Engineering Associate I, (A264112-5), 210, Engineering

Job Description

Works closely with City departments, Texas Department of Transportation, consultants, and engineering firms in reviewing of site developments, subdivisions, and city projects. Under the supervision of a Professional Engineer (P.E.), prepares construction plans and specifications related to water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems, including booster stations, lift stations, and related appurtenances.

Essential Functions/ Job Competencies/ Physical Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Designs and administers construction plans for improvement projects such as lift stations, booster stations, public buildings, and water and sewer systems.
• Prepares cost estimates, reviews and analyzes bids to recommend awards of contract.
• Makes periodic site visits to assess progress and makes changes to plans as needed, and assures that all public work projects are performed in compliance with plans and specifications.
• Reviews plans, specifications, cut sheets, change orders in design by consulting engineers, for all city utility construction projects, checks for correct quantities, profile grade design, review cut sheets, latest specifications and standards..
• Monitors the construction of new projects, reviews change orders and closes out the project when construction is completed and ensures that all projects are kept within budget.
• Calculates bearings with distances, calculates areas for tracts of land, checks for closures, checks for correct area for tracts of land and correct working of metes and bounds descriptions of land which are targeted to become land acquisitions, land annexations or land to be designated a drainage/utility easement.
• Reviews surveying consultant's work by checking for correct traverse closures; correct area for tracts of land and correct wording of meets and bounds descriptions.
• Prepares progress reports on ongoing construction projects assigned.
• Designs, under the supervision of a Professional Engineer (P.E.), water mains with isolation valves, fire hydrants, water services, flushing valves, air and vacuum valves, pressure reducing valves, sanitary sewer collection systems, etc. in compliance with TCEQ (Texas Commission of Environmental Quality) requirements.
• Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors, customers, and other business contacts.
• Must follow all rules of telephone and radio communications.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge Of:

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

• Knowledge of modern principles and practices of civil engineering in the design and construction projects.
• Knowledge of mathematics and science required for design, computations, and analysis of plans, specifications and survey data.
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of administration, organization, and supervision.
• Knowledge in the application of basic accounting principles necessary to accomplish financial management tasks such as preparing budgets, monitoring program costs, and project cost estimating.
  
  

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to analyze, organize, and manage projects.
• Ability to prepare a variety of clear, concise, and technical reports.
• Ability to assist customers and address customer's needs.
• Ability to plan, direct, and supervise the work of subordinates.
• Ability to make independent decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to use calculator, computer hardware, various software programs and technologies, including word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to speak before public groups and make presentations.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements

This position will have the following exposures:

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
  
  

Work Environment Locations:

Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Seldom:

• Confined spaces
  
  

Sometimes:

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
  
  

Frequently:

• Office or similar indoor environment
• Outdoor environment
  
  

Exposures:

This position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements:

Seldom:

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Communicable diseases
  
  

Sometimes:

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
  
  

Travel:

This position will require the employee to travel.

Never:

• International travel
  
  

Seldom:

• Regional travel
• National travel
  
  

Frequently:

• Local travel
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)
  
  

Valid Licenses and Certifications

Required Licenses Or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Driver's License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver's License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
  
  

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.