Engineering Technician - Senior

Introduction

Living in Placer County from Placer County Video Portal

Placer County is comprised of over 1,400 square miles of beautiful and diverse geography, ranging from the residential and commercial areas of South Placer, through the historic foothill areas of Auburn, Foresthill, and Colfax, and to the County's jewel of the North Lake Tahoe basin. Placer is a great place to live, work, play, and learn! For more information about Placer County, please visit www.placer.ca.gov .

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To perform difficult and complex sub-professional field and office engineering, architectural, building system engineering, and construction project management work; to ensure compliance with various laws, regulations, and standards relative to community development and public works projects; to perform field inspection duties; and to provide information and assistance to the public.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class in the Engineering Technician series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, and independence of action taken. Employees in this classification perform the more difficult and responsible duties assigned to classes within this series requiring specialized knowledge and abilities, including acting in a lead capacity. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from professional engineering and/or management staff. May exercise technical and functional supervision over technical and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform difficult and complex technical support work for project management, technical administration, and construction inspection of public works, capital improvements, engineering, and surveying projects performed by the County or through private contracts; review and make recommendations regarding contract compliance; maintain and prepare project records, change orders, submittals, and all required records and reports.
• Perform complex computations and checks for tentative and final subdivision maps, survey maps, and other engineering documents.
• Assist in the review of minor land division applications, grading plans, and drainage plans.
• Assist in the review of plans and specifications for complex Specific Plan projects; estimate construction costs; coordinate, attend, and participate in pre-construction conferences; provide recommendations for acceptance of new municipal roadways and related facilities.
• Perform construction inspection duties and site inspections, including land grading operations and complex Specific Plan projects and site inspections during the construction of contracted improvements, including roads, sanitary sewer systems, storm drainage systems, and traffic signal installations.
• Observe and inspect construction of roadway infrastructure improvements to ensure compliance with approved plans and specifications; notify project manager of potential safety concerns.
• Coordinate routine materials and field tests to assure quality of materials and work.
• Investigate and resolve complaints relating to construction and grading projects.
• Assist in the preparation of designs, plans, and specifications for construction, alteration, and maintenance of public works projects; verify cost estimates and right-of-way; perform inspections as needed.
• Under supervision, prepare Computer Aided Design (CAD) or Building Information Modeling (BIM) scale drawings such as floor plans, elevations, and sections; prepare project cost estimates and materials lists; obtain samples and catalogs from product manufacturers.
• Perform routine engineering computations; assist in verifying compliance with contract and technical requirements; recommend revisions as appropriate.
• Provide support to professional staff, conduct building systems assessments, and prepare reports for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety systems, low voltage security and alarms, building automation systems, energy efficiency and conservation, and related projects.
• Interpret maps and apply regulatory data in preparing flood zone determinations; investigate drainage and grading complaints; document code enforcement activities and issue permits.
• Collect and prepare various construction samples for testing; perform tests in the field and laboratory and perform inspections to determine compliance with construction documents; compile and analyze test data and prepare reports.
• Perform field surveying duties; determine lines, bearings, elevations, distances, grades, and cross sections; set slope and grade stakes; maintain field notes and perform mathematical calculations as necessary; make field sketches and drawings; maintain survey instruments; may act as survey chief as required.
• Determine, coordinate, investigate, and enforce encroachment permit conditions; perform inspections to ensure against encroachment without permit; issue permits, including permits for extra legal loads; design permits as required for special or one-time situations; collect fees and cash deposits.
• Provide engineering support for projects in the areas of right-of-way research and location, drainage, and design; assist in contacting private property owners in conjunction with these projects.
• Assist in conducting traffic counts and speed studies; assist in review of road safety problems and analysis of accident sites; assist traffic sign and striping crews in designing layouts and sign placements.
• Assist in calculating traffic generation and distribution resulting from projected development activities in accordance with the County General Plan and Zoning Ordinance; assist in the construction and calibration of traffic models and estimate future traffic demands; assist in determining anticipated road network improvements, including use of computer models; prepare project schedules, budgets, computer-based project management, and cost estimates for improvement projects; assist in the preparation of financing plans including cost analyses, fee programs, and implementation ordinances.
• Create and maintain a variety of project records and files including change orders, submittals, payments, and labor and equipment usage; prepare and submit progress reports and initiate and process progress payments.
• Explain laws, regulations, and requirements to the public.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other County employees, and the public using principles of effective customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: Two (2) years of journey level experience performing duties similar to an Engineering Technician II with Placer County.

Tr aining: Equivalent to an associate's degree from an accredited college with major course work in engineering technology; architectural design; construction management; project management related to engineering, architecture, or construction; surveying; or a related field.

Note: Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Human Resources Department. Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

Required License or Certificate:

• May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of engineering, architectural design, and construction project management as applied to the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of community development and public works projects.
• Construction materials, methods, techniques, and equipment.
• Principles and practices of plan checking.
• Field surveying principles, practices, and equipment used in construction and site inspections.
• Technical traffic engineering and transportation planning principles.
• Principles and practices of work safety and traffic control as applied to community development and public works field inspection activities.
• Principles and practices of drafting, Computer Aided Design (CAD), and Building Information Modeling (BIM).
• Mathematics as applied to land surveying and construction methods and practices.
• Methods of financing and allocating costs for community development and public works improvement projects.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Record keeping techniques for maintaining technical and accounting data.
• Modern office procedures, methods, computer equipment, and software programs, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, project scheduling, and project management applications.
• Principles and practices of work safety.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; read, analyze, understand, identify, recall, interpret, and explain technical and numerical information, work papers, reports, special projects, rules, laws, codes, and regulations; observe and problem solve sub-professional engineering activities and procedures; apply related rules, laws, codes, and regulations; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks with frequent interruptions; manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and quickly switch between tasks; focus on a single task for long periods of time; maintain awareness of safety at all times; observe safety rules and identify safety hazards.
• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk or in meetings for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, balance, bend, squat, climb, crouch, kneel, reach, push, pull, and twist to reach equipment surrounding desk and to perform field work; perform simple and power grasping and fine manipulation; speak, use telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate; see, hear, smell, and distinguish between colors and shades of colors with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; lift very heavy weight.
• Perform a broad range of sub-professional engineering work, including construction and drainage inspection, plan checking, project monitoring, surveying, encroachment permitting, traffic engineering, and transportation planning.
• Read, understand, and interpret maps, plans, specifications, and contracts.
• Recognize faulty materials, equipment, and workmanship.
• Understand, analyze, and interpret maps, plans, specifications, contracts, and reports.
• Make accurate mathematical calculations and solve mathematical problems related to sub-professional engineering work.
• Prepare detailing and representations; make sketches and drawings of field conditions and installations.
• Use basic surveying tools and equipment.
• Safely operate a County vehicle and/or light truck in all weather conditions; analyze driving conditions and identify safety hazards.
• Operate a two-way radio; use a camera and basic hand tools.
• Obtain information through interview; work firmly and courteously with the public.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification. For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey level) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

Conclusion

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Kristen Cannon, Administrative Technician, at kcannon@placer.ca.gov or (530) 886-4661.

Closing Date/Time: 9/13/2024 5:00:00 PM

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Auburn, California United States View Map