ENGINEERING ASSISTANT III DEFINITION: The Engineering Assistant III performs a variety of complex and difficult paraprofessional office and field engineering functions. Specific duties performed will vary depending upon the division or section to which assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives direction from the division or section head to which assigned. Depending upon assignment, may supervise a technical support unit of subordinate assistants and technicians in the areas of engineering design, drafting, development engineering, traffic engineering, flood protection, or construction services. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: The Engineering Assistant III is distinguished by the difficulty and complexity of the work performed and/or by the responsibility for supervision of subordinate technical positions. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Illustrative Only): Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Interprets City and department policy regarding project design, construction and operations. Provides department, division, or section information to the public and other governmental agencies, in person or through other forms of communication. Attends community meetings to respond to public questions, concerns, and complaints. Maintains accurate records and files. Plans, schedules and coordinates the work of subordinate technical staff. May supervise and evaluate subordinate technical staff. Examples of additional responsibilities/duties if assigned to: Engineering Design: Performs design, estimating, complex calculations, and data gathering in such areas as rightof-way, street, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, water, sewer, storm drain, traffic systems, municipal parks, buildings, and other public works improvements. Conducts or assists in engineering surveys and field checks. Gathers data for the planning and construction of public works improvements. Evaluates technical engineering problems and makes independent decisions. Performs algebraic and trigonometric calculations to determine distances, areas, volumes, grades, hydraulic flows, etc. Performs title searches, researches rights-of-way and easements based on legal descriptions. Performs field and office work related to property or right-of-way boundaries. Verifies location of utilities, easements, property lines, etc. on City engineering plans.
Computes quantities and prepares cost estimates for public works projects. Verifies the accuracy of cost estimates and assessments prepared by others. Writes design specifications, letters, memoranda, procedures, contracts, etc. Initiates and maintains communication and coordination with utilities and other agencies. Drafting: Plans, organizes, coordinates, and provides oversight for the engineering drafting section. Schedules, assigns, and reviews the work of all assigned drafting personnel. Determines priorities of work and checks work in progress and upon completion. Develops and implements drafting standards for layout, layering, line weights, symbols, legends, etc. for uniformity of drafting projects. Establishes and maintains permanent system for recording critical survey data and documentation. Operates computer assisted drafting software to create and modify engineering drawings, topographic maps, improvement plans and illustrative graphics. Researches and assembles relevant engineering plans, maps and utility records for public works projects. Lays out preliminary design alignment from field reconnaissance observations and discussion with project engineer. Determines type of survey needed to collect necessary data to design the project. Coordinates the survey work and makes office/field calculations pertaining to the survey. Reduction of field survey notes. Prepares construction and public works improvement drawings from design data computed by others. Performs complex and difficult computing and/or drafting operations. Prepares construction plans, maps, exhibits, and other engineering conceptual design drawings for public works projects. Performs field and office work related to property or right-of-way boundaries. Researches records and prepares legal descriptions, draw maps and plats. Coordinates with utility companies for conflict review of public works improvement plans. Verifies location of utilities, easements, property lines, etc. on City engineering plans. Coordinates pot-holing and inspection of potential conflicts for public works projects. Computes quantities and prepares cost estimates for public works projects. Verifies the accuracy of cost estimates and assessments prepared by others. Oversees and maintains drafting supply inventory. Maintains and improves filing system for engineering plans, maps, and related documents. Development Engineering: Performs complex technical plan checks of City engineering plans, subdivision plats, improvement drawings, assessment district plans and maps, etc. to ensure accuracy and compliance with development conditions, municipal code provisions, City specifications, sounds engineering practices and City and state policy, including parcel and subdivision criteria. 2
Interprets and explains City policies and ordinances to the public relating to public works projects, including but not limited to roads, drainage, water, sanitary, parks, buildings and related projects. Prepares recommendations and Council agenda reports for abandonments of rights-of-way, easements, street name changes, and release of agreements, etc. Answers inquiries by providing information shown on maps and in-office files including researching for easements, right-of-way restrictions, and other restrictions on the use of property and parcels. Issues and prepares permits such as public encroachments, transportation, water hydrant and grading permits including proper accountability for fees collected, Assigns street addresses within the City and maintains street index. May conduct field inspections to verify plan coordination with existing conditions and other requirements, including suggestions for correcting non-compliance. Validates engineering calculations and cost estimates. Traffic Engineering: Performs general traffic related services to the general public as well as various City departments such as providing traffic count information, answering public inquiries, conducting field investigations of traffic signal, street lighting, signing and striping issues. Prepares preliminary Plans, Specifications and Estimates (PS&E) for traffic improvements, traffic signals, street lighting, signing and striping. Participates in the development and design of future signal, lighting and emergency preemption equipment and evaluates new equipment and products for future use. Administration of federal, state, and/or regional funding. Coordination of various City projects with Caltrans, railroads, utilities, or other agencies. Investigates traffic complaints and requests for traffic controls. Conducts traffic studies and surveys such as turning movement counts, speed and delay, radar surveys, and pedestrian studies. Provides support for the City s Residential Traffic Calming Program. Maintains and analyzes records regarding accidents and traffic incidents. Collects and maintains records of traffic counts and similar data by placing traffic counters in the field and collecting and recording information. Attendance at public meetings/workshops. Prepares staff reports for departments and City Council. Performs review of traffic signal, street lighting, signing and striping improvements plans for various private subdivisions and developments in the City. Performs field inspections of public works projects involving traffic signal, street lighting, signing and striping. Supervises and participates in activities related to traffic investigations. Construction Services: Assists in the development and implementation of Construction Services Programs. Assists in the development and monitoring of the Construction Services Section budget. Assists on the audits of field performance of construction to confirm accuracy of inspection and conformance with contract provisions, plans, specifications, sound construction 3
practices, and appropriate regulations and rules relative to construction projects dedicated to the public. Assists in the review of plans and specifications for constructability. Assists in training of Construction Services staff to improve proficiency. Conducts or assists in field survey and collection of data for planning improvements. Proposes, develops, and implements policies and procedures to improve coordination of Construction Services projects with other Public Works divisions, City departments, and contractors. Prepares or assists with a variety of correspondence and reports on operations and activities for the department and City Council. Prepares, coordinates, and reviews the preparation of status reports relating to Construction Services activities. Inspects subdivisions, frontage developments, encroachment permits and capital improvements including pumping stations, treatment facilities and structures. Inspects and provides technical assistance on difficult and complex projects or Construction Services problems. Assists in resolving conflicts between inspectors and contractors. Performs the duties of the Alternate Radiation Safety Officer for the Engineering Division as prescribed by State law. Assists in processing Contract Change Orders and progress payments for Capital Improvement Projects. Responds to public inquiries. Represents the City and department at a variety of meetings. Performs the most complex construction services as needed. Performs those tasks specified for the Engineering I/II series. Flood Protection: Assists in the development and implementation of the West Sacramento Levee Improvement Program (WSLIP). Assists in the development and monitoring of the Flood Protection Division budget. Assists in the administration of consultant and construction contracts for the WSLIP. Assists in the audit of field performance of construction to confirm accuracy of inspection and conformance with contract provisions, plans, specifications, sound construction practices, and appropriate regulations and rules relative to levee and other flood risk reduction construction projects. Assists in the review of plans and specifications for design requirements and constructability. Assists in training of Flood Division staff to improve proficiency. Conducts or assists in field survey and collection of data for planning and design of flood improvements. Proposes, develops, and implements policies and procedures to improve coordination of levee improvement projects with other Public Works divisions, City departments, regulatory agencies, and contractors. Prepares or assists with a variety of correspondence and reports on operations and activities for the Department and the City Council. 4
Prepares, coordinates, and reviews the preparation of status reports relating to flood risk reduction project activities. Provides inspection services for all flood risk reduction projects. Inspects and provides technical assistance on difficult and complex levee improvement projects. Assists in resolving conflicts between construction management services and contractors. Assists in processing contract change orders and progress payments for flood risk reduction projects or other capital improvement projects assigned to the Flood Division. Responds to public inquiries. Represents the City and the Department at a variety of meetings. Performs complex construction related services as needed. Performs field and office work related to property boundaries or right-of-way acquisition. Initiates and maintains communication and coordination with utilities and other agencies. Performs those tasks specified for the Engineering Assistant I/II series. QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of: Applicable codes, regulations, and standards; engineering principles, practices, standards and equipment used in engineering design, drafting, field survey work and construction inspection, depending upon assignment; proper materials, methods, regulations, and requirements relative to the construction and installation of streets, gutters, storm drains, waterlines, sanitary sewers, traffic signals, street lights, dry conduits, culverts, park and landscape improvements and related facilities installed on public rights-of-way; tools, surveying instruments, and equipment used in public works construction; safety standards in the construction trade; basic soil mechanics and geology, depending upon assignment; principles and practices of effective supervision, training and personnel management; possible defects and faults in public works construction projects and effective measures for correction. Skill in: Reading, evaluating, and inspecting complex construction drawings and technical reports; preparing and maintaining records, drawings, and reports related to assigned section; establishing cooperative working relationships with other City staff, the public, and outside agencies; communicating effectively both orally and in writing; organizing, planning, and assigning work; supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff; dealing firmly and tactfully with staff, contractors, engineers, and property owners. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be: Education: Completion of sixty (60) semester units of applicable college level courses including construction management, drafting, technology, mathematics, physical sciences, computers or related fields, depending upon section to which assigned. 5
Experience: Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in the field of public works inspection, engineering, survey, design, drafting, traffic, flood protection or related field, depending upon assigned section. Related education beyond the initial sixty (60) semester units may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to three (3) years of the experience requirement. (Sixty semester units are equivalent to one year of experience.) LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: Possession of a valid Class C California driver license. Possession of certificate of training on radiation safety and use of nuclear density gauges upon hire or within six (6) months of hire date if assigned to Construction Services. WORKING CONDITIONS: May be required to attend off-hour and/or off-site meetings. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must possess mobility to work in a construction or field environment including exposure to loud noise, frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances; depending upon assignment, mobility to inspect various commercial and residential development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs and other temporary or construction access points; mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to attend meetings and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and make inspections; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Positions in this classification occasionally lift, move, and carry objects that typically weigh up to 50 pounds. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS: Employees generally work in a construction or field environment including inclement weather conditions and construction and traffic hazards. Employees may also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing department guidelines, policies and procedures. Adopted: 11/13/1996 Revised: 11/02/2004; 04/13/2015 Maintenance Update: 03/13/1997; 08/08/2001 Title Change: Job Category: Paraprofessional Bargaining Unit: Specialists & Professionals At-Will: Yes No Form 700: Yes No FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Exempt 6