Public Works Department - Project Assistant

County of El Paso•Tx 79901, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Works under minimal supervision assisting Public Works engineers and project managers in coordinating project tasks, conducting research, preparing documentation, and tracking project progress. Supports planning and execution of Public Works projects by ensuring accurate records, facilitating stakeholder communication, and helping maintain compliance with county procedures and project requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Public Administration, or related field and minimum of 3 years of experience in a project assistant, coordinator, or similar project support role (public works or constructions preferred).
Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
In order to access into the County’s network and systems, a personal smart device is required by the hire start date.
Have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso.
Knowledge of English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Principles and Practices of project coordination, documentation and records management; research methods and techniques, Basic understanding of public works processes and the ability to ready basic engineering drawings for support purposes; Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, drafting software, and project management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar).knowledge of project management methodologies and tools.
Familiarity with Public Works processes (ROW, drainage, roadway, utilities, capital projects).
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and summaries.
Ability to manage assigned tasks and deadlines with minimal supervision.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions precisely.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with staff, consultants, contractors, and the public.
Operate personal computer using standard office operating software, general office equipment, and various software applications.
Establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers and customers to promote and support a productive work environment.
Work efficiently independently and in a team environment to meet established goals and objectives.
Communicate effectively in verbal and written forms to respond effectively to customers and staff.
Exercise initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines in performance of daily duties.
Pass a background investigation.
Ability to read basic engineering drawings.
Ability to collect and organize field data.
Understanding of County Procedures.
Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.
Work well with others and participate fully in a team-oriented environment.
Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner.
Maintain strict confidentiality.
Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times.
Maintain and enhance the County’s commitment to customer service excellence.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English/ Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Coordinates and supports the planning, execution, and monitoring of public works and engineering projects, including tracking milestones, collaborating with stakeholders, and preparing reports and presentations.
Performs a variety of administrative tasks, including scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, and maintaining accurate project documentation.
Assists in preparing meeting agendas, summaries, schedules, and updates for internal and external stakeholders.
Compiles, analyzes, and maintains project data and documentation, and prepares reports, presentations, and updates to support decision making.
Researches and compiles information for scopes of work, specifications, and supporting documents.
Participates in project site visits and field observations to document existing conditions, photograph locations, and collect basic data as directed.
Monitors milestones and deliverables; follows up with consultants, contractors, and internal staff to keep tasks on schedule.
Identifies discrepancies in project documentation or schedules and coordinates resolution with project managers.
Identifies opportunities for improving project workflows and administrative processes.
Reviews project documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established guidelines.
Evaluates project plans, designs, and calculations, and monitors adherence to applicable technical codes, rules, and regulations in accordance with established procedures.
Reviews plans prepared by consultants, contractors, engineers, and architects, and prepares and finalizes related reports.
Assists with assembling bid/contract packages and coordinates with the Purchasing Department on advertisements, addenda, and submissions.
Maintains organized electronic and physical records for assigned projects.
Conducts research on roadway, drainage, right-of-way, and public works infrastructure using internal databases, maps, and historical data.
Verifies street location, traffic control plans, drainage improvements, utilities, and other facilities as related to the assigned projects.
Verifies plans and drawings are clearly drawn to scale, possess sufficient detail, and comply with storm water, environmental, erosion, grading, and drainage regulations; Suggests modifications to plans to bring them into compliance and coordinate with parties.
Schedules, monitors, and inspects assigned construction site projects during all phases to verify conformance to technical code and ordinances, federal and county regulations.
Assists with preparing reports, presentations, and updates for internal/external stakeholders.
Supports engineers in responding to requests from residents, consultants, and other agencies by gathering data and preparing draft responses.
Contacts various public and private agencies to gather and exchange information to contractors and citizens.
Investigates complaints, determines problem, and recommends solution as assigned.
Tracks project-related funding timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements as directed.
Develops and drafts plans and specifications from sketches, diagrams, raw data, and narrative verbal descriptions for various projects, including water, storm drain lines, drainage, runoff control, related site or street development or modifications.
Research existing structures and designs; gathers data; creates design sketches for feasibility and engineering design development and approval; creates final designs on minor projects; coordinates design changes with contractors and engineers; prepares cost estimates.
Collects GIS and Survey data using the GPS system; records data either in field books or electronically; transfers gathered data to permanent record by drafting methods or electronically.
Gathers information/data and performs advanced professional level work in the preparation of engineering plans, maps, right of way documents and related CAD drawings.
Establishes and enforces procedures to expedite and improve processes, especially in the areas of drafting coordination and file maintenance.
Recommends actions and participates in the implementation of programs, policies, or other professional activities in the area assigned.
Maintains knowledge of skills, processes, and best practices in the area of engineering and CAD design.
Maintains and provides documents and information regarding the issuance of certificates of plat compliance; maintains files and records; performs research on land ownership from warranty deeds and documents; identifies County properties and addresses; assigns addresses and property descriptions.
Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrates commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts.
Provides technical assistance to the general public by responding to in person, telephone and email Project inquiries.
Tracks project-related funding sources, deadlines, and compliance requirements as needed (similar to grants tracking but PW-specific).
Supports staff in assembling documentation needed for state/federal reporting related to Public Works programs.
Compiles statistical information, reports, and data.
Attends and participates in meetings, training, and information sessions.
Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field.
Participates in training and professional development to improve technical and administrative skills.
Depending on area assigned: Performs project coordination and documentation tasks specific to transportation, drainage, and right-of-way programs; conducts research and compiles data.
Assists the Project Engineer in the development of engineering plans and right of way documents using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and other applicable technical skills.
Conducts research on roads, city limits, and properties within El Paso County using historical and current data sources.
Assists public with historic road data inquiries.
Maintains files of County projects, plans, maps, or other archives and coordinates the archiving of all departmental documents.
Assists with Floodplain studies and reviews and with determination of Base Flood Elevations (BFE) as requested.
Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.
Substitutes, if assigned, during temporary absences by performing delegated duties sufficient to maintain continuity of normal operations.
Creates a high-quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.