ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE / SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEERIN job in Watsonville

The current opening is located within the Public Works and Utilities Department of the City of Watsonville. The successful applicant will provide basic professional civil engineering work in support of Public Works projects. Typical duties include the following: conducting preliminary studies of engineering projects and helping prepare plans for public improvements such as streets, storm drains, sewers, and water works; reviewing private development projects; performing office engineering work such as making maps, drawings, profiles, tabulating field data, designing elementary engineering structures, and preparing specifications and contracts.

We are looking for self-motivated, positive candidates with strong analytical and people skills who work well both independently and as part of a team.

ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE

DEFINITION
To perform a wide variety of the most difficult and complex paraprofessional engineering work involved in the location, design, construction, and maintenance of City public works projects and facilities; and to direct, monitor and perform field survey work. Employees in this classification receive limited supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures. Employees in this classification direct, coordinate, and monitor the work of others in a lead capacity. This is the advanced journey lever job classification involving paraprofessional and technical engineering work and requires practical knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of civil engineering work.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• prepares, designs, specifications, and plans for a variety of City public works projects and facilities
• oversees and performs field survey work; collects field information, topography, and existing improvements for map preparation; computes and checks survey traverses; provides and performs survey control for City construction projects
• directs and monitors paraprofessional engineering and surveying work in a lead capacity
• administers water quality monitoring program and cross-connection prevention program with limited supervision
• prepares engineering cost estimates for capital improvements
• conducts studies and analyzes engineering aspects for water works improvements
• writes legal descriptions for right-of-way acquisition
• researches maps and records for boundary and survey information
• provides map and benchmark information to other engineers and to the general public
• reviews contracts and specifications prepared by consulting engineers
• operates microcomputer for engineering applications; maintains databases and spreadsheets
• maintains inventory of City surveying equipment and supplies
• performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of
• principles, practices, and methods of civil engineering as applied to the planning, design, and construction of City public works projects and facilities
• basic design principles, material strengths, and stress requirements for public works construction
• field operations involved in the maintenance of public works facilities
• principles, practices, and methods of effective report writing and statistical analysis
• real estate description practices, including methods used in property location
• topographic and construction surveying
• hydraulic principles of water production and distribution systems
• telemetry, electrical, and mechanical control and monitoring systems

Ability to
• design common engineering plans and prepare basic specification for drainage structures, streets, water production and distribution systems, and other public works facilities
• direct, coordinate, and monitor the work of engineering support staff
• prepare engineering plans, designs, estimates, and specifications for a variety of public works projects
• solve difficult engineering problems, utilizing a variety of civil engineering techniques
• prepare comprehensive technical reports and recommendations
• deal tactfully and courteously with the public, contractors, and representatives of other agencies in providing professional engineering assistance and information
• effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities is:
• six years of increasingly responsible technical engineering experience on public works projects and facilities. Advanced education in civil engineering may be substituted for up to three years of the work experience.

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a safe driving record

SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

DEFINITION
Under minimal supervision within a framework of general guidelines, to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of an engineering division in the Public Works and Utilities or Community Development Departments; to perform a wide variety of the most difficult and complex engineering assignments; to assign, coordinate, supervise and formally evaluate the work of others.

DISTINGUISING CHARACTERISTICS
This job class functions at the full supervisory level of classification and requires thorough knowledge of civil engineering practices and methods as well as specialized knowledge related to public works project design, private development projects, and water and wastewater.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
• Receives supervision from the assigned Department Head
• Exercises supervision over assigned staff

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
• Plans and administers assigned engineering division operations and activities
• Directs, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of subordinate engineering and/or technical support assistants engaged in the plan checking and review of development projects, the preparation of designs, specifications, estimates, and technical reports related to the construction of public works projects or water systems
• Performs the most difficult and complex professional engineering assignments in the design and construction of public works and utilities projects; resolves a variety of complex engineering problems involving public or private development projects
• Ensures the proper inspection of work in progress and administration of contracts
• Coordinates the activities of assigned engineering division within the department and with other City departments, engineers, developers, government agencies, and contractors
• Represents department before various agencies, groups, the media and the general public; provides information and handles public questions and complaints
• Prepares specialized technical studies, investigations, and a variety of reports and documents related to division activities and operations and as required by laws and regulations
• Reviews and evaluates private improvement plans for compatibility with and impact on City public works infrastructure
• Reviews reports and checks plans for conformance with design standards, codes, regulation and traffic-related improvements
• Performs engineering review of complex development projects
• Investigates field conditions affecting property owners, contractors and maintenance operations
• Reviews and coordinates approval of Subdivision Tentative Map, Final Map and construction improvement plans
• Reviews and inspects grading and drainage plans and site development
• Reviews and prepares easements, right-of-way documents, grant deeds and certificates of compliance
• Reviews lot line adjustments and lot mergers
• Prepares written and oral staff reports
• Attends Planning Commission meetings and City Council meetings as needed
• Maintains and improves the City’s engineering records and development project engineering files
• Issues encroachment permits, on-site grading and drainage permits, and Flood Certificates
• Assists in the analysis and correction of traffic and parking concerns
• Manages work flow to ensure timely and accurate review of development plans and specifications
• Prepares and reviews construction bid packages; reviews bids and makes recommendations; reviews contract change proposals
• Reviews and directs the work of consulting engineers and surveyors; ensures conformance with City and state requirements
• Attends various meetings as a representative of the Public Works and Utilities or Community Development Departments
• Communicates orally with others, both face to face and using the telephone, in order to respond to inquiries and complaints from customers and when conducting project-related public education activities
• Reads and interprets construction drawings, such as improvement plans, maps and/or blueprints
• Sits or stands for extended periods of time with the ability to move about at will
• Reviews and/or checks the work products of others when preparing, reviewing, checking and interpreting plans and/or construction drawings
• Uses a terminal or personal computer keyboard, which requires repetitive arm/hand movement, to prepare written materials such as construction specifications, engineering reports, e-mail messages, City Council packages and other correspondence, and when performing design functions using AutoCAD
• Communicates orally in a group setting while conducting project-related public meetings and making presentations to the City Council or other groups
• Walks over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces when investigating field conditions, performing field inspections, and/or collecting field samples for testing
• Uses fine hand manipulation to calibrate instruments to measure distances for plans and/or maps
• Prepares charts, graphs, maps or similar objects when preparing schedules or sketching details for customers
• Observes or monitors data to comply with design, construction and safety standards, as when reviewing engineering calculations for compliance with standard practice or when reviewing technical reports on hazardous materials sites
• Estimates labor or material costs from work plans in order to prepare design and construction cost estimates and/or to prepare budgets
• Hears and responds to vehicle backup alarms on construction sites
• Observes or monitors objects or people to ensure compliance with safety standards, such as when checking trench shoring and use of vests and hardhats
• Works in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements
• Distinguishes colors when preparing and/or reading maps with colors as the legend and when reviewing AutoCAD drawings
• Climbs ladders or steps, uses stomach and lower back muscles to support the body and coordinate movement of more than one limb simultaneously when conducting field investigations or inspections
• Drives an automobile or van
• Sits at a desk or in meetings for prolonged periods
• Works indoors using near vision for prolonged periods
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of civil engineering applicable to the planning, design, and construction of a wide variety of public works and utilities and private development projects including traffic and transportation
• Mathematics, design methods, uses and strengths of construction materials, standard specifications, effects of soil conditions, and pertinent laws and regulations related to the design and construction of City facilities and public works projects
• Cost estimating and contract administration
• Principles and practices of surveying and construction inspection, including applicable laws and safety requirements
• Technical report writing
• Principles and techniques of supervision including staffing, employee development, and planning and organizing work
• California Subdivision Map Act Law
• California Drainage Law
• GIS technology and its applications
• FEMA Flood Insurance regulations

Ability to:
• Plan, organize, and supervise the work of professional engineering and technical assistance staff
• Direct the preparation and prepare engineering estimates, plans, designs, and specifications for proposed public works and utilities projects
• Solve the most complex engineering problems utilizing a variety of engineering techniques
• Conduct technical engineering research work
• Perform construction inspection as a resident engineer
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and recommendations
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, contractors, and representatives of other agencies in providing professional engineering assistance and information
• Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
• Prepare and maintain organized files
• Be self-motivated, flexible and diversified, willing to undertake a variety of tasks in a dynamic and challenging work environment
• Analyze and critique engineering studies, traffic analyses and other technical information submitted with development applications
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties

Special abilities
• Must be a goal-oriented professional who is a team player
• Must be familiar with IBM based personal computer programs and their usage

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION
• a valid and appropriate California Driver’s license, including a safe driving record
• a valid certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the State Board of Registration for Civil Engineers

APPLICATION AND TESTING PROCESS
Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department located at 275 Main Street, Suite 400, Watsonville, CA 95076, by the filing deadline. No postmarks accepted. An application may be obtained by calling (831) 768-3025 or by going to the City’s website at www.cityofwatsonville.org. All candidates will receive written notification after applications have been screened for requirement compliance. Interview dates will be announced at a later time.

APPOINTMENT AND BENEFITS
The position benefits include sick vacation, sick leave, and holiday benefits. The City offers Public Employees Retirement System Benefits. Employees shall pay the full employee share of CalPERS contribution. Depending on the needs of the City, bilingual pay (English/Spanish) may be available upon passing the bilingual exam ($75/month conversational premium pay, $250/month written and conversational premium pay).

The candidate will be appointed for a 9-month probationary period for the Assistant Engineer position and a 12-month probation period for the Associate Civil Engineer. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list which normally remains effective for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an Employment list at any time the needs of the City so require. The Engineer Associate position is represented by the SEIU, Local 521bargaining unit; the Senior Civil Engineer position is represented by the Mid Management bargaining unit.

Prior to appointment to the position of Engineer Associate or Senior Civil Engineer, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.

The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.

NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE