Field Engineering Technician I or II

City of Dubuque, IA
Dubuque, Iowa
Full Time

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Position Summary

GENERAL SUMMARY: Under general supervision of a Civil Engineer III (Water Resources), the Field Engineering Technician I/II assists in the planning, designing, and overseeing of construction and maintenance of municipal structures and facilities. This role involves a mix of field inspection responsibilities (~60%) as well as some design and office duties (~40%). The technician serves as a construction observer, engineering project representative, and materials testing technician. Additionally, the technician performs engineering design functions, operates computer/GIS systems, and supports technicians and engineers on various projects, and performs related work as required.

The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input oriented and values equity, problem solving and development of partnerships; the ability to work effectively as a member of a team; and desires to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work in this class involves serving as a design, field, or laboratory technician for public works related construction projects. General tasks include generating construction documents, inspection, field testing, documenting, reporting, and providing progress updates for both office and field related tasks. Supervisory engineers provide general supervision and review the work through observation, conferences and results achieved.

Job Duties

Field Inspection Duties (~60%):
Conduct on-site inspections of complex construction projects to ensure compliance with design specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
Monitor contractor performance and adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
Document and report field observations, discrepancies, and necessary corrective actions.
Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and city officials to resolve construction issues and ensure project milestones are achieved.
Verify materials, workmanship, and overall project execution align with approved plans and specifications.
Design and Office Duties (~40%):
Perform engineering and constructability review of project designs.
Operate computer/GIS systems to develop engineering drawings and project specifications.
Review project cost estimates, budgets, and schedules with design team.
Conduct technical reviews to ensure strict compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Collaborate with engineers, architects, and stakeholders to refine project designs and address technical issues.
Prepare comprehensive reports, documentation, and presentations for project proposals and progress updates.
Serve as a lead worker on major projects, overseeing all areas of project development and implementation.

Job Duties - Field Engineering Technician I:

Serve as the primary inspector and materials testing technician for the execution of public infrastructure projects.
Respond in a timely manner to requests from both internal and external sources,
Be proactive in addressing issues brought to one's attention and elevate the appropriate issues to supervisor's attention,
Review engineering designs and construction documents for public infrastructure projects.
Aids with the planning, design and preparation of project drawings, specifications and estimates for assigned projects,
Aids with preliminary engineering evaluations, including but not limited to site investigations, quantity take-offs and opinions of probable construction cost,
Produces and reviews reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, tests, and aerial photographs on composition, terrain, hydrological characteristics, and other topographical and geologic data to plan and design public infrastructure projects,
Conduct regular site inspections to ensure work meets engineering specifications and quality standards.
Prepare inspection reports, progress updates, and other documentation as required.
Maintain accurate project records
Review proposed public and private developments public infrastructure impacts.
Utilize GIS to access and update infrastructure records.
Locate existing utilities for one call services.
Perform laboratory and field testing of aggregates, asphalt, concrete and soil materials.
Respond to inquiries from the public, developers, engineers, surveyors, other City departments and outside agencies.
Respond to questions and service requests.

Job Duties - Field Engineering Technician II:

(Includes same Job Duties listed for Design Engineering Technician I above)
Perform on technical teams and provide quality reviews to deliverables,
Ensure designs adhere to local, state, and federal regulations, and safety standards.
Advises on feasibility of public infrastructure project designs,
Stay up-to-date with changes in public infrastructure regulations and industry standards.
Assist with the planning, design and preparation of project drawings, specifications and estimates for assigned projects,
Assist with the preparation of engineering designs and technical reports for public infrastructure projects.
Ensure clear and consistent communication regarding project goals, timelines, and deliverables.
Represents the department and oversees project contractors and attends meetings at various sites,
Ensure all projects comply with federal, state, and local regulations, and safety standards;
Responsible for control of work-in-process,
Review and make recommendations to approve monthly invoices for construction projects.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES - (both tiers):

Civil Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of civil engineering science, GIS technology and surveying. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various and services.
Design - Knowledge of civil engineering design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of processors, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including GIS and surveying applications and programming.
Critical Thinking - Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem or make a decision using bet practices, resourcefulness and tact.
Reading Comprehension - Reading and interpreting work-related information such as civil engineering drawings.
Active Listening - Listening to the input from the general public without interruption and following up with good questions.
Deductive Reasoning - Using rules to solve problems and prepare engineering plans. Mathematical Reasoning - Choosing the right type of math to accurately solve a problem.
Oral and Written Expression - Communicating by speaking and/or in writing.
Safety - Jobsite safety awareness and reporting.

Qualifications

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS - Field Engineering Technician I:

High School diploma or equivalency.
Work Zone Safety and Confined Space Awareness within 6 months of employment

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Field Engineering Technician II:

High School diploma or equivalency with supplemental coursework in CAD, Infrastructure Construction, or Construction Inspection; Six (6) years of experience working on public infrastructure related construction projects;
IDOT Materials Testing Certifications: Aggregate Technician, HMA Sampling, and PCC-1
Work Zone Safety and Confined Space Awareness within 6 months of employment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Field Engineering Tech 2 - Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's (2-year) degree or major coursework in CAD, Infrastructure Construction, Civil Engineering, Construction Inspection or a related field
Field Engineering Tech 1 - 6 months of experience in construction inspection or materials testing related to public infrastructure related construction projects such as roadways and utilities
Confined space entry certification within 6 months of employment
1 year of experience in sanitary or stormwater sewer system inspection and/or maintenance activities.
Knowledge of residential or commercial plumbing.

Supplemental Information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid driver's license and automobile insurance coverage consistent with city requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Duties include working outside in inclement weather; and medium to heavy work with occasional heavy lifting. Hours include a rotation of hours

Supplemental Information

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque as soon as practical after appointment, but within two years of appointment.

SUPERVISORY STATUS: None

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

Our Commitment to You

The City of Dubuque is committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. Our organization provides equal opportunities for all individuals, fostering a workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our growing community. In accordance with legal obligations our policies and practices are designed to ensure fair treatment and foster a respectful workplace where all are encouraged to apply.

General Employees, Assistant Department Manager, Division Manager

I have my high school diploma or its equivalency,

I have the ability to obtain and maintain Work Zone Safety and Confined Space Awareness within 6 months of employment.

Describe your experience interpreting or developing civil engineering plans, construction drawings, or technical specifications.

What types of field documentation have you prepared (e.g., daily logs, inspection reports, photo records, as-builts)?

Required Question

Employer City of Dubuque

Address Human Resources Department

50 W 13th Street

Dubuque, Iowa, 52001

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