Engineering Technician III

The City of St. Helens, Oregon, is seeking a full-time Engineering Technician to join the Public Works Engineering Division. We are posting for a Technician I, II, and III. Please apply for the one that best fits your qualifications. You do not need to apply for more than one position. We are only making one hire.

The Public Works Engineering Division is responsible for the planning, design, management, and construction inspection of city infrastructure, including streets, bridges, watermains, sewer mains, and storm drains. Additionally, the Engineering Division maintains and updates record drawings and construction drawings for all public infrastructure, maintains and updates the City's Geographical Information System (GIS) and AutoCAD base maps of public infrastructure, administers right-of-way permits for activity within the public right-of-way, and reviews and administers public improvement construction permits for the construction of public improvements on private residential, industrial, and commercial development projects to ensure compliance.

The Engineering Technician III primary responsibilities will be to perform complex paraprofessional engineering work and construction inspection work; plan surveys and inspections; coordinate and perform project safety and quality assurance functions; provide administrative, logistical and technical support to engineering staff by assisting in the preparation of engineering plans, specifications, performing a variety of high‐level drafting and design work; assisting staff engineers in performing survey work and obtaining field data for preparation and planning of proposed projects; assisting in the bidding process; perform drafting work utilizing AutoCAD C3D and Esri GIS; review specifications and submittals, manage records, files and databases; review and prepare project documentation; provide design, construction, or consultant contract administration and coordination or inspection of capital improvement, repair, and maintenance projects; gather, record and evaluate data, prepare reports, and enforce standards and specifications; update GIS and AutoCAD base maps of public infrastructure; serve as construction inspector on a wide variety of construction projects to ensure work is built per plans and specifications; process and review engineering permits as it relates to the right-of-way, public improvements, sediment and erosion control, and building permit reviews; review a variety of plans and applications for compliance with current regulations and laws; meet and consult with engineers, contractors, and others on difficult construction matters; make field engineering estimates, collect samples, measure or test quantities and materials and make complex calculations; and perform administrative support functions in support of the Engineering Division.

PAY & BENEFITS

The City of St. Helens offers a competitive pay scale that increases annually based on performance. The step range for this position is $5,641.27 to $6,857.01. We also provide these fantastic benefits:

• Diverse health, vision, and dental insurance packages for employees and families with only a 2% out-of-pocket premium
• Fully paid participation in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System
• 13 paid holidays
• Two to six weeks of paid vacation
• Accrued sick leave (12 days per year)
• $75 monthly towards a physical fitness membership or wellness activity
• Life insurance

Additionally, we provide this engineering position with a PPE clothing allowance and a boot allowance.

LIFE IN ST. HELENS

Beyond work, life in St. Helens is defined by its exceptional quality of life. Our small but vibrant community is conveniently connected to major metropolitan areas like Portland and Hillsboro, making it easy to commute for work or leisure, and offers an exceptional blend of tranquility and opportunity where residents enjoy a wealth of recreational activities such as exploring nearby scenic trails, enjoying community events, savoring local cuisine at charming cafes and restaurants, or spending time on the Columbia River, allowing residents to enjoy the best of both worlds: the charm of small-town living and the amenities of nearby cities. At the City of St. Helens, you will discover that we're more than just a municipal agency - you will find yourself immersed in a warm, supportive work environment that fosters career growth and innovation. Our mission is simple: to provide quality, effective, and efficient service to our citizens. Guided by core values of integrity, accountability, and inclusivity, we strive to develop and preserve the highest possible quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED AS AN ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN III

• A high school degree or a General Educational Development (GED) high school equivalency diploma, supplemented by two years technical school or college course training in drafting, computer-aided design (CAD), engineering technology, civil engineering or a closely related field; and
• Minimum of seven years related experience
• Strong knowledge of principles and practices of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, general science and scales of weight and measurements as applied to engineering computations and construction
• Strong knowledge of survey procedures, techniques and equipment
• Strong knowledge of the physical properties of construction materials
• Strong knowledge of the principles and techniques of drafting, AutoCAD Civil 3D and Esri Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Considerable knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and construction of various goods and services
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and techniques used in the inspection and construction of public works projects

YOUR TYPICAL DAY

As an Engineering Technician III, you will have a consistent work schedule from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Your typical day balances technical tasks with field inspections, documentation, and administrative support. Your work will span from reviewing and preparing engineering documents to hands-on construction inspections and survey support. This role requires strong technical knowledge, the ability to work independently, and the capacity to coordinate between different teams, contractors, and external stakeholders. The job is highly varied, requiring the technician to manage both complex engineering tasks and administrative responsibilities, making for an engaging and dynamic workday. Tasks will include preparing documents related to project planning and bids, drafting engineering plans or specifications and prepare materials for bid packages, creating or maintaining project timelines, tracking progress, and coordinating meetings between contractors and engineering staff, assisting in the bidding process, helping to review bids, ensuring that contractors meet the specifications, and managing bid documents, observing construction activities, taking measurements, and identifying any issues or deviations from the plans, documenting findings with photos, notes, or sketches, using tools like GPS equipment, total stations, or laser rangefinders to measure distances, angles, and elevations, processing and reviewing various engineering permits related to right-of-way, public improvements, sediment and erosion control, and building permits, witnessing materials and other required construction tests, addressing discrepancies or problems on construction sites, identifying any project issues and discussing corrective actions with contractors or supervisors, preparing or updating GIS and AutoCAD maps by adding or modifying details about roads, utilities, or other infrastructure elements to maintain accurate, up-to-date records, reviewing and processing engineering permits, reviewing survey data, inspecting test results, or performing data entry into systems or databases, organizing and managing project records and as-builts, filing paperwork, and assisting engineers in preparing or reviewing detailed design plans for new infrastructure projects, including reviewing bid documents, providing input on construction methods, or helping to develop cost estimates for new projects.

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS EXCITING OPPORTUNITY?

Take the first step by applying for the Engineering Technician III position through our 3-minute, mobile-friendly initial application process. Join us in making a difference in our community!

If you are a veteran and would like to receive veterans' preference points, please contact Human Resources Coordinator Kathy Payne at 503-366-8217 or by email at kpayne@sthelensoregon.gov for paperwork.

The successful candidate will be required to pass an extensive background check and drug/alcohol test.

The City of St. Helens is an equal opportunity employer.