construction, and startup and commissioning of the new facilities. 
 
DEFINITION
Under general direction, supervise, direct, plan, and coordinate the assigned functions and activities of the Engineering Section of the Utilities Division.
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a mid-management level position that performs, oversees, and directs all assigned activities of the Utilities engineering section, including planning, conceptual design, final design, cost estimating, project bidding process, services during construction and construction management for variety of projects in water distribution, sewer collection, stormwater management, and wastewater treatment.  This position is distinguished from that of subordinate Associate Civil Engineer position by its responsibility for the supervision of assigned engineering and technical staff, in addition to engineering and technical responsibilities for project development, design, and construction management for more complex projects.  This position is distinguished from Deputy Director of Public Works for Utilities by the latter position's overall responsibility for all aspects of the Utilities Division functions.
 
 

Essential Duties

What you will do:

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Assists in the development and implementation of the Engineering Section's goals, objectives, policies and priorities.
 
2. Plans, organizes, controls and evaluates the assigned functions and activities of the Engineering Section of the Utilities Division.
 
3. Provides direct and close supervision in the preparation of assigned master plans and studies that outline future water, wastewater and drainage requirements.
 
4. Prepares drawings, models, and displays for special studies and reports completed by the Utilities Division, and explores and studies the preparation of area wide master plans guiding future installations of major water and sewer facilities.
 
5. Directs the work and provides general supervision in the preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates and the administration of contracts for small construction projects in utilities (e.g., small water main, sewer main and storm drainage projects).

6. Revises and updates standard specifications and details related to water and wastewater utilities.
 
7. Checks plans prepared by other agencies for conflict with the City's existing and proposed utilities systems.
 
8. Consults with and advises other City employees on utilities engineering matters.
 
9. Participates in the selection and supervision of private professional engineers for the development of plans and specifications, studies and reports.
 
10. Coordinates utilities engineering related activities with Engineering & Transportation Division, other City departments, divisions, and sections and with outside agencies.
 
11. Prepares reports and makes recommendations on the Utilities Division's portion of the City's capital improvement program.
 
12. Develops and recommends an annual budget and priority for assigned utilities projects.
 
13. Consults with contractors, builders, and engineers on problems relating to the design, construction, and maintenance of assigned utilities facilities.
 
14. Coordinates construction management of the Utilities Division's projects with the Engineering and Transportation Division staff.
 
15. Consults with and advises the Deputy Director on issues relating to the Utilities Engineer's particular function.
 
16. Advises other sections and program staff within the Utilities Division on engineering and technical matters.
 
17. Prepares project statements outlining scope of projects, design criteria, available data, background, scheduling coordination, and financing for utilities projects.
 
18. Participates in interviews and selection of new employees under the position responsibilities as directed, and trains employees in work procedures, standards and safety practices.  
 
19. Prepares and provides input into employee performance evaluations, including setting and assessing goals, conducts counseling on work-related issues, and makes recommendations regarding discipline.
 
20. Performs related duties as assigned.

Link to full job description: Class Specifications | Senior Utilities Engineer | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com) 

CORE COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering.
• Familiarity with applicable laws and regulatory codes relevant to planning, design and construction of water, wastewater, and storm drainage projects.
• Current developments, literature, and sources of information relative to municipal utilities engineering.
• Modern methods and techniques used in the design and construction of a wide variety of utilities engineering projects.
• Group and interpersonal dynamics.
• Principles of management and supervision including work planning, direction, training and evaluation of work and staff performance. 
• Asset management.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 

• Supervise, train and evaluate professional and technical subordinates.
• Set priorities, organize projects and meet deadlines and budget constraints.
• Perform complex engineering computations and design, check, and supervise the construction of a wide variety of municipal utilities facilities.
• Communicate both orally and in writing to prepare clear and accurate reports, lead discussions, and present information to City staff, contractors, and the general public.
• Complete assignments in a timely manner with minimum supervision.
• Plan and direct the work of other personnel.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups.
• Resolve utilities related construction problems in the field.

Minimum Qualifications

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

You have: 
 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: 
 
Experience:  Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in professional engineering work in the design and construction of water and wastewater projects including one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience.
 
Education:   Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, or a closely related field with major work in civil engineering.  A master's degree is desirable.
 
Licenses and Certificates: 

1. Possession and maintenance of a certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer (Civil or Mechanical) in the State of California.  

2. Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California driver's license.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to: work in a standard office environment and use standard office equipment and current software; to work in a field environment when needed in various weather conditions; grasp, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination to prepare documents and data using a computer keyboard and mouse/trackball; sit for prolonged periods of time; walk, stand, crouch, reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, squat, stoop and safely lift and move equipment and materials weighing up to 35 pounds; converse by telephone, by email, in person, and to small or large groups and be clearly understood; read and comprehend legal, technical and complex documents; interact with the public and all different levels of City staff in an effective and professional manner; and safely drive to various locations throughout the City and County to travel to fulfill assigned duties and to review work outdoors. 
 
Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.  

Supplemental Information

BENEFITS AND REWARDS:

Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Alternative Work Schedule 
• Potential Opportunity for Over Time Hours Earned
• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 14.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

SELECTION PROCEDURE 

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system.  Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at  (855) 524-5627.
 

The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency

City of Hayward

Address

777 B Street

Hayward, California, 94541

Phone

510-583-4500

Website

http://www.hayward-ca.gov

Reporting to the Building Official, this specialized classification performs the full range of duties related to building inspection and code compliance activities required to ensure compliance with the City’s Municipal Code as well as the full range of routine to complex inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings; investigates citizen complaints of public nuisances and quality of life issues and seeks voluntary compliance or issues citations and initiates abatement procedures; performs inspections at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial building sites to enforce building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and environmental codes, and other governing laws and ordinances, including basic zoning, grading, fire, and safety regulations; reviews applications and conducts inspections on a wide range of business licenses and special events permits such as those for massage establishments, special events, and noise exemptions; and performs related work as required.

City offices operate on a 9/80 schedule: Monday-Thursday for 9 hours, 8-hours one Friday, off/closed the other Friday. This position is located at City Hall, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue; operational hours are 7:30 am-5:00 pm.

View the Job Description