Engineering Technician I

Engineering Technician I

Are you looking for an entry level position that can lead to long term professional growth and personal achievement? Do you need a career with challenging projects and diverse opportunities? If you are interested in developing technical engineering and planning skills to build a better community, consider an Engineering Technician career with the City of Spokane. This position is a good fit if you:

• Are interested in surveying or computer-aided drafting.
• Have an aptitude for mathematical concepts like trigonometry, geometry, and basic algebra.
• Are technologically skilled and computer savvy.
• Would like to learn engineering principles and learn engineering plans and specifications.

As a City of Spokane Engineering Technician I, you will train as a Chain Helper, Surveyor, or Rod Helper on a survey crew and learn routine drafting. A surveyor at the City provides dimensional control for all stages of construction work, including the stake out of reference points and markers that will guide the construction of new structures such as roads, utilities, or buildings. Over the course of your career with the City you will learn new technical skills like how to compute areas, distances, and grades, and how to prepare diagrams and structural plans with the use of AutoCAD. Employees can expect to work within a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, with fast paced and rewarding work. Our Engineering Technicians have excellent advancement opportunities, professional development, annual pay step increases, and great employee benefits including a pension plan.

Check out our day in the life video series to hear from Engineering Techs across different departments.

• Engineering Services
• Construction Management
• Development Services

Examples Of Job Functions

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Designated as Surveyor, Chain, or Rod Helper on a survey crew. Holds the end of a surveying chain, plumb bob, or tape in measuring distances; uses a range pole and prism to indicate a point, or places the device as directed by the instrument operator. Uses a level rod, and adjusts and reads the target in establishing or obtaining existing elevations. Sets up and moves survey instruments and related equipment. Drives hubs and stakes to indicate point and grade; digs and searches for survey monuments and benchmarks; clears and removes obstacles from survey line of sight.
• Cleans and cares for instruments and equipment. Uses hand tools and may use a total station theodolite or level in training and under close supervision.
• Sets cones to direct traffic.
• Performs routine drafting work using computer-aided drafting software in training and under close supervision. Draws and traces simple maps and diagrams. Assists in tracing other plans and diagrams and in preparing assessment rolls. Makes routine computations. Maintains location maps and water pump age records. May assist in the laboratory.
• Assists in the installation and maintenance of traffic counters. Uses a radar speed machine and recorder. Repairs traffic counter hoses and assists in obtaining field data for traffic studies.
• Operates a plotter, copying machine, calculator, computer, and surveying and drafting equipment and software.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Open Entry Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of mathematics, including trigonometry, geometry, and basic algebra, and the ability to perform calculations are essential requirements.

Examination Details

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list. The examination will consist of multiple-choice questions. The examination may include such subjects as:

• Mathematical Reasoning
• Surveying and Drafting
• Reading Comprehension

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library. Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on October 7th, 2026. The testing window is October 8th - 12th. Please note: The email will come from City of Spokane (View email address on click.appcast.io). For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website. Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.

Benefits

Benefit Compensation Value

In addition to a salary, The City of Spokane provides a generous benefits package valued between $24,902 - $34,218.

Insurance Benefits Eligibility: Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment. Eligible Dependents: Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partner's children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.

Medical Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected. Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected.

Dental Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The City pays the monthly premium in full for employee and eligible dependents.

Life Insurance - Employee Only Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employee's annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s) Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $5,000 for spouse/domestic partner and $2,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Flexible Spending Account The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.

AFLAC Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit is optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs.

LegalShield/ID Shield Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to terms of contract.

Pet Insurance Get cash back on the everyday care your pet needs to stay healthy! Nationwide/Voluntary Pet Insurance is an optional plan in which City of Spokane Employees can enroll.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

Continued Medical/Dental Insurance