Engineering Technician I

Para-Professional Civil Engineering Position

Performs para-professional civil engineering-related functions in the development and implementation of assigned projects in various City departments. Environmental factors position may work either primarily indoors or outdoors, depending on specialization; outdoor work involves exposure to all weather conditions, dust, noise, heavy traffic conditions, construction equipment and animals.

Physical factors position involves light to moderate physical activity; may lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds; may involve squatting, bending, stooping, balancing, traversing, crawling, kneeling, crouching and climbing into and out of channels and trenches; ability to move about construction sites; visual acuity to evaluate field conditions; oral and listening abilities sufficient to perform essential job functions; safety clothing includes hard hat, steel toe boots and traffic vest.

Work situation factors position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. First consideration may be given to current City of Las Cruces employees who fully meet all the minimum requirements. Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

This recruitment will be used to fill a full-time, regular, non-exempt position within the Utilities Department but may be used to fill other vacancies in other departments to include full-time, part-time and/or contract positions. Position will be advertised as continuous until filled, with periodic review of applications. Full-Time; Regular; Non-Exempt. Position is graded RN12.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Designs City projects, which may include street lights, roadways, traffic systems, parking lots, drainage systems, utilities, earth work and other related projects in accordance with City design standards.
• Utilizes technical manuals and applicable computer technology to create engineering drawings from field data, sketches, rough drawings, raw data, diagrams, and verbal or written narrative instructions; collects field data and/or receives survey information.
• Prepares contract documents, material specifications, written reports, cost estimates, schedules, bid tabs, and correspondence; reviews contract documents and plans against actual construction; maintains record drawings; coordinates project design and construction with contractors, government agencies, outside utilities and the public.
• Receives reports of damaged infrastructure and advises City maintenance staff for scheduled repairs/replacement.
• Researches property and right of way information; collects field data; files and makes copies of plats; maintains notes and files.
• Performs field checks of maps; maps utilities from blue stake field layouts; records drawings of infrastructure for City projects.
• Responds to phone or personal inquiries from the public regarding various questions, problems or concerns; supplies information and documentation for various projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to an Associate Degree in Engineering Technology or related field and no previous experience OR equivalent to a high school diploma plus three years of experience performing civil engineering functions. Some positions may require education and experience specific to computer aided drafting, plan review, and/or GIS. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Licenses/certifications valid driver's license may be required. If applicable, position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

General knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering; utility permits, civil engineering drafting, surveying, mapping, GIS and GPS technologies; engineering design and construction project procedures. Skills in personal computer and equipment use. Ability to communicate technical information in verbally and in writing; read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, plats, maps and other related documents; read and understand regulations and ordinances; perform complex mathematical calculations; establish effective working relationships; operate a motorized vehicle; operate a personal computer and various software applications; use computer-aided drafting equipment.