Assistant Civil Engineer

This classification's salary will increase 15% over the following three years.

Effective the pay period including July 1, 2026, employee base wages shall be increased by five percent (5%).

Effective the pay period including July 1, 2027, employee base wages shall be increased by five percent (5%).

Effective the pay period including July 1, 2028, employee base wages shall be increased by five percent (5%).

The salary range has 7 steps with employees typically starting at step 1 and moving to step 2 upon the completion of a successful one year probationary period. Each year thereafter, upon completion of successful performance, employees move to subsequent next step. Each step represents a 5% increase.

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under close supervision, performs a variety of professional engineering field and office work related to the management, planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the Countys Capital Improvement Program; prepares specifications and conducts inspections of projects for streets, storm drains, and related structures; performs office and field work related to transportation studies and multimodal planning; prepares applications for and administers grants and other funding; provides project coordination,; performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level class in the professional engineering series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic engineering experience learn and perform professional and technical engineering work in land development, traffic engineering, public works infrastructure, and daily departmental operations, in addition to providing project management and administration. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. This class is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer, in that it does not require registration as a Professional Engineer, is not expected to function at the same skill level, and usually exercises less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Plans, designs, and inspects all phases of public works projects such as roadway, traffic signal, and storm drainage systems, including defining the scope of the project; securing adequate funding from federal and state grant programs and other funding sources; coordinating with permitting, environmental, and public utility agencies; performing historical document research and review; surveying and engineering analysis of alternatives; preparing plans, specifications, and cost estimates; performing research, map, and field studies and surveys; drafting site plans with specialized computer software; applying engineering principles and practices to specific problems; coordinating construction schedules with other projects and agencies; inspecting construction of projects to ensure compliance with construction documents; and related planning and design work.
• Provides construction administration, management, and inspection of Community Development Agency capital projects, including coordinating work with other divisions and County departments, reviewing, and inspecting work to ensure conformance with plans and specifications, tracking and maintaining all project accounting, coordinating schedules, and providing public notices of projects.
• Prepares consultant requests for proposal for professional and/or construction services and the advertising and bid processes, including responding to questions; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; prepares submittal packages for legal review.
• Investigates field problems affecting property owners, contractors, and maintenance operations; responds to citizen inquiries and complaints; provides information to the public at the front counter in person, via telephone, or other means of communication regarding grading, permits, right of way and property line information, utility information, slope stability and groundwater issues, improvement plan check, and payment processes.
• Reviews traffic control plans; develops and maintains statistical reporting systems; compiles, analyzes, and interprets data related to traffic conditions; performs speed and traffic surveys and traffic counts.
• Reviews and prepares traffic signal plans, timing plans, and sign and striping plans.
• Reviews plans, tract, parcel maps, and applications for land development projects for conformance to applicable codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Reviews sewer and hydrology studies and hydraulic calculations.
• Reviews construction plans prepared by consulting engineers and private contractors to verify compliance with County sidewalk, public utility, and improvement requirements; checks plans for conformance with regulations regarding line, grade, size, elevation, soil, asphalt mix and location of structures; reviews engineering calculations of other engineers or engineering technicians; participates in pre-design, construction, and utility coordination meetings and issues permits for work performed in or on County infrastructure within the maintained system for roads.
• Acts as resident engineer on construction projects; provides lead construction administration, management, and inspection of capital projects, including coordinating schedules and work with other divisions, departments and agencies, leading progress meetings, reviewing and inspecting work to ensure conformance with plans and specifications, tracking and maintaining all project accounting, approving submittals, coordinating schedules, and providing public notices of projects.
• Meets and confers with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, a variety of outside agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding County development requirements.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Drafts a variety of written communications, including analytical reports, correspondence, and revisions to plans, policies, and procedures.
• Drafts memos, resolutions, and project information for the Board of Supervisors.
• Provides technical direction and training to other engineering and technical staff.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Civil engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works projects, including water and wastewater systems, storm water, street, and traffic systems design.
• Basic principles, practices, procedures, and standards related to County public works, engineering infrastructure development and maintenance, and surveying.
• General design, layout, and construction practices for public improvements such as streets, storm drains, and grading.
• Modern office practices and technology, including personal computer hardware and software application related to the work, such as computer-aided drafting (CAD) concepts and applications, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work.
• Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Safety principles and practices pertaining to the work.
• Grant writing procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Apply engineering principles and techniques to evaluate and solve simple to difficult civil engineering problems.
• Prepare, understand, and interpret engineering construction plans, specifications, and other contract documents.
• Conduct comprehensive engineering studies and prepare reports with recommendations.
• Assist in, develop, and administer contracts for professional services and construction in a public agency setting.
• Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Perform mathematical and engineering computations with precision.
• Make engineering design computations and check, design, and prepare engineering plans and studies.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, project specifications, legal descriptions, and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
• Perform detailed analysis of designs, specifications, and plans.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training, experience and educational degrees that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Substitutions will be made on a year for year basis. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Bachelors degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related engineering field; and;

One (1) year of professional civil engineering design, plan review, and project administration experience.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US drivers license upon date of application. Must obtain California drivers license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Possession of an Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• 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.

When assigned to field inspection:

• Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
• Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 25 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
• Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, dust, fumes, and allergens, vermin, insects, and parasites, mechanical and/or electrical hazards and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, standard office equipment, County vehicle, total station, laser level, measuring devices, and plotters.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.