Assistant Engineer

Modoc county•Alturas, CA

About The Position

The Assistant Engineer performs engineering work related to roads, bridges, culverts, and other county infrastructure. The role conducts feasibility, cost, and design studies; develops and administers professional services or construction project contracts; reviews plans; inspects projects; collects and presents data; prepares reports; and provides information and advice to the public. If appropriately certified, the incumbent may act as a land surveyor for the County. Other related duties may be assigned. This is the entry-level position in the engineering series. The Assistant Engineer assists management staff or higher-level engineers with research, data collection, project administration, and report preparation. Assignments build knowledge of public service engineering principles and practices. Incumbents initially work under close supervision and are expected to develop knowledge and independence. The class is alternately staffed with Associate Engineers, and advancement may be possible after gaining experience and demonstrating the qualifications and proficiency required for the higher-level class. The position designs and evaluates plans and specifications for public works projects, provides resident engineering oversight on construction projects, reviews engineering and land development documents, supports survey activities, conducts research, and prepares reports, recommendations, funding requests, and grant proposals. It also uses engineering software and standard office equipment, communicates with the public and other stakeholders, and may provide work direction to less experienced engineers or support staff. The work involves a typical office setting as well as visits to construction sites, where there may be exposure to potential hazards. The employee must hold a valid California Class C driver’s license and is designated a Disaster Service Worker under California law.

Requirements

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in an appropriate engineering discipline.
One year of professional engineering experience.
Possess a valid California Class C driver’s license.
Knowledge of engineering objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, and information sources.
Knowledge of statistical analysis and mathematical concepts related to engineering.
Knowledge of engineering graphics and drafting terminology, symbols, methods, techniques, and instruments.
Knowledge of materials and soils analysis and materials testing principles and practices.
Knowledge of computer applications related to the work.
Knowledge of business letter writing, standard typed-material formats, record keeping, bookkeeping, workplace safety, correct business English, public service techniques, and basic surveying principles and practices.
Ability to research, analyze, and summarize engineering data manually and using computer applications.
Ability to interpret maps, plans, specifications, graphs, and statistical data and to make complex engineering calculations accurately.
Ability to prepare clear, concise, and complete technical documents, reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and work without close supervision in standard work situations.
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to use a smartphone, phone and computer applications, and remote meeting technology; assist users with remote meeting technology; and embrace new technology to improve workplace efficiency.
Ability to meet the physical demands of office work, use standard office equipment, drive to meetings and construction sites, read printed and computer materials, and communicate in person or by telephone.
Support the County and its elected and appointed officials, provide courteous and timely customer service, cooperate with County employees, and adhere to the Modoc County Code of Safe Practices.

Nice To Haves

Practical sub-professional experience related to engineering, such as drafting, land surveying, computer-aided design, or geographic information systems software.
Experience in a public agency setting.
Appropriate certification to act as a land surveyor for the County.

Responsibilities

Design, prepare, and evaluate preliminary and final plans and specifications for public works construction, maintenance, and retrofitting projects.
Provide resident engineering oversight on construction projects; coordinate daily activities, ensure compliance with plans and specifications, administer contracts, and prepare financial reports.
Conduct feasibility and cost studies and recommend alternative approaches, including contract services and new methods or materials.
Review and evaluate parcel maps, records of survey, subdivision and construction plans, and other documents submitted by the public; certify correctness and compliance with ordinances.
Direct survey crew work and perform office work in support of survey activities.
Provide engineering design and code information and ensure designs meet accepted industry and legal standards.
Conduct research studies and prepare reports and recommendations concerning land use, building and facility design, roadways, planning and redevelopment, and community service needs related to engineering.
Maintain files of plans, maps, permits, and related documents.
Use computers and software for technical modeling, calculations, databases, mapping, computer-aided drafting, and other engineering applications.
Prepare written communications, analytical reports, and correspondence; prepare or direct the preparation of maps, plans, and graphic materials.
Make oral and graphic presentations or prepare presentation materials for boards, commissions, and community groups; answer questions and provide information and assistance to the public in person, by telephone, and in writing.
Prepare funding requests and grant proposals; prepare and submit invoices and expenditure reports.
Provide work direction and instruction to less experienced engineers and technical field or office support staff as needed.
Drive a County vehicle to attend meetings and inspect project sites.
Support the County’s vision and mission; provide courteous and timely customer service to the public and County departments; cooperate with County employees and follow the Modoc County Code of Safe Practices.
Complete assigned Disaster Service Work-related training and return to work as ordered in an emergency.