The current vacancy is for Engineering Technician in the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Engineering Technician vacancies during the life of the list , such as other divisions in the Water and Public Works Department. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.
Under general supervision, the Engineering Technician provides technical assistance to field and office engineering functions by designing basic plans, collecting data, preparing plans and maps by both manual and computerized drafting methods, processing permits and work orders, maintaining records, advising the public and performing other related work as assigned.
To read about the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department (Current Vacancy) Engineering | City of Santa CruzTo read about the Traffic Engineering Division Traffic Engineering | City of Santa Cruz
To read about the City's Water Department and the Water Engineering Division Water Department | City of Santa Cruz
Recruitment #25-084
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
- On Thursday, 07/03 /25 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
- Application - online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
- Response to supplemental questions - will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.
- Week of 07/07 and 07/14/25: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. C andidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment once all applications have been reviewed.
- Week of 07/28 and/or 08/04/25: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exam.
(May include but are not limited to, those duties listed below).
- Designs or assists with the design of plans and specifications for small to medium-sized construction projects such as curbs, gutters, sidewalks, drains and water mains, including the necessary research, computation, final drafting, construction coordination and inspection.
- Reduces and translates field notes and computations submitted by field survey crews.
- Performs a variety of field activities such as surveying, data collection, testing and inspection; checks potential, new and existing services for permit compliance. May flush and disinfect new water mains.
- Makes reports and recommendations relative to field or design activities and maintains related files.
- Reviews plans for new services; determines requirements and fees; processes agreements, permits and work orders.
- Researches and implements revisions to existing system drawings, records and maps.
- Check-reads and drafts property descriptions.
- Responds to inquiries both in person and by phone from interested persons regarding engineering projects and activities; explains regulations to property owners and contractors.
- Assists with the maintenance of engineering files and documents; prepares regular reports and records on department projects.
- Reproduces blueprints and other design drawings as required.
- If assigned to the water department performs on-site inspections of customer facilities to evaluate potential back-flow problems and determine appropriate corrective actions.
- Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires sitting for extended periods of time, with frequent standing, walking and occasional balancing, stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling and use of finger dexterity and feeling by touching. Job duties may require occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 lbs. The incumbent is occasionally required to crawl into cramped spaces, climb to and walk at heights, and walk on slippery, uneven surfaces. The position requires talking, hearing, both near and far vision, plus the ability to distinguish colors, shades of colors, and to perceive depth and field of vision while performing assigned duties. The incumbent in this position works indoors daily and outside in various types of weather weekly, with occasional exposure to dust, electrical energy, and dry atmosphere. Job duties require working around moving or stationery machinery and/or vehicles. The nature of the work requires the incumbent to drive a City vehicle daily, with repetitive use of both hands and right foot.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education and Experience:
- High school graduation or tested equivalent, and
- Two (2) years of experience in engineering drafting or other technical civil engineering work or similar related experience. An Engineering degree, EIT, or LSIT may substitute for the two years of experience.
- One course in AutoCAD or 1/2 year of work experience using AutoCAD.
- One course in GIS or 1/2 year of work experience using GIS.
Knowledge:
- General knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering as related to the planning, design, and construction of public works projects.
- Knowledge of trigonometry and algebra.
- Knowledge of manual and computer aided engineering drafting.
- Knowledge of basic mapping practices including field survey tools and GIS.
Abilities:
- Perform algebraic and trigonometric calculations related to engineering applications.
- Collect and record accurate technical data.
- Clearly explain and interpret complex regulations.
- Act in a courteous and effective manner when dealing with the general public.
- Process and maintain accurate records in accordance with specific guidelines.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret blueprints, maps and technical plans and specifications.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word.
Licenses and Certifications
- Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C drivers license.
- Positions in the Water Department/Engineering Division may be required to obtain within one year of employment, and maintain certification from the California-Nevada AWWA as a backflow device general tester.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- Proficiency with GIS such as ArcMap and computer-aided drafting such as AutoCad.
- Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat to create documents, maps, and presentations.
- Experience working in a municipal environment.
- Associate Professional Engineer
- Engineering Associate
- Assistant Engineer I/II
- Engineering Technician