Engineering Technician

To perform a variety of highly responsible manual, analytical, technical and administrative duties within the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department; inspect City and private development projects for general compliance with plans, specifications, codes, conditions of approval and other local, State and Federal requirements.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is distinguished by requiring the use of basic administrative and technical skills relative to the Public Works Department; assisting with the implementation of City projects; and providing support as needed to the Engineering Division staff regarding data gathering, design, construction, and inspection. Work is characterized by providing support to staff as needed to further Public Works Department goals relating to City infrastructure.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the City Engineer.

Essential Functions

The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here:

• Staff the front desk for the Public Works Department when needed, assist the general public; answer questions and provide information; respond to telephone inquiries; review plans and other engineering documents to verify accuracy and completeness of information.
• Interpret and explain to the public the Department's policies and procedures, as well as City engineering related regulations, construction codes and the City engineering standards.
• Check plans of a minor nature for compliance with applicable State and City policies and standards, including but not limited to the California Building Codes; City Ordinances, Standards and Development Codes; State energy requirements and handicapped accessibility standards.
• Calculate engineering and planning and other related fees based on established fee schedules; perform first level review of incoming construction documents for completeness; use architectural and engineering scales to calculate building dimensions and areas; determine setbacks and fire sprinkler and alarm requirements.
• Schedule and record daily field inspections.
• Monitor approval of plans by all City departments and other regulatory agencies; coordinate payment of fees and issue permits.
• Assist in maintaining Public Works software and databases, including Streetsaver, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), including data entry, data extraction, and report writing.
• Provide administrative support for other Public Works staff.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Respond and perform assigned duties in the event of a City declared emergency.
• Attend training classes and meetings as required.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
  
  

Knowledge Of

• Engineering Division policies and procedures.
• General construction practices, methods and terminology.
• Mathematical skills to calculate dimensions.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and supporting applications. Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
  
  

Ability To

• Read and understand construction documents.
• Use architectural and engineering scales.
• Perform field inspections.
• Research, collect and analyze data. Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Operate equipment including computers, copiers, calculators and supporting applications.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including the general public.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Follow written and verbal direction.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision and as part of a team.
• Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, writing and operation of assigned equipment.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
  
  

Experience

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Three years administrative and/or technical support experience, at least one year of which includes specialized engineering, planning or construction support responsibilities, processing engineering or planning plans and applications for engineering or planning permits. Two years of increasingly responsible experience in a customer service environment, preferably in a public agency.

Training

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work and/or specialized training in engineering industry practices or a related field.

Other Necessary Requirements

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid California driver's license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions

Office and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to computer screens; extensive contact with the general public in a customer service environment; occasional exposure to noise, dust and inclement weather conditions.

Physical Conditions

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer. Visual acuity to read written materials, a computer screen, and planning or engineering plans and operate motorized equipment and vehicles; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; finger dexterity to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and to operate standard office equipment. Must possess the ability to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time, occasionally walk on slippery or uneven surfaces or slopes, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, as well as lift, carry, push, pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.