Assistant Engineer

Description

DEFINITION:
Under direction of a Public Works Director/City Engineer, the Assistant Engineer performs field and office civil engineering work related to the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of City projects and programs in the areas of streets, capital improvement, traffic operations and safety, and building services. Routine to more complex work is performed requiring the application of fundamental engineering principles.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Assistant Engineer is the entry-level class in the professional engineering classification and incumbents will perform a variety of engineering functions in support of the Public Works Department. Incumbents in this position may have limited related work experience and require a higher level of supervision and instruction when performing more complex tasks and assignments. This class is distinguished from the higher level of Associate Engineer in that the Associate Engineer has project management responsibilities and receives only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Receives general direction from the Public Works Director/City Engineer, Senior Engineer and Associate Engineer.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following):

• Perform a variety of technical engineering functions related to the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of City infrastructure and programs in the areas of streets, storm drains, utilities, parks, facilities, traffic operations and safety, and maintenance services.
• Conducts field and construction site inspections; documents results and ensures contractor compliance with design.
• Prepares designs, specifications, plans, estimates and reports for the development and modification of City infrastructure.
• Conducts studies and performs calculations relative to infrastructure design, evaluates alternatives, makes recommendations and presents reports to superiors and others.
• Prepares a variety of written materials, including routine staff and engineering reports.
• Responds to complaints and assists in solving problems related to construction or City plans; interprets plans and policies; confers with and provides information to property owners, contractors, engineers, consultants and the general public on conformance to standards, plans, specifications and codes.
• Maintains accurate records and files.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience:
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in an engineering curriculum or a field related to the area of assignment and one year of professional engineering experience. Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate issued by the State of California is highly desirable.

License/Certificate/Special Requirements:
At the option of the appointing authority or the City, persons hired into this class may be required to either possess at entry or obtain within specified time limits designated licenses, professional registration, certification or specialized education and training relevant to the area of assignment. Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in keeping records and preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Hearing sufficient to provide telephone and personal service is required. The nature of the work may require the incumbent to work outdoors, and lift equipment and materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.