Civil Engineering Assistant/Associate (05-26)

About the Department

Under general supervision, this position performs field and office civil engineering work involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of municipal facilities; performs other related duties as required. 

Civil Engineering Assistant: This is the entry-level classification into the professional civil engineering series. Incumbents in this class perform routine professional engineering work not requiring professional experience. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This classification is alternatively staffed with Civil Engineering Associate, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher level class. Civil Engineering Associate: This class is characterized by its responsibility for the performance of professional engineering work of average difficulty. It differs from the Civil Engineering Assistant class by its responsibility for more complex engineering projects requiring independent engineering analysis. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Senior Civil Engineer in that the latter is responsible for assisting in the overall supervision of the Public Works Engineering Division.

Position Duties

(Listed below are some of the duties performed by this position. For a complete listing of Essential Functions, review the class specification.)

Performs professional engineering work for water, sewer, street, and other public works projects and programs ensuring technical competence and compliance with all current codes and criteria. 

Reviews plans and specifications associated with capital improvement projects, water, sewer, transportation, private development, grading and other information for accuracy and format; performs engineering calculations; reviews for conformance to established engineering practices, and compliance with State and county laws, ordinances, and regulations; may prepare engineering conditions of approval for proposed developments.

Provides liaison to contractor representatives in coordinating contract projects; monitors project construction activity; coordinates the review of related invoices and progress payments; prepares change orders as necessary for the alteration of plans and specifications. 

Performs engineering studies related to water, sewer, transportation, and traffic as well as preparing technical engineering reports. 

Prepares requests for proposal in accordance with general directions; prepares reports; prepares related visual aids; prepares right-of-way documents and assists in right-of-way acquisition. Responds to inquiries and provides technical assistance to developers, contractors, and the public regarding proposed and planned City fees, existing City facilities, and other matters. 

Physical, Mental and Environmental Working Conditions: Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near vision in reading correspondence, statistical data and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required.

The City of Whittier encourages applications from qualified Individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Individuals who require accommodation in the testing process should contact the Human Resources staff at least 5 days prior to the testing process so that a reasonable accommodation may be made. Persons requesting a reasonable accommodation will be required to provide documentation of such need. Seeking or receiving an accommodation by the City will have no negative impact on an applicant's or employee's application or employment.

Minimum Qualifications

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.) 

Education and/or Experience: Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Civil Engineering Assistant / Civil Engineering Associate. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited college or closely related field. In addition to the above, Civil Engineering Associate requires two years of progressively responsible professional, municipal experience in civil engineering equivalent to that of a Civil Engineering Assistant with the City of Whittier. Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California, although not required, is highly desirable.

License/Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license. EIT Certification highly desirable.

Knowledge of: Engineering principles and practices; methods and techniques utilized in the preparation of public works projects, designs, and related plans, specifications and cost estimates; the principles, equipment, and methods utilized in surveying and materials testing; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; modern office procedures, practices, methods, and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to: Perform professional engineering work, including project design; conduct inspections and evaluate construction relative to approved plans and specifications; prepare and maintain records and prepare reports; interpret and apply related laws, ordinances, and regulations; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships. 

Skill to: Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing, drafting, and software applications, specifically AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Other Qualifications

Prior to hiring, candidates will be required to submit proof of U.S. Citizenship or employment authorization if not a U. S. Citizen. 

Medical: Applicants will be required as a prerequisite to employment to successfully pass a physical examination, including a drug screen, the cost of which will be paid by the City. A candidate must achieve a passing score on each exam to proceed to the next exam. 

Exam Information:(Dates to be determined.) 
Performance/Interview: 100%

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Provides municipal services to the residents of Whittier, California.