Engineer I/II/III

Tuolumne County, nestled in the Sierra Nevada, offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the stunning landscapes of Yosemite National Park, hike scenic trails in the Stanislaus National Forest, or enjoy water activities at Pinecrest Lake. The area is also a haven for camping, fishing, and rock climbing, while winter months bring excellent skiing and snowboarding at Dodge Ridge. With charming Gold Rush towns, historic railways, and vibrant arts and culture, Tuolumne County is a year-round destination for adventure and relaxation.

The County of Tuolumne Department of Public Works is committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents and travelers by ensuring safe and reliable infrastructure. With a dedicated team of 60 professionals, the department operates with a focus on public service and efficiency.

The department manages a comprehensive range of responsibilities through its 13 distinct budgets, totaling approximately $30 million for the current fiscal year. Its divisions include:

• Engineering: Oversees planning and execution of infrastructure projects, including securing millions in grants annually for bridge and roadway improvements.

• Road Maintenance: Maintains 610 miles of County roads including routine maintenance, emergency response, seasonal work, and safety and signage.

• Fleet Services: Provides maintenance and repair services for all County vehicles except those used by Fire services.

• Business: Manages the administrative and financial aspects of the department.

• Survey/GIS: Handles surveying and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support planning and development.

• Solid Waste: Oversees the management of two closed landfills and three transfer stations, ensuring proper waste disposal and environmental compliance.

• Airports: Manages two airports, including three runways and 83 hangars, covering over 400 acres of land.

Together, these divisions work to maintain and improve the county’s infrastructure, supporting both local needs and broader regional development.

An ideal candidate for this role possesses a strong background in project management and development, demonstrating expertise in civil engineering principles, construction oversight, and development review. Their ability to review engineering plans, manage contracts, and oversee land development projects allows them to facilitate efficient and effective infrastructure growth. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to public service further distinguish them as a top candidate.

Engineer I/II:  Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional civil engineering field and office work related to the management, planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the County’s Capital Improvement Program.  Prepares specifications and conducts inspections of projects for streets, storm drains, and related structures; performs office and field work related to transportation studies and multimodal planning; prepares applications for and administers grants and other funding; performs related work as required.
 
Engineer III:  Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of complex professional civil engineering field and office work related to transportation and land development operations.  Provides professional assistance to office staff; performs related work as required.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
 
Engineer I/II:  Receives general direction from the Supervising Engineer.  Exercises no supervision over staff. 
 
Engineer III:  Receives general direction from the Supervising Engineer.  May exercise technical and functional direction over and provide training and guidance to staff as assigned.   
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
 
Engineer I:   This is the entry-level class in this Engineering series.  Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic engineering experience learn and perform professional and technical engineering work in land development, traffic engineering, public works infrastructure, and daily departmental operations, in addition to providing project management and administration.  As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.  Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the Engineer II but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.  
 
Engineer II: This is the fully competent level class in this Engineering series.  Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of professional and technical engineering work in addition to providing project management and administration.  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 Engineer I in that the latter is assigned a wide variety of projects requiring high levels of independent judgment and may exercise technical and functional direction and training to staff.
 
Engineer III: This is the advanced journey level classification within the civil engineering series. Incumbents are assigned a wide variety of projects requiring considerable independent judgment and application of a thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of civil engineering. Projects include roads, bridges, drainage systems and other structures, and traffic engineering or transportation planning studies. This class is distinguished from the Supervising Engineer in that the latter has ultimate responsibility for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of staff involved in a major functional area or project/program of the Engineering Division, and may exercise supervision as “Profession Engineer-Responsible Charge” as per Section 404.1 of California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 5 over lower-level staff.
 
Positions in the Engineering class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the higher- level are normally filled by advancement from the lower-level depending on department need and after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.  
 (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Engineer I:

• Plans, designs, and inspects all phases of public works projects, including defining the scope of the project; securing adequate funding from Federal and State grant programs and other funding sources; coordinating with permitting and public utility agencies; performing historical document research and review; surveying and engineering analysis of alternatives; preparing plans, specifications, and cost estimates; performing research, map, and field studies and surveys; drafting site plans with specialized computer software; applying engineering principles and practices to specific problems; coordinating construction schedules with other projects and agencies; inspecting construction of projects to ensure compliance with construction documents; and related planning and design work.
• Reviews construction plans prepared by consulting engineers and private contractors to verify compliance with County sidewalk, public utility, and improvement requirements; checks plans for conformance with regulations regarding line, grade, size, elevation, soil, asphalt mix and location of structures; reviews engineering calculations of other engineers or engineering technicians; participates in pre-design, construction, and utility coordination meetings and issues permits for work performed in or on County infrastructure within the maintained system for roads.
• Provides construction administration, management, and inspection of Public Works Department capital projects, including coordinating work with other divisions and County departments, reviewing and inspecting work to ensure conformance with plans and specifications, tracking and maintaining all project accounting, coordinating schedules, and providing public notices of projects.
• Investigates field problems affecting property owners, contractors, and maintenance operations; responds to citizen inquiries and complaints; provides information to the public at the front counter in person, via telephone, or other means of communication regarding grading, encroachment permits, right-of-way and property line information, utility information, slope stability and groundwater issues, improvement plan check, and payment processes.
• Reviews traffic control plans; develops and maintains statistical reporting systems; compiles, analyzes, and interprets data related to traffic conditions; performs speed and traffic surveys and traffic counts.
• Reviews and prepares traffic signal plans, timing plans, and sign and striping plans.
• Reviews plans, tract, and parcel maps and applications for land development projects for conformance to applicable codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Reviews sewer and hydrology studies and hydraulic calculations.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas. 
• Drafts a variety of written communications including analytical reports, correspondence, and revisions to plans, policies and procedures.
• Drafts memos, resolutions, and project information for Board of Supervisors. 
• Prepares invoice and payment processing for projects. 
• May provide technical direction and training to other engineering and technical staff.
• Performs related duties as required.

Engineer II: (In addition to the above)

• Plans, organizes, and designs a wide variety of public works projects including roads, bridges, drainage systems and other structures.
• Meets and confers with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, a variety of outside agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding County development requirements. 
• Writes requests for qualifications and proposals; reviews and evaluates submitted proposals.
• Reviews consultant reports, including design, hydrology/hydraulic, geotechnical, environmental, right-of-way, and construction documents. 
• Acts as resident engineer on construction projects, assists other departments with engineering needs
• Inspects complex construction projects for compliance with specifications; reviews test results made by technical and engineering personnel on concrete, soil, and asphalt mix.  
• Performs related duties as required.

 
Engineer III: (In addition to the above)

• Provides technical direction and training to other engineering and technical staff.
• Approves projects and acts as the Resident Engineer when projects are complete under the Federal Code of Regulations verifying compliance.
• Approves Engineer’s Estimates as the Resident Engineer.
• Compiles all data from software and develops Technical and Budgetary Reports for the County Infrastructure.
• Reviews and approves Engineering and Traffic Surveys.
• Reviews and authenticates programming documents for Federal Aid Projects.
• Assists in the development and standardization of procedures and methods to improve efficiency and effectiveness of projects, services, and activities.
• May provide technical information and instruction regarding applicable procedures and methods; interprets and explains rules, regulations, and procedures; answers questions and resolves concerns; enforces County ordinances and policies ensuring quality control in the areas of engineering services.

 Knowledge of:
 
Engineer I:

• Basic civil Engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works projects, including water and wastewater systems, storm water, street, and traffic systems design.
• Basic principles, practices, procedures, and standards related to County public works, engineering infrastructure development and maintenance, and surveying.
• General design, layout, and construction practices for public improvements such as streets, storm drains, grading, and landscaping.
• Modern office practices and technology, including personal computer hardware and software applications related to the work, such as computer-aided drafting (CAD) concepts and applications, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work.
• Construction materials, methods, and equipment.
• Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Safety principles and practices pertaining to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. 
• Grant writing procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff

Engineer II: (In addition to the above)

• Basic principles and practices of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budgeting, cost estimation, funding, project management, and grant and contract administration.
• Subdivision engineering, plan review, mapping, and construction practices.
• Project management and contract administration principles and techniques.
• Engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures.
• Modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding engineering.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, standards, and procedures relating to civil engineering.
• Microcomputer engineering applications.
• Techniques for effectively representing the County in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations, and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.

Engineer III: (in addition to the above)

• Civil Engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures.
• Bidding requirements for public works projects.
• Review and oversight of the procurement process in administering contracts.
• Extensive knowledge of contract administration under Public Contract Code and Government Code.

 
Ability to:
 
Engineer I:

• Apply engineering principles and techniques to evaluating and solving simple to difficult civil engineering problems.
• Prepare, understand, and interpret engineering construction plans, specifications, and other contract documents.
• Conduct comprehensive engineering studies and prepare reports with recommendations.
• Assist in, develop, and administer contracts for professional services and construction in a public agency setting.
• Design engineering projects. 
• Read and understand technical drawings and specifications. 
• Perform mathematical and engineering computations with precision. 
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer and drafting equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Make engineering design computations and check, design, and prepare engineering plans and studies.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the public, County staff, other agencies, engineering firms, contractors, developers, manufacturers and others.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Engineer II: (In addition to the above)

• Conduct complex civil engineering research projects, analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare clear, concise, and accurate documentation and correspondence.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, technical written material, and County engineering policies and procedures.
• Perform detailed analysis of designs, specifications, and plans.
• Exercise sound, independent judgment in managing assigned projects.
• Develop, implement and interpret goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, legal descriptions, and other written materials.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals.
• Direct the work of contract consultants.
• Implement and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Obtain registration/certification for Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) under CASQA.

Engineer III: (In addition to the above)

• Conduct the most difficult and complex civil engineering research projects, analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare clear, concise, and accurate documentation and correspondence.
• Authenticate, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, technical written material, and County engineering policies and procedures.
• Interpret legislation that affects transportation infrastructure and planning. 
• Prepare accurate plans, specifications, cost estimates and comprehensive engineering reports.

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

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in civil engineering or a related engineering field; and
 
Engineer I:  Engineering design, plan review, and project administration experience highly desirable.
 
Engineer II:  Two (2) years of professional engineering design, plan review, and project administration experience equivalent to Engineer I, preferably in a public agency setting.  
 
Engineer III:  Two (2) years of professional engineering design, plan review, and project administration experience equivalent to Engineer II, preferably in a public agency setting.
  
Licenses and Certifications:
                                                                                          

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.

 
Engineer II:

• Possession of an Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate is desired

Engineer III:

• Possession and maintenance of a Registered Professional Civil Engineer license in the State of California. 

Technical skills needed to be successful in this position:

• Software proficiency 

• Construction management 

• Research

• Grant writing

Interpersonal skills needed to be successful in this position:

• Communication skills 
• Critical thinking 
• Time management 
• Organization skills

Salary : $76,918 - $114,130