Engineering Technician

Engineering Technician Position

The Engineering Technician position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development and sustainability of our City's infrastructure while working on diverse and impactful projects. As a key member of the Engineering Division, this position will work closely with staff engineers, utility operators, consultants, contractors, and residents to maintain existing utility infrastructure and develop new water, storm, sanitary, or natural gas utility projects that benefit our community. Typical tasks will include field surveys, utility locating, design drafting, interacting with utility customers, construction oversight, and collecting and creating permanent utility records for the City. This position will help meet a specific departmental need to assist with project inspection and will serve as a utility representative for collaborative projects with other agencies. Particularly valuable experience to this program includes at least two years of inspecting the construction of water distribution systems, utility locating, and strong comprehension of general and project specifications. In addition to technical proficiency, successful candidates will demonstrate teamwork, collaboration, initiative, and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and will be able to work cooperatively and fairly with coworkers, contractors, and the public. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to write technical and daily reports, inspection logs, and maintain accurate records are essential. The ability to assume a leadership role in coordinating construction activities is also highly valued.

Compensation-Related Opportunities

Based on experience, candidates may be hired at the top of the Engineering Technician pay range (Range 29) and may be eligible upon hire to participate in the Senior Engineering Technician Training Program (2025-2027 AFSCME Unit Contract - Appendix 5 (Download PDF reader)), which provides step-based advancement through the Senior Engineering Technician pay range (Range 32) based on satisfactory service and completion of approved training. Employees in this job title are also eligible for utility locating standby duty, and have the ability to receive overtime or comp time benefits related to project administration activities, particularly during construction season.

Summary/Purpose

To perform technical engineering work related to the design, survey, construction, and inspection of street, bridge, traffic, and utility infrastructure systems including water, gas, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer.

Supervision Received

For both one-of-a-kind and repetitive tasks, the supervisor makes specific assignments that are accompanied by clear, detailed, and specific instructions. Incumbents work as instructed and consult with the supervisor.

Supervision Given

Does not supervise.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Gather preliminary topographic surveys.
2. Provide contractors with construction control, stakes, and information required to construct public improvements.
3. Operate and maintain survey and Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment to obtain accurate survey measurements and point locations.
4. Process survey information, including computer data entry work.
5. Prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using GIS software, review existing GIS data for accuracy, quality, and completeness, and add/or modify existing GIS databases.
6. Create roadway and public infrastructure improvement plans using Autodesk software, preliminary designs, quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and prepare engineering reports and related studies to assist in the planning and implementation of public infrastructure projects.
7. Prepare bidding documents for public roads, trails, utilities, and other public infrastructure improvements.
8. Perform construction administration and on-site inspection to ensure that all work is constructed in conformance with the plans, specifications, and industry standards.
9. Maintain accurate recordkeeping, including daily log of construction activities, progress reports, measurements of quantities and pay items, change orders, and other documentation and reports as associated with city, municipal state aid, and/or federal aid funded projects.
10. Prepare record drawings.
11. Act as a liaison between the public, business community, contractors, and City Administration.
12. Locate underground utilities including water, gas, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems.
13. Investigate complaints, inquiries, and requests.
14. Study and report findings, conclusions, and recommendations in oral and/or written form.
15. Review construction plans and specifications for compliance with City standards.
16. Maintain, revise, and research manual or computer records.
17. Coordinate work activities with contractors, outside agencies, other City personnel, and property owners.
18. Assist a certified MnDOT Team Leader in completing Bridge Safety inspections of the City's bridge inventory.
19. Act as a competent person and/or incident commander during emergency situations.
20. Be an effective team member by exhibiting self-motivation, supporting other employees in handling tasks, interacting effectively and respectfully with others, showing a desire to contribute to the team effort, accepting assignments willingly, and completing tasks within agreed upon timelines.
21. Other duties may be assigned.