Engineering Technician I

Job Title

Under general supervision, to perform a variety of sub-professional engineering duties in the planning and installation of water, sewer and reclaimed water facilities; and performs other duties as assigned by the Engineering Supervisor

Job Description

Assists developers in planning for new water, sewer and reclaimed water service; conducts initial meetings with developers to explain Agency policies, procedures and requirements for new construction; assists in distribution system evaluation and analysis based on developer's requirements; checks water system plans for fire hydrant locations, valve locations, and pipe size; checks and verifies material specifications; insures conformance of new construction with the Agency's general plan; determines the extent of Agency involvement in new construction and prepares cost estimates and maps for board review; coordinates all contact with developers to insure that proper forms, records and permits are complete; supervises the work of the construction inspector and makes inspection in person to insure that all requirements are met; reviews all jobs to determine safety procedures and perform work in safety related assignments; works with health officials to investigate, evaluate and remedy possible health hazards; coordinates with other departments of the Agency in investigating water quality inquiries; performs a wide variety of sub-professional engineering, Computer Aided Design (CAD), drafting, and customer service work as required.

Qualifications

Schooling: High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Certification(s): None required

Experience: Any combination of training, experience or education which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities

License(s): Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles for use of operating Agency vehicles and equipment required in the fulfillment of the job duties for this position, with an acceptable driving record

Knowledge: Principles of algebra, geometry and trigonometry and their application to engineering; Principles and practices in water, reclaimed water, and sewer collection and distribution systems; Techniques of surveying, drafting and construction inspection; Codes, regulations, safety and health precautions relating to water, reclaimed water and sewer service, basic understanding of Word, Excel and AutoCad.

Ability: Apply the principles of algebra, geometry and trigonometry in performing required duties; perform Computer Aided Design (CAD) drafting and mapping; read and interpret engineering plans and specifications, legal descriptions and survey notes; compile information and compose clearly written technical reports; maintain complex records; work independently with a minimum of supervision; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with fellow employees, contractors, engineers and the general public.

Work Environment

Generally, work is performed indoors within the Agency Operations Center, which has a heating and air conditioning system. Within the Operations center, there is both overhead lighting and natural light from windows. There is a music/paging system which is on and operating throughout the work day. There are a number of pieces of office equipment that operate within the confines of the Engineering-Operations work areas, including, but not limited to: telephones, computers, computer printers, plotters, and calculators.

On occasions, work will be assigned outside the Agency Operations Center or at outlying Agency facilities and will take place in all weather conditions, including extreme heat in excess of 110°.

Employer

Desert Water Agency

1200 S. Gene Autry Trail

Palm Springs, CA 92264

Benefits Summary as of January 1, 2026

Health Benefits – Agency will pay 100% for employee only coverage for medical, dental and vision. Dependent coverage is paid 80% by the Agency and 20% by the employee. Health benefits begin on the first of the month following 30 days or employment.

Retirement Benefits - Retirement benefits under California Public Employees' Retirement Pension System (CalPERS). Effective January 1, 2013, retirement benefit formula is 2% at age 62 for all CalPERS "New Members". Final compensation is based upon highest pay rate during any consecutive three-year period. This is a lifetime benefit. Upon retirement, you will receive a monthly payment equal to the years of service, times 2% at age 62. Example: 30 years of service at 62 (30 x2% = 60% of pay). If highest average pay is $7,500, monthly payment would be $4,500 per month.

Vacation – Vacation time accrued can be used after 6 months of service. The hours accrued increase with longevity.

ABP (Attendance Bonus Plan) Leave – 96 Hours accrued each year (8 hours per month) for sick or personal time off. Any unused hours can be carried over to the following year. Employees may use ABP hours after they have completed 89 days of employment for qualifying events under AB1522, California Paid Sick Leave and after 6 months employment, hours may also be used for personal time off. Any hours over 80 can be cashed out at year-end or converted and transferred to a deferred compensation account.

Agency Contribution to Employee Deferred Compensation Account - After 2 years of employment, the Agency will contribute $160 per month into a 457(b) deferred compensation account.

Retiree Medical Plan – Employees who retire after 12 or more years of service and meet age requirements are eligible to maintain medical benefits until Medicare age. The retiree is required to pay a portion of the medical premiums to stay on the plan.