DEFINITION
Under direct or general supervision, performs a variety of specialized paraprofessional engineering field and office duties in support of professional engineering staff, involving surveying, design of public works facilities, construction inspection and drafting; researches engineering topics and prepares basic engineering calculations; provides technical advice to the public; coordinates plan submittals; issues permits; maintains plan files and engineering records; prepares reports; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct or general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. No direct supervision of staff is exercised. May exercise technical and functional direction over assigned staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Engineering Technician I: This is the entry-level class in the engineering technical support series. Initially, incumbents learn and perform a range of duties including receiving and responding to inquiries and complaints, maintaining engineering records, performing basic engineering calculations, performing field observations and surveys, researching engineering topics and updating maps and drawings. As knowledge and experience are gained, the work becomes broader in scope; assignments are more varied, include limited project management, and are performed under more general supervision. This class is alternately staffed with Engineering Technician II and incumbents may advance to the higher-level class after gaining the knowledge, skills and experience that meet the qualifications for and demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.
Engineering Technician II: This is the journey-level class in the engineering technical support series with responsibilities spanning the entire spectrum of paraprofessional engineering functions, including independent responsibilities for projects and support programs. Incumbents apply paraprofessional engineering knowledge and skills to complete assignments in engineering, mapping, surveying, contract coordination, and preparation of specifications, plans and estimates. The work requires public contact, the frequent use of tact and judgment, good knowledge of departmental operations and the ability to conduct independent projects and programs. This class is distinguished from the professional engineering series in that the latter requires a professional degree and performs professional engineering work with independent judgment.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Engineering Technician I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college-level coursework in civil engineering, drafting, surveying, mathematics, or related field.
Engineering Technician I: No experience is required but one (1) year of paraprofessional civil engineering experience is desirable.
Engineering Technician II: In addition to the above, two (2) years of experience in the field or office performing engineering technical support or drafting which has provided familiarity with engineering drafting, surveying, map checking, construction inspection, materials testing, basic engineering design, and GIS, equivalent to the Engineering Technician I at the City of Eureka.
License:
- Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
No other information will be accepted and resumes, cover letters or additional materials WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle; and to visit and inspect various City development sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although the job involves field inspection work requiring frequent walking at inspection sites to monitor performance and to identify problems or hazards; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions; but may occasionally be assigned to field work, which may involve loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
All applications received are screened to determine which applicants most closely match the desired education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the position. Applicants will receive email notification of the results of the screening process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not necessarily guaranteed advancement to the examination process, as only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate. The most qualified applicants will be invited to an examination tentatively to be held in late September. The Department Head [and/or designee(s)] will interview the top six (6) candidates from the examination process. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, and grant positions. The City reserves the right to extend the final filing date as necessary.
