Engineering Tech I - Design & Construction

Under general supervision, assists in the planning and completion of public works construction projects by drafting projects according to specifications and inspecting projects in progress to ensure project is completed according to City standards.

Scope of Responsibility:
The Engineering Technician I with a construction inspection assignment spends a proportionately high percentage of time performing field verification of performance of contractors and work crews during the construction season. During the winter months, the job is focused on assisting with design drafting and calculation of quantities and preparing bid specifications for projects that will be undertaken during the next construction season.

1. Monitor construction sites for adherence and compliance with specifications. 
   1. Verifies location, alignment, elevations, compaction, etc; 
   2. Coordination of testing of compaction, aggregate, concrete, asphalt, water samples, etc.  
   3. Prepares and recommends release of payments for work performed in a satisfactory manner.
2. Prepare preliminary designs and specifications for public works projects such as water, sewer and storm drain systems; and street grades, curbs, gutter, sidewalk, street lights and signals according to established procedures and to comply with departmental standards.
3. Inspects public works projects in progress and completed including observing installation and testing of certain components to ensure compliance to project specifications and City Standards; maintains records of inspections performed as required.   
4. Assists with emergency technical duties and floodplain management.
   1. During flood events inspects and/or provides technical assistance to field inspectors;
   2. Stake sandbag/flood protection dikes; verify elevations are correct;
   3. Performs some inspection of dikes for proper construction;
   4. Establish flood protection elevations prior to construction;
   5. Verify as built elevations for flood plain certification.
5. Provides work instruction to seasonal/temporary staff persons responsible for assisting in construction projects.
   1. Provides training and work direction, ensuring the employee knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;  ensures that each employee: 
      1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss; 
      2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work; 
      3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner;
   2. While performing the same or similar work as employees under the line of authority, serves as a team leader, assigning particular work to their co-workers using informed and independent judgment when making these assignments;  
6. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Interacts with public, contractors and utility representatives to respond to general inquiries, provide information and/or to refer individual(s) to supervisor or other appropriate personnel to resolve issues;
   2. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, or across departments, to exchange detailed and/or technical information.
7. Drafting of record drawings and establishing final quantities for future reference.
8. Limited survey work.
9. Observation and rating of the condition of roads and sidewalks and recommendation for future repairs. 
10. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

The job requires an associate's degree in civil engineering technology, survey technology or a related field and one or more years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A valid driver's license is also required.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Knowledge of technical engineering methods, techniques, principles and procedures; 
• Knowledge of design and construction theory and engineering design standards;  
• Knowledge of property and engineering maps and records;   
• Knowledge of geographical information systems, computer aided drafting and design;  
• Skill in performing mathematical computations such as algebra and trigonometry in order to calculate slopes and quantities, such as cut and fill; 
• Skill in performing technical engineering procedures such as collecting and documenting surveying data, drafting and designing; 
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, contractors, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction; 
• Ability to interpret, explain and enforce applicable policies and procedures, especially safety;
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions within established guidelines;
• Ability to work independently.

Most work (95%) is performed in a field environment. Outdoor work involves exposure to all weather conditions, dirt, noise, and fumes. There is frequent exposure to construction equipment and traffic at project sites. The job sometimes involves lifting manhole covers and carrying or setting up survey equipment. Work is primarily in the field during the construction season and in the office in the winter. The job may require overtime work during the construction season due to contractors having deadlines. Some weekend work is required. Other items are at a more manageable pace. There is frequent driving during the summer months.   

Stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions pushing, pounding, and crouching. 

Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

Salary : $29 - $38