Assistant Engineer

ASSISTANT ENGINEER

$91,603.00 – $134,192.00 Annually

General Purpose

Under supervision, performs engineering work in the research and administration of District facilities design and construction projects; and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Assistant Engineer is the entry-level class in the professional engineering class series. Initially under direct supervision, an incumbent performs the more routine professional and paraprofessional engineering assignments. With experience, the work becomes progressively more diversified and difficult and offers increasing independence. Assistant Engineer is distinguished from Associate Engineer (E.I.T.) in that an incumbent in the latter class performs journey-level professional engineering duties in the research, design and project management of District construction and water quality projects and is required to have certification as an Engineer-in-Training.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Prepares specifications, project plans and work orders; calculates cost estimates for various engineering projects; assists in developing project schedules; assists more senior staff engineers in preparing project design criteria.
2. Performs engineering calculations; reviews drawings and specifications prepared by staff or contractors; administers District standards on engineering design and construction projects; performs submittal reviews, field site inspections and plan checks to ensure contractor compliance with District specifications.
3. Provides engineering information and assistance to other District departments; provides project and administrative support to higher-level department staff; prepares engineering correspondence and memoranda.
4. Attends a variety of meetings, workshops, conferences and training sessions as required.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

1. Theory, principles and practices of civil engineering design and construction.
2. Principles of physics and mathematics applicable to civil engineering.
3. Principles, modern techniques and equipment used in the design and construction of water agency facilities.
4. Modern developments, current literature and sources of information regarding engineering and water quality.
5. Research methods and statistical analysis techniques.
6. Principles and practices of sound business communication.

Ability to:

1. Review and prepare routine engineering plans and specifications.
2. Perform technical research and analyze engineering and mathematical problems, evaluating alternatives and recommending or adopting effective courses of action.
3. Understand, interpret, explain and apply laws, regulations, ordinances and policies applicable to project responsibilities.
4. Perform accurate engineering calculations and cost estimates.
5. Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence and other documents appropriate to technical and non-technical audiences.
6. Ensure the maintenance of all required files, records and documentation.
7. Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District management, staff, representatives of other agencies, contractors, consultants, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

Education, Training and Experience:

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in civil engineering or a closely related field; and one year of professional engineering experience, preferably in a water utility; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance policy.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to both sit and walk or hike over uneven terrain; talk and hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel objects or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distant vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple, concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions and interact with District management, staff, representatives of other agencies, contractors, consultants, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. An employee works under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet. An incumbent is occasionally required to work in outside conditions, working around moving mechanical parts and equipment and traffic, and exposed to hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions, biological hazards, the risk of electrical shock and loud or prolonged noise levels.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applications will be accepted until 3/7/2025. WRD reserves the right to fill or close the position at any time, before or after 3/7/2025.

To be considered for this opportunity please complete the application process for this position located at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wrd. INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate further in the screening process, which will include a panel interview and possible written exam. Final candidates must be able to prove legal U.S. residency, pass a background check, and a physical. The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BENEFITS

WRD offers an exceptional benefits package, inclusive of the following:

• CalPERS pension
• Deferred compensation and matching
• Social Security
• Paid medical plans through Anthem and Kaiser
• Paid dental insurance through Delta Dental
• Paid employee assistance program
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 9/80 Remote/Hybrid work schedule for eligible positions
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability
• Represented employees receive paid vacation and sick leave.
• Management employees receive paid annual leave.
• Paid holidays   
• Optional, employee paid long-term care insurance