Assistant Engineer/Associate Engineer/Senior Engineer in Auburn, California at Placer County Water Agency (CA)

ASSISTANT ENGINEER

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
To perform technical and professional engineering duties as required for water and power systems; to serve as project manager through planning, design and construction on assigned projects.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level class in the Engineer series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience. The Assistant Engineer is distinguished from the Associate level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Associate level. In addition, the Associate Engineer requires registration as a Professional Engineer.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Deputy Director of Technical Services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Prepare water system plans, specifications, engineering studies and reports and contracts.
• Assist with environmental assessments.
• Conduct hydraulic, operational and economic analysis of water systems.
• Design pipelines, canals, pumping plants, building structures, power facilities, and related facilities.
• Make engineering calculations.
• Review and assist with the coordination of consultants’ work.
• Prepare bid documents and cost estimates.
• Analyze problems and develop effective solutions.
• Determine the federal, state or local laws, regulations or guidelines that affect projects and apply them appropriately.
• Analyze and track project costs and recommend action on progress pay estimates.
• Conduct surveys.
• Analyze proposals and bids.
• Provide technical assistance and support to Agency staff.
• Draft technical and administrative correspondence.
• Serve as a project manager over assigned projects.
• May conduct public meetings on water system projects.
• May inspect construction project sites.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other Agency employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Civil and hydraulic engineering principles and practices.
• Computer principles as related to the solution of engineering problems.
• Pipeline materials and construction.
• Water treatment processes.
• Methods of water system planning.
• Practices of feasibility studies and cost estimating.
• Principles and practices of surveying and mapping.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Methods of budget management.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines.
• Modern office equipment including use of word processing, database and spreadsheet applications.
• Principles and practices of customer service.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform complex engineering analyses and computations.
• Prepare plans and specifications.
• Conduct public meetings.
• Prepare cost estimates and project plans.
• Analyze bids for construction, design and project engineering and make appropriate recommendations.
• Analyze problems and prepare appropriate solutions.
• Work independently and identify and resolve potential problems.
• Operate a computer using word processing and business software.
• Use common office equipment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is generally carried out in an office setting with regular field visits requiring the operation of a motor vehicle and occasionally traversing uneven terrain and working in inclement weather.
• Frequently sit at a desk and in meetings for long periods of time.
• Frequently twist to reach equipment and perform simple grasping and fine manipulation to write and use keyboard.
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Experience and Education–Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two years of engineering experience with water systems.

Education:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering or a related field.

field.

License or Certificate:

Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Possession of a valid State of California Engineer-in-Training certificate.

ASSOCIATE ENGINEER

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
To perform professional and technical engineering duties as required for water and power systems; to serve as project manager through planning, design and construction on assigned projects.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level class in the Engineer series and is distinguished from the Assistant level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. In addition, incumbents at the Associate Engineer level are required to be registered as a Professional Engineer.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Engineering Services Manager.

Provides technical and functional supervision to Engineering Technicians and support staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES-The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Prepare water system plans, specifications, engineering studies and reports and contracts.
• Assist with environmental assessments.
• Conduct hydraulic, operational and economic analysis of water systems.
• Design pipelines, canals, pumping plants, building structures, power facilities, and related facilities.
• Make engineering calculations.
• Review and assist with the coordination of consultants’ work.
• Prepare bid documents and cost estimates.
• Analyze problems and develop effective solutions.
• Determine the federal, state or local laws, regulations or guidelines that affect projects and apply them appropriately.
• Analyze and track project costs and recommend action on progress pay estimates.
• Conduct surveys.
• Analyze proposals and bids.
• Provide technical assistance and support to Agency staff.
• Draft technical and administrative correspondence.
• Serve as a project manager over assigned projects including preparing and managing scope, schedule and budget.
• Instruct staff in methods of executing sub-tasks within the planning, design and analysis phases of projects.
• Assist in the preparation of annual and long-range CIP projects by providing project description, project cost and recommendations for project priority.
• May conduct public meetings on water system projects.
• May inspect construction project sites.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other Agency employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Civil and hydraulic engineering principles and practices.
• Computer principles as related to the solution of engineering problems.
• Pipeline materials and construction.
• Water treatment processes.
• Methods of water system planning.
• Practices of feasibility studies and cost estimating.
• Principles and practices of surveying and mapping.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Methods of budget management.
• Contract and construction management principles.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines.
• Modern office equipment including use of word processing, database and spreadsheet applications.
• Principles and practices of customer service.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform complex engineering analyses and computations.
• Prepare plans and specifications.
• Conduct public meetings.
• Prepare cost estimates and project plans.
• Analyze bids for construction, design and project engineering and make appropriate recommendations.
• Analyze problems and prepare appropriate solutions.
• Work independently and identify and resolve potential problems.
• Operate a computer using word processing and business software.
• Use common office equipment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is generally carried out in an office setting with regular field visits requiring the operation of a motor vehicle and occasionally traversing uneven terrain and working in inclement weather.
• Frequently sit at a desk and in meetings for long periods of time.
• Frequently twist to reach equipment and perform simple grasping and fine manipulation to write and use keyboard.
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Experience and Education–Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Four years of professional civil or mechanical engineering or equivalent experience with water systems related operations.

Education:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in Engineering or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California.

SENIOR ENGINEER

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

To, organize, assign, and review professional and technical engineering work related to Agency water and power projects; to serve as project manager over the more complex projects and to make project assumptions and set priorities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level in the Engineer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, and amount of time spent performing the more complex duties. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series, which may include providing technical and functional supervision over assigned personnel. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Director of Technical Services or Director of Power or their designee. Exercises technical and functional supervision over assigned technical and professional engineering personnel.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES- The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives and establish schedules and methods for the planning, design, construction, implementation and technical support for Agency operations and facilities. Plan, prioritize, and review the work of staff involved in the performance of technical and professional engineering activities. Provide engineering support to operations and maintenance personnel and other Agency departments. Prepare cost estimates, budget recommendations, and justifications for staff, supplies, equipment and services. Participate in the selection of staff, provide and coordinate staff training, work with employees to correct deficiencies, and implement discipline procedures, as necessary. Perform complex and difficult engineering tasks related to the planning, design construction of water and power systems and related facilities. Direct and oversee the work of consultants and contractors. Conduct and manage engineering design and construction management of projects. Provide final review and approval of plans and specifications. Serve as project manager over assigned projects including preparing and managing scope schedule and budget. Analyze water and power systems and develop master plans for future improvements, renewal and replacement, and expansion. Prepare complex engineering studies and reports related to public works, utilities, and capital improvement projects. Attend meetings of the Board of Directors and/or represent the Agency at meetings with other public and private organizations. Answer questions and provide information to the public, investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other Agency employees and the public using principles of good customer service. Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE OF:

Principles and practices of professional engineering methods. Methods for the design and construction of water and power facilities. Advanced principles of project management. Principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation. Principles and practices of budget monitoring. Principles and practices of safety management. Pertinent local, state and federal laws, ordinances and rules. Surveying, mapping, control systems, and related engineering principles. Modern office equipment including use of word processing, database and spreadsheet applications. Principles and practices of customer service.

ABILITY TO:

Perform complex engineering analyses and computations. Manage preparation of plans and prepare specifications. Organize, implement and direct technical and professional engineering activities. Effectively manage assigned engineering projects. Prepare a wide variety of technical written and oral reports. Apply specific laws, rules and office policies and procedures. Exercise good judgment in assigning projects, setting priorities, and making critical project decisions. Make effective presentations to the Board of Directors and other groups. Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned project and/or program budget. Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Provide direction, technical supervision, and assistance to assigned staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is generally carried out in an office setting with regular field visits requiring the operation of a motor vehicle and occasionally traversing uneven terrain and inclement weather. Frequently sit at a desk and in meetings for long periods of time. Frequently twist to reach equipment and perform simple grasping and fine manipulation to write and use keyboard. Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Experience and Education–Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:

Five years of progressively responsible professional experience similar to an Associate Engineer with the Placer County Water Agency.

Education:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in Engineering or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.