Engineering Technician I/II

County of Santa Barbara • Santa Barbara, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The County of Santa Barbara Public Works Department is hiring for two Engineering Technician I/II vacancies: one in the Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division and one in the Encroachment Permits section of the Transportation Division, both in Santa Barbara. Applications will also establish employment lists for future full-time, part-time, Civil Service Rule 1414, and extra-help vacancies in multiple locations. Depending on qualifications and departmental needs, a successful candidate may be appointed at the I or II level.

Under close supervision, the position trains to perform or performs paraprofessional civil engineering work in areas such as design, mapping, database management, utility coordination, materials testing, hydrology, permits, and construction inspection. Engineering Technician I is a trainee level, handling routine projects and progressing toward moderately difficult assignments. Engineering Technician II receives general instructions on assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions. The series is flexibly staffed.

Assignments may involve construction inspection and reporting; processing encroachment permits; contract administration; operation and maintenance of environmental control systems; environmental compliance reporting; engineering design support; field data collection and analysis; operating-system records; and materials testing. Some positions may require a valid California Driver License and may involve physical tasks of moderate difficulty. Appointees must complete a one-year probationary period and, after a conditional offer, pass a background check, reference checks, and a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.

The advertised annual salaries are $69,222.40–$82,852.64 for Engineering Technician I and $79,187.68–$95,012.32 for Engineering Technician II. Applicants from other public-sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and service credit toward an advanced vacation accrual rate. The selection process includes an application and supplemental questionnaire review and a scored supplemental questionnaire ranking examination. Candidates must score at least 70 to be placed on the employment list; veteran’s preference credit may apply.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, including coursework in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• Knowledge of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Ability to learn surveying, drafting, testing, and inspection principles and procedures.
• Ability to perform assigned work and make arithmetical computations.
• Ability to prepare accurate, neat calculations and drawings.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to learn to input, access, and analyze data using a personal computer terminal.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work effectively with the public, other government agencies, contractors, and staff.
• Ability to perform manual tasks under a variety of conditions and establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
• A valid California Driver License may be required for some positions.
• Successful completion of a background check, including a conviction history check, satisfactory reference checks, and a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.
• Satisfactory completion of a one-year probationary period.

Nice To Haves

• Some knowledge of engineering technology, drafting, and/or CAD may be required for some positions.
• Microsoft Office Suite skills and experience, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Familiarity with drafting/design software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D and GIS software.
• Adobe Suite skills and experience for creating and editing visual presentations, site maps, and diagrams.
• A team-first attitude and ability to work successfully with managers, peers, and support staff on multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and personalities.
• Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet competing deadlines.
• Solution-oriented, strategic, and problem-solving skills; calm demeanor under pressure; and adaptability to change.
• Ability to process, interpret, and communicate technical information promptly, including returning phone calls and emails.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and keep records organized.
• Desire to serve the public and be a good steward of public funds.
• Good judgment, high ethical standards, and dedication to assigned tasks.
• Motivation to learn and initiative to work beyond the initially assigned job or task.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in civil engineering design.

Responsibilities

• Perform or train to perform paraprofessional civil engineering work in design, mapping, database management, utility coordination, materials testing, hydrology, permits, construction inspection, and related specialties.
• Oversee construction projects of substantial complexity; lead and participate in construction inspections; prepare final labor and materials reports; and recommend approval of construction work and contract payments.
• Process encroachment permit applications using Accela and Bluebeam, and inspect field work.
• Develop and track operational contracts for the environmental management system; schedule contractors for maintenance of technical operating systems.
• Operate environmental control systems, including landfill gas collection, liquid collection systems, an anaerobic digestion facility, and gas-to-energy systems; perform or coordinate required servicing and maintain service records.
• Assist with reports to regulatory agencies, collect and analyze field data for environmental compliance, and assist in acquiring regulatory permits.
• Assist with design work for complex engineering projects; review designs, calculations, and cost estimates prepared by other technicians; and train and assist technicians in CAD software and specialized applications.
• Inspect contractor work and document work performed; collect and analyze data to support optimal operation of environmental management systems.
• Complete timely service and maintenance inspection reports in accordance with operating and maintenance manuals, interpreting technical manuals and diagrams.
• Participate in field and laboratory inspections and construction-material tests; certify test results; recommend construction materials; prepare testing reports; and train technicians in testing procedures and equipment.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Retirement reciprocity and service credit toward an advanced vacation accrual rate may be available to applicants from other public-sector employers.
• Benefits summary is available; individual benefits are not specified in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED