Associate Engineer

Under general supervision, performs professional engineering project work in conformance with procedures, policies, approved civil engineering methods and professional techniques, applicable standards, legal, and technical requirements.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is an experienced professional civil engineering classification in the Engineering job family.

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Senior Engineer, and direction from the Engineering Services Director/District Engineer and other District management.

The Associate Engineer provides work direction and/or functional supervision to lower-level classifications in Engineering Services.

Project Management:
Plans and manages approved capital improvement projects of wastewater treatment plant, collection systems, pump stations, water treatment and distribution systems, and related facilities. Coordinates assigned capital projects with other departments and outside agencies. Develops and manages budgets, records costs, and schedules of assigned projects. Manages the selection of consultants for assigned projects including development of requests for proposals, preparation of scope of work and negotiation of agreements.Prepares recommendations to the governing board on projects and makes oral and written presentations. Analyzes billings and progress payment requests and recommends payment. Researches and obtains project required legal, regulatory and technical materials. Obtains information and produces documents needed to arrange change orders and other alterations of approved contracts. Coordinates CEQA compliance for projects.

Engineering Studies and Designs:
Prepares and conducts detailed engineering field studies, cost estimates and reports to identify future facility needs and as required to prepare capital improvement projects for implementation. Researches and prepares information and data for engineering projects involving the application of multiple legal, technical, or regulatory requirements. Performs engineering design work including preparing drawings, exhibits, maps and other project materials.

OTHER ASSIGNED DUTIES

Prepares information for budget requests and special projects. Participates in the general housekeeping and administrative record keeping operations of the department. Assumes responsibility for covering a part of the work assignments of other engineering staff during short absences as assigned. Facilitates and participates in teams engaged with process and customer service improvements, cross-training, and team performance evaluations. Prepares and presents formal reports and recommendations as appropriate. Participates in District committees and staff functions. Performs other assigned work consistent with the responsibilities assigned to the classification and necessary to effective department and District operations.A combination of training and experience which demonstrates that a person has obtained the required knowledge and is able to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed).  A person with the following combined training and experience would typically qualify to compete in a selection process: 

EDUCATION:  A Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. A Master's Degree in Engineering is highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE:  Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional level civil or sanitary engineering experience, a portion of which may include graduate level research and development work in the field of wastewater process or resource recovery planning, design or construction. 

Knowledge of the following is required to perform the essential function:

• Professional civil engineering principles, standards, practices and technical support functions.
• Federal and state regulations applicable to civil engineering.
• Design, construction and basic operation of wastewater treatment plants, collection systems,  pump stations, water wells, and well water distribution systems.
• Materials, procedures and equipment used in the construction, operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.
• Civil engineering contract administration practices including development of designs, specifications, letting and evaluating bids, negotiating contracts, inspection standards, progress monitoring and conflict resolution mechanisms.
• Legal, regulatory and permit requirements applicable to public works projects.
• Principles and practices of supervision.

 Ability to do the following is required to perform the essential function:

• Interpret and apply the general intent and specific provisions of multiple laws and regulations to particular conditions.
• Conduct engineering studies and complete capital improvement projects.
• Evaluate, plan and establish a sequence of action for projects to progress toward specific objectives.
• Provide verbal and written direction and advice to a wide variety of people and officials.
• Persuasively communicate ideas and assert a point of view in complex or controversial situations.
• Establish and maintain open and honest communications with co-workers at all levels of the organization.
• Exhibit and instill in subordinates a high customer service priority.
• Read, write and speak effectively.
• Perform mathematical, statistical, geometric and algebraic calculations common to civil engineering work.
• Perform professional engineering studies and design work. 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work in normal office environment with controlled lighting and ventilation and moderate noise levels.
• May be required to work outside of normal business hours to respond to emergency situations or as operational needs dictate.
• Periodic travel may be required for training, meetings, and other business purposes.
• Frequent sitting at desk for prolonged periods while using computer and/or in meetings.
• Occasionally reach above shoulder level to access or place files, paperwork or binders and related items on and off overhead cabinets.
• Perform simple grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation. 
• Periodic kneeling, bending and/or stooping to retrieve or place documents, files and/or boxes on and off lower shelves, drawers or ground level.
• Operate automobiles and field communications equipment.
• Occasionally, may be required to ascend and descend ladders and stairs, tolerate physical presence at heights of up to 75 feet on outdoor catwalks and exterior walkways of large structures.

 

Required Licenses, Certifications and Registrations

A valid California State Class C license must be maintained at all times. Continued maintenance of valid driver's license in compliance with established District vehicle operations standards, and the ability to be insured for the operation of a vehicle/District vehicle in accordance with the terms and conditions of the District's insurance program are conditions of continued employment.

Possession of valid registration as a Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, and/or other Professional Engineer as issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is required at time of hire or appointment.

 

Maintenance of certificate is a condition of employment.

 

Fair Labor Standards Act Classification:   Exempt from overtime under the administrative exemption 

Collective Bargaining Representation Unit:   Professional & Technical Bargaining Unit

Job Specifications Approved by:                     Board of Directors on 06/25/1997

Appointment and Removal Authority:           General Manager

Amended & Approved by:                               General Manager on 01/07/2016

Salary : $13,161 - $15,998