Engineering Technician I

The City of Dana Point is looking for a detail-oriented and customer-focused individual to serve as the primary public counter contact, providing guidance on permit processes, codes, and regulations. This role manages plan routing, fee calculations, permit preparation, and maintains organized databases to support efficient permit processing. The position also assists with investigations, responds to public inquiries, and performs related duties as assigned. 

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

Under direct supervision, perform a variety of technical office and field engineering work in support of engineering services, activities, and functions; perform a variety of   administrative and permit related duties involved in accepting, processing, and reviewing forms, plans, and permit applications for land use activities; assist and inform the public in person, electronically, and on the telephone regarding departmental policies and procedures related to applications for permits; maintain plan files and records; and perform other related duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level class in the Engineering Technician series that performs less complex research, office, and field work. Employees at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as employees allocated to the 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. 

This position is non-exempt under FLSA standards.

Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: (Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job).

1. Serve as primary contact at the front counter; respond to questions on policies and procedures; provide information on the permit process; interpret and explain code, permit, and statute requirements, engineering specifications and other related municipal, state and federal regulations to construction contractors, architects, builders, property owners, and the general public or refer to higher level staff.
2. Receive plans, development applications, and related documents; ensure information is accurate, complete, and in compliance with appropriate standards and regulations; advise the public on simple plan check corrections.
3. Conduct simple review of plan check submittals; ensure compliance with minimum submittal requirements; recommend modifications of submittal requirements as necessary to improve service to the public.
4. Route plans to appropriate staff; label and log information; set up files; track and monitor plan status; notify contractors, owners, developers, and engineers of plan status; assure all activities are completed in allowable time frame.
5. Calculate and estimate fees for permits and assure adequate fees are collected prior to completing requested work activities.
6. Prepare final permit packages and conditions and assist in issuing permits as approved. 
7. Perform a variety of clerical and technical tasks in support of assigned office functions including assisting public record keeping and report preparation; receive and answer phone calls to the front counter operations.
8. Prepare and maintain records and files of plans and permits; assist in effectively organizing permit files to allow staff to easily locate and utilize the information and assist the public.
9. Prepare a variety of correspondence and related material in support of assigned functions; prepare and update handouts related to permit processes; assist in creating, organizing, and maintaining computer data bases and plan check and logging systems for various plans, reports, projects, and related documents.
10. Assist in performing investigations on problems affecting property owners and contractors; take photos and prepare reports and presentations; provide information to the public; respond to citizen inquiries and complaints.
11. Recommend engineering conditions and mitigation measures for construction and development projects assigned.
12. Participate in the analysis of engineering fee structures.
13. Perform other related duties as assigned.

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.

• Technical duties involved in accepting and processing permit applications.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Principles and procedures of permit record-keeping and methods and procedures of data entry.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Methods and techniques of effective customer service.
• Basic construction methods, procedures, standards, and materials.

• Read or learn to read plans, maps and blueprints.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Use of correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Interpret and explain City policies and procedures related to the permit process, and learn technical terms related to Public Works construction.
• Effectively multi-task and maintain effective organization of multiple projects and assignments in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions.
• Create and execute new processes and procedures.
• Work effectively and maintain composure under pressure.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with citizens, City officials, staff, and others in providing information about engineering policies, projects, and procedures.
• 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.

• Graduation from high school or completion of a GED supplemented by college level course work in engineering, surveying, drafting, or a related field and one year of responsible clerical experience working with the public at a municipal front counter.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Physical Requirements:

Position requires the ability to perform light lifting and carrying; sitting, standing and walking for prolonged periods of time; occasional to frequent squatting, twisting and bending. Continuous hand use and finger dexterity is needed to use computer keyboard, operate standard office equipment, and perform filing duties; may require occasional pushing and pulling, grasping, reaching. This position also requires the ability to read architectural drawings, plans, specifications, reports and other records. Good hearing is required when communicating on the telephone or in person.

Work Environment: 

Primarily office environment with controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Position works extensively with the general public. Occasional transportation to meetings and/or events may be required.

Note: All employees of the City of Dana Point are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be “Disaster Service Workers.” In the event of a declared emergency or an undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.

Salary : $66,120 - $93,804