Engineering Assistant 1/2/3 Flex (Bridge Engineering Assistant PCN 250210)

State of Alaska • Juneau, AK

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), Bridge Section, is hiring a flexibly staffed Engineering Assistant 1, 2, or 3 in Juneau. The position supports management and improvement of Alaska’s 1,085 bridges. Under the guidance of licensed engineers, the Engineering Assistant conducts bridge inspections, analyzes existing structures, contributes to new bridge design and construction projects, performs structural analysis and calculations, and prepares plans, specifications, cost estimates, and reports. Duties also include creating structural details, calculating quantities, and drafting specifications for construction contracts.

The Bridge Section provides hands-on professional experience with engineers recognized nationally as experts in their field. The office has up to 30 staff members and works across bridge structural, hydraulic, and geotechnical engineering. Staff may gain experience with different bridge types and design activities, including repairs, retrofits, and new designs, as well as bridge research and construction projects.

The position is based at DOT&PF Headquarters in Juneau. The office is casual-professional, team-oriented, and friendly. Bridge inspection work involves travel to regions throughout Alaska, sometimes using small aircraft, including float planes, to reach remote bridge sites. Staff complete one or more summer inspection trips lasting one to two weeks. The stated work week is 37.5 hours, with paid overtime when needed. The position may be filled at the Engineering Assistant 1, 2, or 3 level depending on the applicant’s training and experience; starting salary is based on the level hired.

Requirements

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the Engineering Assistant 1, 2, or 3 level, depending on the level of hire.
• Engineering Assistant 1: A bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, or land surveying from an ABET-accredited institution; or a relevant bachelor’s degree from a non-ABET-accredited institution plus an EIT or LSIT certificate, or verification of passing the FE or FS examination. Applicants completing an ABET-accredited relevant bachelor’s degree within nine months may qualify to apply, but must obtain and show proof of the degree before beginning work.
• Engineering Assistant 2: A relevant bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited institution and one year of entry-level experience as an Engineering Assistant 1 with the State of Alaska or equivalent; or a relevant non-ABET bachelor’s degree plus an EIT or LSIT certificate or verification of passing the FE or FS examination, and one year of such experience; or five years of progressively responsible subprofessional engineering experience, including two years as a Journey-level Engineering Technician or Drafting Technician 3 with the State of Alaska or equivalent.
• Engineering Assistant 3: A relevant bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited institution and two years of engineering, architecture, or land surveying experience, including one year at the working or intermediate trainee level; or a non-ABET bachelor’s degree in an engineering branch plus an EIT certificate or verification of passing the FE examination and two years of relevant experience, including one year at the working or intermediate trainee level. Substitutions described in the posting may apply.
• Knowledge of structural engineering concepts, principles, theories, and methods for design and analysis of complex structures using a variety of materials.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, including applying a logical, systematic approach and using knowledge and other resources.
• Computer skills, including use of computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems.
• Clear, concise, organized, and convincing written communication.
• Physical ability to descend and ascend bridge embankments and river banks.
• Submit academic transcripts if using education to meet minimum qualifications, a structural calculation sample, an EIT/FE certificate if applicable, and three professional references with names, job titles, and current phone numbers at or before the interview.
• Complete the Education section of the application and provide transcripts to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications.

Nice To Haves

• Engineer-in-Training (Fundamentals of Engineering) certification.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bridge inspections throughout Alaska.
• Analyze existing bridge structures and contribute to designing new bridges.
• Contribute to bridge construction projects.
• Perform structural analysis and calculations under the guidance of licensed engineers.
• Prepare detailed plans, specifications, cost estimates, and reports.
• Create structural details, calculate quantities, and draft specifications for construction contracts.
• Participate in summer bridge inspection trips, which may last one to two weeks.

Benefits

• Preparation for the PE exam through frequent training and mentoring toward licensure.
• A combination of office and field assignments.
• Opportunity to gain experience with all bridge types and aspects of design, including repairs, retrofits, and new design.
• Opportunity to spend a summer on a bridge construction project in Alaska.
• Support to obtain a drone pilot’s license, if desired, and use drones for bridge inspection.
• 37.5-hour work week with paid overtime when needed.
• Opportunities to participate in DOT&PF-funded bridge research projects.
• Opportunity to attend and present at professional conferences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level