ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE

Job Specifications

Class Code:

EC9 

Analyst: 

CE 

Date Originated:

7/87 

Date Revised:

11/90 

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

DEFINITION

Under direction, to perform the more difficult and complex office and field engineering tasks related to design, construction plan review, contract administration and inspection of County construction projects, land developments and related facilities; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class perform an advanced level of non-registered engineering work. Incumbents perform difficult and complex assignments on a continuing basis with minimal supervision. Work assignments and review of completed work is received from a supervising registered engineer or a Senior Engineering Associate. This class is distinguished from lower level technical classes by the degree of initiative required, responsibility for resolving unusual problems and breadth of technical knowledge gained over many years of experience. Positions in this class are distinguished from those at Senior Engineering Associate in that the latter class carries specialized technical engineering responsibilities at the highest level found in the technical series.

TYPICAL TASKS

Prepares and reviews engineering designs, specifications and calculations for Public Works' projects including roads, off site improvements, drainage, water and sewer systems, pumping stations, landfill disposal sites and other public works projects; determines routes, alignments, profiles, capacities and grades for projects; calculates quantities of materials and prepares cost estimates for construction projects; prepares drawings and final plans; coordinates with Federal, State and local agencies to obtain grants, permits and project approvals including environmental review; prepares legal descriptions and conducts field studies for right-of-way and easement acquisition; inspects construction work for conformity to plans and specifications; collects, reviews and tests chemical and material samples; prepares daily diaries and other field reports; monitors construction projects progress schedules and prepares progress payments; prepares change orders and notices of completion; acts as liaison to other departments, agencies and parties concerned with public works matters; reviews engineered projects, encroachments, improvement plans and other construction projects for conformance to engineering standards, conditions of the development permit, and County design criteria; field checks sites and coordinates project improvements with other parties; reviews structural calculations and cost estimates; prepares or reviews subdivision and sewer extension agreements including financial securities; oversees the process of building permit review; investigates and resolves complaints from the public concerning Public Works' projects and related issues; prepares reports for litigation and may serve as an expert witness; participates in pre-construction conferences with engineers, consultants, contractors and representatives from other agencies; prepares reports, correspondence and recommendations including County fees and ordinances; inputs, accesses and analyzes data using a computer terminal; and supervises subordinate staff as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge

  • Working knowledge of engineering mathematics, science and hydraulics;
  • Working knowledge of the nomenclature, symbols, methods, practices, techniques, instruments and equipment used in drafting, construction inspection, hydraulics, sanitary engineering and surveying;
  • Working knowledge of the physical properties and uses of chemicals and materials used in construction and public works related projects including appropriate hazardous materials handling and principles of safety;
  • Working knowledge of the principles and techniques used in the design of roads, drainage, water and sewer systems, pumping stations and related public works facilities;
  • Working knowledge of contract administration;
  • Some knowledge of the application of data processing to engineering studies and design.

Ability to

  • Interpret or prepare blueprints, maps, change orders, construction plans and specifications including cost estimates, bid documents and complex technical engineering reports;
  • Design and evaluate engineering plans for roads, drainage, water and sewer systems and other public work projects;
  • Inspect large and complex construction projects and enforce compliance with plans, specifications, change orders and laws;
  • Review, evaluate, recommend and approve solutions to unusual field conditions not specified in plans or specifications;
  • Administer large and complex construction contracts including measure and calculate quantities to determine progress payments;
  • Prepare written reports, correspondence, recommended changes in local fees or ordinances, assist in budget preparations and make oral presentations;
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
  • Input, access and analyze data using a computer terminal.

Training and Experience

Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Four years technical engineering experience performing construction inspection, design, contract administration or related engineering work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License.

Bargaining Status: 41 EEOC

Job Category: 03

Bargaining Unit: General Representation

Worker's Comp Code: 0285

Occupational Grouping: Engineering-Technical