Engineering Technician Iii

Under general supervision, assists in the planning and completion of public works projects by collecting survey data, preparing preliminary designs, drafting projects according to specifications and inspecting projects in progress or as completed to ensure that the project is completed according to City standards. Jobs in this classification spend a greater percentage of time and more frequently perform preliminary design and drafting and project inspection work in addition to surveying activities. Incumbents may specialize in one or more phases of Engineering Technician work, including drafting, locating, surveying and construction inspection.

Scope of Responsibility:

The Engineering Technician III will provide training and work direction to others. Incumbents are expected to be fully competent in their areas of specialization and familiar with the work of other areas. At this level work includes leading teams on larger and more costly projects.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Coordinates preparation of preliminary designs and specifications for public works projects such as water, sewer and storm drain systems; and street grades, curb, gutter, sidewalk, street lights and signals according to established procedures and to comply with departmental standards.
   1. Applies design standards to all project plans;
   2. Prepares design documentation for projects in assigned areas including prioritizing tasks, planning work, coordinating efforts with other engineering areas.
2. Reviews plans and specifications for public works projects and makes recommendations regarding materials needed.
   1. Prepares estimates of quantities and may estimate the cost;
   2. Prepares reports for use in decision making in advance of bids.
3. Updates maps
   1. Enters data on pavement conditions and project completion;
   2. Provides legal descriptions for right-of-way areas.
4. Inspects public works projects in progress and completed including observing installation and testing of certain components to ensure compliance to project specifications and City standards. Maintains records of inspections performed as required.
5. Assists with emergency technical duties and floodplain management.
   1. During flood events inspects and/or provides technical assistance to field inspectors;
   2. Stake sandbag/flood protection dikes; verify elevations are correct;
   3. Performs inspection of dikes for proper construction;
   4. Establish flood protection elevations prior to construction.  
   5. Verify as built elevations for flood plain certification;
   6. Coordinate and monitor protection of City infrastructure.
6. Provides work instruction to Technicians I, II and seasonal/temporary staff persons responsible for assisting in survey work, construction projects, document management and general office duties.  
   1. Provides training and work direction, ensuring the employee knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss; ensures that each employee:
      1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
      2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
      3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
   2. While performing the same or similar work as employees under the line of authority, serves as a team leader, assigning particular work to their co-workers using informed and independent judgment when making these assignments;
7. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Interacts with public, contractors and utility representatives to respond to general inquiries, provide information such as locate information on sewer and water ties; records of as-built plans, property descriptions, elevations, etc.; and/or to refer individual(s) to supervisor or other appropriate personnel to resolve issues;
   2. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, or across departments, to exchange detailed and/or technical information.
8. Responsible for periodically being the designated on-call locator for afterhours, including weekends and holidays.
9. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The job requires an associate's degree in civil engineering technology, survey technology or a related field and four or more years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A valid driver's license is also required.
 
Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Knowledge of technical engineering methods, techniques, principles and procedures, particularly surveying techniques and methods;
• Knowledge of design and construction theory and engineering design standards; 
• Knowledge of property and engineering maps and records; 
• Knowledge of geographical information systems, computer aided drafting and design; 
• Skill in performing mathematical computations such as algebra and trigonometry in order to calculate slopes and quantities, such as cut and fill;
• Skill in performing technical engineering procedures such as collecting and documenting surveying data, drafting and designing;
• Skill in operating surveying equipment;
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, contractors, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction;
• Ability to interpret, explain and enforce applicable policies and procedures, especially safety; 
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions within established guidelines;
• Ability to work independently. 

Physical Demands

Work is performed in an ordinary office environment and in the field. The amount of field time will vary by specialty. Outdoor work involves exposure to all weather conditions, dirt, noise, and fumes. There is exposure to construction equipment and traffic at project sites. The job may involve lifting manhole covers and carrying or setting up survey equipment. Regular driving is required. There is considerable attention to detail.
Stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.