Assistant Engineer Ii (Civil)

Overview:
This position assists and performs a variety of professional civil engineering duties, including open channel hydraulic modeling, in the preparation of civil engineering studies, reports, design, and construction plans and specifications for the planning phase of natural resources restoration and flood protection projects. Project work may include flood risk reduction studies, lake-stream separation, fishery habitat restoration, fish migration barriers removal, wetland restoration, riparian habitat improvements, and aquatic habitat improvements. The incumbent will be expected to perform numerical modeling, including the use of unique and custom programs, conduct field studies, data collection, data analysis, report and memo development, and other aspects of planning work.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Collect data, conduct field survey to obtain data, review data, perform hydraulic modeling of open channel flow and overland flow, and prepare or participate in preparation of studies and reports for watershed natural resources restoration projects during the planning phase.
• Assist in the preparation of engineering specifications, drawings, sketches. Review drawings, plans and other work submitted by external consultants, engineers, and contractors for conformance with engineering codes, standards, and specifications; draft and prepare technical and administrative correspondence and reports.
• Participate in watershed planning studies and watershed capital improvement projects. Participate in and assist in coordination with regulatory and/or environmental permit activities and processes within the district and with outside agencies.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
Ideal Experience:

• Two years of full-time as an engineer with experience in hydrology, hydraulics, an engineer working with geomorphology and creek restoration.
• Experience negotiating permits with Federal and State Agencies such as, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA Fisheries, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Independently perform modeling of open channel flow and overland flow in both 1D and 2D models.
• Design and conduct field measurement and characterization of physical characteristics of salmonid habitat.
• Apply engineering principles and computer programs to the solution of engineering problems.
• Prepare and interpret drawings, graphs, plans and specifications.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials such as schedules and preparing budgets for assigned projects.
• Conduct engineering research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical reports, and process large sets of data.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Effectively represent the unit and Valley Water in meetings with contractors, biologists, planners, engineers, developers, a variety of outside agencies, and the general public.
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines, and best engineering practice.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships and effectively work with cross functional, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Reading and understanding the law to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, and Valley Water engineering policies and procedures.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Methods & techniques of fluvial geomorphology.
• Hydrology, hydraulics, structural design related to creek restoration and flood protection.
• Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in engineering report preparation for watershed projects including creek restoration and flood protection projects.
• GIS software, HEC-RAS, and HEC-HMS computer programs

Ideal Training and Education:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or hydrology.
OR
Possession of a valid California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate with two (2) years of associated paraprofessional engineering experience.
MS in Civil Engineering or Hydrology with an emphasis in Water Resources preferred
Watershed Stewardship and Planning Unit (Position Code 976)
Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.
This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite. Employment Type: Full-Time