ASSISTANT ENGINEER I/II - PUBLIC WORKS
The goal of the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department is to implement efficient and cost-effective services to preserve and enhance our county streets, bike paths, and sidewalks. Engineering staff works closely with the Road & Equipment Maintenance and Environmental Services Divisions and the Aviation Department to provide professional engineering services.
Job Highlights:
This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including;
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Plans, designs, and inspects all phases of public works projects such as roadway, traffic signal, and storm drainage systems, including defining the scope of the project; securing adequate funding from federal and state grant programs and other funding sources; coordinating with permitting, environmental, and public utility agencies; performing historical document research and review; surveying and engineering analysis of alternatives; preparing plans, specifications, and cost estimates; performing research, map, and field studies and surveys; drafting site plans with specialized computer software; applying engineering principles and practices to specific problems; coordinating construction schedules with other projects and agencies; inspecting construction of projects to ensure compliance with construction documents; and related planning and design work.
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Reviews construction plans prepared by consulting engineers and private contractors to verify compliance with County sidewalk, public utility, and improvement requirements; checks plans for conformance with regulations regarding line, grade, size, elevation, and location of structures; reviews engineering calculations of other engineers or engineering technicians; participates in pre-design, construction, and utility coordination meetings and issues permits for work performed in or on County infrastructure.
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Provides construction administration, management, and inspection of capital projects, including coordinating work with other divisions and County departments, reviewing and inspecting work to ensure conformance with plans and specifications, tracking and maintaining all project accounting, coordinating schedules, and providing public notices of projects.
Prepares consultant requests for proposal for professional and/or construction services and the advertising and bid processes, including responding to questions; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; prepares submittal packages for legal review. -
Investigates field problems affecting property owners, contractors, and maintenance operations; responds to citizen inquiries and complaints; provides information to the public at the front counter in person, via telephone, or other means of communication regarding grading, permits, right of way and property line information, utility information, slope stability and groundwater issues, improvement plan check, and payment processes.
Work Location:
Humboldt County Public Works HQ
1102 Second Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Please Note:-
A typical work schedule for this position is Mon - Fri, 8AM to 5PM with 1 hour lunch.
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This position is represented by the AFSCME bargaining unit.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision (Assistant Engineer I) to direction (Assistant Engineer II), performs a variety of professional engineering field and office work related to the management, planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the County’s Capital Improvement Program; prepares specifications and conducts inspections of projects for streets, storm drains, and related structures; performs office and field work related to transportation studies and multimodal planning; prepares applications for and administers grants and other funding; provides project coordination, direction, and review; performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision (Assistant Engineer I) and direction (Assistant Engineer II) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Assistant Engineer I: This is the entry-level classification in the professional Engineer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine professional and technical engineering work in land development, public works infrastructure, and daily departmental operations, in addition to providing project management and administration. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Assistant Engineer II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually 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.
Assistant Engineer II: This is the journey-level classification in the professional Engineer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Engineer I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer, in that the latter requires registration as a Professional Engineer consistent with regulatory requirements and exercises independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.
Positions in the Assistant Engineer I/II class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II level are typically filled by advancement from the I level after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for, and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of, the higher-level classification.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
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Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
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Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
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Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
When assigned to field inspection:
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Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
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Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
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Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
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Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS-
Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
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Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
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Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening, physical examination, etc.).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?
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You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
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No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.
How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?
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You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or [email protected].
Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?
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Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.
If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
