Engineering Technician III (Supplemental)

The City of San Luis Obispo currently has an opening for a full-time temporary Engineering Technician III in the Utilities Department. The anticipated term is through the end of June 2025. The successful candidate may be eligible for benefits through the Affordable Care Act.      

JOB SUMMARY:

To assist engineers in the performance of civil engineering work related to City public works and private development projects, and to provide technical assistance to other staff in computer graphic applications such as AutoCAD and related programs.  Employees in this job class provide engineering support to a variety of public and private projects. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification is part of the Engineering Technician I, II, III career series. Incumbents in this series perform a wide variety of non-professional and para-professional technical field and office work in CIP Project Engineering, Transportation Planning & Engineering, and Development Review Engineering. Technician II and III employees may also perform various project design and oversight tasks.

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Works safely in the field in areas used by vehicular traffic and in construction areas.
• Obtains field topographic data.
• Drafts plans and record drawings for public works projects using AutoCAD on Windows based desktop computers.
• Reviews and evaluates preliminary and final plans and specifications for private development projects.
• Reviews and evaluates development plans, maps and related documents for conformance to City, State, and Federal codes.  Reviews calculations and issues permits.
• Assists inspection staff in the field or office during construction with field data collection or office paperwork.
• Creates, verifies, organizes and maintains appropriate records, maps, plans, drawings and files, and completes archiving of hard copy and electronic City records.
• Prepares graphic presentations such as charts, plans, signs, forms, display maps, and other exhibits.
• Prepares written documents and spreadsheets.
• Gathers field data, using a variety of pieces of equipment including measuring tapes and cameras and observation of physical conditions for use in preparing construction drawings and/or completing plan review.
• Interacts with the public at the public counter answering questions and issuing permits for construction in the City's right of way.
• Coordinates with other departments as needed to complete assignments.
• Researches City and other agency records for information.
• Reviews, corrects, and updates drawings and maps.
• Inputs and updates data and maps in database programs and GIS based files.
• Maintains archive file data base and coordinates programming updates and changes.
• Maintains engineering office files.
• Assists the division manager and supervisor in the preparation and administration of the budget for the engineering division including the purchase of printing services, maintenance contracts, and purchase of equipment and supplies used within the department.
• Monitors condition and maintains or obtains maintenance services for engineering division office equipment such as printers, scanners, viewers and copiers, including cleaning, supplying with paper and ink and obtaining service contracts – excluding equipment maintained by City IT staff.
• Purchases supplies as needed for the operation of the engineering division, including emergency supplies.
• Performs a variety of computer engineering support functions, including assisting others in computer operation.
• Attends various meetings as representative of the Public Works or Community Development Department and represents the City and department as required.
• In addition to using AutoCAD, draft plans using AutoCAD's civil engineering programs when assigned to CIP Project Engineering.
• Obtains field traffic data, including setting out field data collection equipment and operating other counting equipment.
• Completes various aspects of project design and document preparation under the direction of an engineer.
• Assists inspection staff in the field or office during construction to monitor construction work or maintain project documentation.
• Assists engineers with field surveys using manual and electronic survey equipment.
• Under the direct supervision of an engineer draft construction drawings, completes simple design calculations and generate quantities. 
• Completes less complex projects from design through construction with minimal supervision using available design tools.
• Assists engineers with preparation of specifications, cost estimates, bid summaries and project related exhibits.
• Assists inspection staff in the field with construction inspection to monitor construction work for compliance with construction specifications and applicable regulatory agency requirements.
• Completes field inspections on non-complex projects or permit work for conformance with City of San Luis Obispo engineering construction drawings, details and specifications.
• Maintains field documentation of construction activities.
• Completes plans, specifications, construction estimates and staff reports for completion of construction projects as assigned with minimal supervision.
• Inspects simple construction projects for conformance with City requirements.
• Completes construction related field documentation and construction management paperwork such as pay estimates and change orders with general supervision.
• Completes field surveying using manual and electronic survey equipment.
• Works with staff from various City departments to review project scopes for construction plans.
• Contracts with consultants for collection of field data and other information.
• Maintains Public Works infrastructure databases, such as those for pavements, storm drains and bridges.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment and windows-based computer applications related to the work.
• Manual and AutoCAD computer drafting methods, equipment, and techniques (for positions assigned to CIP Project Engineering).
• Principles and uses of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Principles and techniques required to convert manually created maps and drawings into electronic format.
• Organization necessary for filing.
• Basic cleaning and ink cartridge and paper loading for engineering office equipment.
• Basic principles and practices of civil engineering applicable to the planning, design, plan review, and/or construction of a wide variety of public works and private development projects.
• Basic mapping techniques and methods.
• Basic principles and practices of surveying and construction inspection.
• County record systems as they relate to right of way, easements and property lines.
• Personal safety on construction sites.
• Basic civil engineering.
• Terminology used in property legal descriptions.
• Operation of manual, electronic and GPS survey equipment.
• City of San Luis Obispo standards and requirements for construction.
• City of San Luis Obispo processes for approval of construction plans and specifications, award of contracts.
• City of San Luis Obispo purchasing guidelines.
• Basic ARCView GIS operations, principles and terminology.

Ability to:

• Operate manual, electronic and GPS field surveying equipment and perform construction surveys.
• Use computer generated topography, alignments, profiles and cross sections to assist in design of less complex projects.
• Monitor construction for compliance with City requirements
• Obtain necessary data, meet with customers, complete design, prepare specifications, staff reports and estimates and other required City paperwork and effectively follow through on assigned projects with minimal supervision.
• Check payments and monitor project budget on assigned construction projects.
• Accurately perform mathematical calculations using algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Carry and set out field data collection equipment.
• Read and interpret plans.
• Read and interpret supporting technical documents.
• Effectively use word processing, spreadsheet, drafting and database computer applications.
• Effectively use manual drafting equipment.
• Prepare neat, well-organized graphics, maps, and drawings.
• Maintain organized files.
• Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and refilling of office equipment.
• Deal tactfully and courteously deal with the public, contractors, and representatives of other agencies in providing professional engineering assistance and information.
• Communicate effectively and tactfully in oral and written form.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Understand and follow oral and written instruction.
• Assist the field inspectors in construction work areas or in the office.
• Assist in field surveys.
• Produce computer generated topography, alignments, profiles and cross sections using civil engineering automated design tools associated with AutoCAD.
• Research and prepare cost estimates for construction under the supervision of an engineer.
• Prepare draft staff report under the supervision of an engineer.
• Assist new employees with City policies and procedures.
• Assist employees with use of computer applications.

An Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Technology or a related field;

and

Two years experience performing similar work as an Engineering Technician II for the City of San Luis Obispo.

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience may be substituted for the required college-level education on a year-for-year basis. 

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• An Engineer in Training (EIT) is desirable.

• LiveScan Fingerprinting – DOJ

Salary : $33 - $40