Assistant Engineer / Associate Civil Engineer (Limited Term) en City of Davis, CA

About the Department

DEFINITION

Under general supervision (Assistant Engineer) or direction (Associate Civil Engineer), performs professional and office work in support of planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the City’s capital improvement projects, traffic, land development, public works infrastructure and projects, and engineering programs. Performs technical reviews, ensures code and regulation compliance. Engineering infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, water, wastewater, storm water, facilities, parks, street improvements, and traffic systems. Partner and/or coordinate with developers, contractors, and representatives of other agencies. Prepare and conduct studies and make engineering-related presentations. Perform related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

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

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Assistant Engineer: This is the entry-level classification in the professional engineering series. Initially under close supervision and the direction of a licensed Civil Engineer, incumbents learn and perform routine professional and technical engineering work in the City’s capital improvement program (CIP), traffic engineering, land development, and public works infrastructure programs and projects.  As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Associate Civil Engineer level 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. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. This class is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer level in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series and possesses a professional engineering license issued by the State of California.

Associate Civil Engineer: This is the full journey, and first licensed level, classification the professional engineering series. Incumbents are responsible for independently performing professional duties in support of the City’s land development and engineering programs and projects. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, 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. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. This class is distinguished from the Senior Civil Engineer in that the latter is the advanced-level class in the series with responsibility for managing the more complex land development or capital improvement projects.

Positions in the Engineering class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Associate Civil Engineer level are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant Engineer level; progression to the Associate Civil Engineer level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the incumbent is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Associate Civil Engineer level.

Position Duties

Examples of typicAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Positions at the Assistant Engineer level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Performs responsible engineering and project management work in Public Works, and a variety of administrative engineering functions.
• Prepares plans and specifications for the design, construction, and maintenance/operation of a variety of public works projects including, but not limited to streets, water, wastewater and storm water system management, parks, facilities and traffic/transportation systems; ensures conformance to Federal, State, and local legal requirements and professional engineering design practices.
• 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 projects.
• Plans, coordinates, and supervises the environmental review, plan checking, and conditional approval of tentative maps and related street improvement plans for various private development projects.
• Reviews subdivision and improvement plans, parcel maps, road and grading plans, and related maps and specifications for accuracy and conformance to established engineering practices and mandated regulations.
• Reviews and provides comments for development projects within the City, ensuring they are complying with mandated standards; coordinates with public works and building staff to convey these comments to the applicant.
• Provides information to the public and resolves questions and complaints regarding the interpretation and application of civil, traffic or land development engineering specifications, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Creates applications and develops procedures for new permits, or improvement of existing permits; reviews, approves and issues permits.
• Researches project design requirements and performs related calculations; prepares time and material cost estimates; assists in the preparation of department annual budget estimates.
• Prepares and administers contracts for engineering services; determines scope of projects; prepares requests for proposals; conducts pre-bid and pre-construction conferences; provides input into the selection process; and directs the work of contracted service providers.
• Serves as project manager on assigned engineering and construction projects; analyzes and resolves design and engineering issues; settles disputes and issues with inspectors, engineers, and contractors; issues tasks orders; reviews and negotiates change orders for management approval.
• Coordinates public works construction improvements with utility companies and other agencies including relocation, removal, and/or installation of utility improvements.
• 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 other mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Positions at the Assistant Engineer level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to public works methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of complex public works projects including water, stormwater, street, and traffic systems design.  
• Civil engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures.
• Principles and practices of traffic and transportation engineering and planning.
• Land development principles and associated documentation such as property legal descriptions. 
• City procedures for steering land improvement or development project work from inception to approval.
• General design, layout, and construction practices for public improvements such as streets, storm drains, grading, and landscaping.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in planning, design, construction and maintenance/operation and rehabilitation of a variety of public works facilities and systems.
• Construction management principles and practices.
• Subdivision engineering, plan review, mapping, and construction practices.
• Principles and practices of capital improvement program budgeting, cost estimation, funding, and contract administration.
• Engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures.
• Principles and practices of project and construction management.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of environmental impact assessment and related regulatory processes for assigned projects.
• Contract management practices in a public agency setting.
• Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work.
• Project documentation development techniques including drafting, mapping, drawings and specifications.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation. 
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the engineering, development, and construction fields.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• 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 variety of professional engineering duties in support of the City’s capital improvement and land development projects.
• Prepare complex engineering computations and check, design, and oversee the preparation of various engineering plans and reports.
• Utilize advanced engineering techniques to evaluate complex project design or construction issues.
• Prepare accurate estimates of costs, schedules, materials and personnel resources required for assigned projects.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret a variety of complex technical data.
• Plan and coordinate environmental review, plan checking, and conditional approval of tentative maps and related street improvement plans for various private development projects.
• Prepare specifications, reports, correspondence, plans, plats, petitions, diagrams, profiles and cross sections, and material and cost estimates.
• Read and interpret maps, plans, sketches, schematics, diagrams, blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications.
• Evaluate traffic signal and associated control devices and develop plans for modifications and adjustments.
• Serve as project manager on engineering and construction projects.
• Oversee and coordinate the work of contracted service providers.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Understand, Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, codes, technical written material, and City engineering policies and procedures.
• Conduct complex research projects and engineering studies, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Work within budgetary constraints of assigned projects.
• Perform mathematical and engineering computations with precision.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• 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.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• 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:

• Assistant Engineer / Associate Civil Engineer: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Assistant Engineer: One (1) year of professional engineering design, plan review, and project administration experience, preferably in a public agency setting.
• Associate Civil Engineer:Two (2) years of increasingly responsible professional civil engineering program experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Assistant Engineer: Possession of a valid Engineer-In-Training Certificate is desirable.
• Associate Civil Engineer: Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the State of California, to be maintained throughout employment.

Physical Demands

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 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. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.  

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; 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 or road hazards in some site locations. Employees must wear and use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when appropriate.

Environmental Elements

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, 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.   

WORKING CONDITIONS

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.