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This recruitment may close at any time without advance notice.  Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis. The first review of applications will occur on June 5, 2023.  

The Planning and Development Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Associate Engineer. This position is assigned to the Development Services Division and will be primarily responsible for the review and permitting of discretionary and ministerial development projects. A typical day for this position includes completing plan reviews within a set timeframe, coordination with other City departments and divisions, responding to emails, multiple in-person meetings, writing staff reports, and preparing project conditions of approval. The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator possessing broad and varied experience in Civil Engineering design and review. The ideal candidate will exhibit the utmost professionalism and interpersonal skills while interacting with both internal and external stakeholders, and have the ability to be proactive in solving problems to enhance the service to our customers.  

DEFINITION

Under direction performs a diverse range of professional engineering duties involving research, design, and construction within the public right-of-way for potable water, reclaimed water, sewer improvements, and other public works infrastructure, capital improvement, and construction projects; prepares and/or participates in the preparation and review of preliminary and final engineering plans, cost estimates, cost analysis studies, specifications, and schedules; quality controls engineering designs performed by consulting engineers for the City; performs plan checks of tenant improvement and developer projects to ensure conformance with City standards; provides technical support to management in assigned engineering program area; acts as project manager for public works construction projects; and performs related duties, as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the professional, unlicensed Engineer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Engineer by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgement 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 Senior Engineer in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series and provides supervision over lower level staff.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Performs planning, design, and construction management duties for public works, water, and wastewater utility projects; conducts project feasibility studies; prepares drawings, plans, and specifications; oversees and/or performs survey tasks; ensures construction materials used on City projects meet project quality and quantity standards and expectations.
• Conducts professional engineering studies relating to present activities and future projects; prepares reports and makes recommendations relating to the conduct of engineering activities or to the acceptance of contracts and bids received for proposed projects.
• Prepares and/or participates in the preparation and review of preliminary and final engineering plans, cost estimates, cost analysis studies, specifications, and schedules for public works and utilities projects including roads, sewers, water systems, and storm drain projects.
• Prepares and administers contracts for a variety of engineering consulting services including planning, environmental review, and design; determines scope of projects; prepares requests for proposals; conducts pre-bid and pre-construction conferences; provides input into the consultant selection process; directs the work of contracted service providers. 
• Serves as project manager on routine projects; prepares and monitors project schedules; monitors and reviews project design and construction activities; monitors contractor’s work.
• Inspects project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety standards.
• Performs a variety of engineering calculations on assigned projects. 
• Assists developers, property owners, and contractors with obtaining potable or reclaimed construction water meters; issues requests for installation; prepares and provides permits and source maps. 
• Performs field investigations to confirm existing site conditions for proposed project submittals; checks location of water and sewer services, existing private utilities, street and sidewalk conditions, and any potential constraints which may be of concern for the project. 
• Researches, coordinates, and reviews proposed right-of-way alignments and the vacation of existing rights-of-way; prepares documentation for easement acquisitions and coordinates with the City’s Right-of-Way agent; reviews and implements permit requirements in the design of facilities; prepares project check lists, deeds, and exhibits.
• Provides support to maintain, update, and analyze planning information and tools in Geographic Information System (GIS) database; uses computers, software programs, and technical databases for various planning projects and studies; manages and updates data for hydraulic modeling; coordinates GIS data collection and distribution with respect to planning facilities.
• Evaluates and reviews the appropriateness of implementing new methods, products, and materials related to engineering projects. 
• Prepares reports and makes recommendations; makes presentations to committees and the City Council, as necessary.
• Assists with preparing the City’s potable water, reclaimed water, and sewer master plans. 
• Meets with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, a variety of outside agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding City capital project requirements.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES

Knowledge of: 

• Civil and structural engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures. 
• Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Principles and practices of capital improvement program budgeting, cost estimation, funding, project management, and contract administration.
• Principles and practices of project management. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and modern techniques and equipment used in the design, construction, and maintenance of streets and utilities infrastructure. 
• Contract management practices in a public agency setting.
• Land development principles and associated documentation such as property legal descriptions and subdivision maps. 
• Construction management principles and practices, including the strengths of material, properties, and uses of construction materials.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work.
• General principles of risk management related to engineering project design and construction.
• Drafting and mapping principles and techniques. 
• Principles and practices of hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and soil mechanics. 
• Principles and practices of technical report and business correspondence preparation.
• Software applications related to engineering design and construction, geographic information systems, computer-aided design and drafting, and databases.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the engineering, development, and construction fields.
• 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:

• Perform a diverse range of professional engineering tasks in the design, development, and oversight of City civil engineering and construction projects.
• Design engineering projects.
• Prepare, conduct, and evaluate engineering studies; research, analyze, and summarize data; perform accurate engineering calculations and cost estimates.
• Interpret and explain design criteria, policies, ordinances, and procedures.
• Review and assess studies or reports prepared by consultants or developers to evaluate their compliance with project specifications and requirements.
• Oversee the work of construction inspection and/or design staff.
• Ensure materials used in City construction projects are of the quality and quantity specified in contracts.
• Prepare, analyze, understand, and interpret engineering construction plans, specifications, and other contract documents, and determine conformance with applicable laws and standards.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner, including written reports.
• Assist in and develop and administer contracts for professional services and construction in a public agency setting.
• Perform mathematical and engineering computations with precision. 
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate technical reports, drawings, maps, notes, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Investigate field conditions for project feasibility and/or issues which arise during the construction process.
• Read and interpret maps, plans, sketches, schematics, diagrams, and blueprints.
• Make engineering design computations and check, design, and prepare engineering plans and studies.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals.
• Direct the work of contract consultants.
• Conduct hydraulic modeling analysis. 
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal 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:

Experience:

Licenses and Certifications:

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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 25 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.