Engineering Technician

Job Description

Position Information

This recruitment is to fill one position in our Engineering Department. The Engineering Technician is a great starting point for those candidates seeking experience and an opportunity to move up the ladder in our Engineering Department while they continue to get certifications.

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical and administrative support duties requiring the application of procedural, program, and compliance knowledge in support of the Public Works Department; performs basic plan checks on minor grading and site plans; ensures compliance with City development conditions and municipal code provisions; provides information related to water and sewer capacity; assists Traffic Engineers in achieving safe and efficient traffic flows throughout the City; provides customer service and support to a variety of developers, contractors, consultants, business representatives, staff, and the general public, and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to interns and aides, as assigned.

Job Description

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of the Public Works Department. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, 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.

Examples of Typical Job Functions (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs technical work in support of the Public Works Department; applies technical procedures, methods, and techniques to support division functions and processes; monitors and explains operational, division, and City requirements and processes to various stakeholders.
• Performs technical plan checks of minor grading and site plans for room additions, custom homes, or other types of dwelling structures and facilities to ensure compliance with City development standards and conditions and municipal code provisions.
• Assesses water and sewer capacity and assists with inquiries regarding connection fees, location, size, flow, pressure, easement, and other related inquiries.
• Researches, interprets, and ensures compliance with laws, codes, rules, regulations, City guidelines, policies, and procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Creates work orders, exhibits, and sight distance studies with AutoCAD per City or resident request; updates, maintains, and organizes databases with current traffic study data; prepares and maintains AutoCAD drawings and work order documents.
• Provides appropriate information regarding department policies, procedures, permits, services, programs, and records related to the construction, alteration, and maintenance of public works facilities and infrastructure and geophysical conditions.
• Maintains administrative record systems for program/project area to which assigned; collects and inputs a variety of land development, capital improvement project, inspection, and utility-related information into automated systems/databases.
• Prepares, files, and retrieves a variety of engineering maps, grading plans, improvement plans, and related documents; routes documents to appropriate parties, as necessary.
• Assists with special studies and projects including traffic studies, speed studies, and crossing guard studies; collects and analyzes data using statistical methods and automated software applications.
• Prepares, calculates, and collects a variety of public works and utility-related fees and charges; issues permits and receipts for fees and deposits, including overload permits.
• Completes various documents associated with development actions and right-of-way improvements including reimbursement and lien agreements and related correspondence.
• Facilitates resident requests for handicapped parking installations, street sweeping sign requests, and preferential parking sign requests.
• Prepares and interprets descriptions and plot details for deeds, maps, and engineering drawings; assigns addresses for new construction locations.
• Provides staff support for various City commissions, including reports, maps, exhibits, and presentations, as needed.
• Provides a variety of office and administrative support work for the Department.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of reviewing applications and determining their sufficiency for plan check purposes.
• General building and construction methods and terminology.
• Basic engineering principles, plan types, map types, legal descriptions, title reports, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures.
• AutoCAD for design or for producing exhibits.
• Basic procedures involved in engineering design and specification development work.
• Procedures used in deployment of traffic cones.
• Methods and techniques of preparing, reading, and interpreting routine drawings, maps, charts, and related documents.
• Organization, procedures, and operating details of the Public Works Department.
• Basic hand tools used for the type of work needed.
• Business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Technology, hardware, software, and current applications related to assignment, including database management.
• Technical engineering mathematics.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to engineering and land use sufficient to answer questions and provide information to the public.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Understand and explain City policies, procedures, fees, and basic land use codes and regulations to the general public, permit applicants, and City staff, as needed.
• Prepare and review a variety of plans, specifications, maps, graphic materials, cost estimates, and technical reports.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Read and interpret plans, specifications, related construction documents, and maps.
• Perform basic plan check work.
• Diffuse situations involving upset customers.
• Perform the full range of office and administrative support duties and tasks.
• Compose correspondence and reports independently or from brief instructions.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, databases, and basic written records of work performed.
• Make accurate arithmetic computations.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Read and interpret routine engineering plans, technical drawings, specifications, and subdivision maps.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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:

Education :

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12 th ) grade, supplemented by college level coursework in civil engineering, drafting, mathematics, or a related field.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience performing non-professional engineering tasks, including the use of computer-aided drafting, geographical information systems (GIS), and database software.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

Additional Information

Physical Demands

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer 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. When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Environmental Conditions

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to 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 City of Chico offers a wide range of employee benefits. Benefits are subject to negotiations with employee organizations and may vary with individual bargaining units. For a summary of benefits, please visit the City of Chico website at: City of Chico - Employee Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 11/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific