County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, to learn professional engineering work and department routine, also to perform the less complex professional office and field work in civil engineering; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the entry-level professional engineering class. Incumbents are given office and field assignments on a training basis. They are expected to develop a variety of engineering skills and abilities and are gradually given more responsible assignments. After a year or more, they are expected to be performing professional engineering work of average difficulty and be able to qualify for the higher classification of Assistant Engineer.

In comparison, incumbents of the engineering technician classes, such as engineering draftsman and construction inspectors are regarded as technicians giving support to the professional engineers, and their assignments are made on a regular working basis rather than as part of a professional development program.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Does simple design work on projects relating to land, hydraulics, roadways, bridges, dams, levees, traffic engineering and similar subjects.

2. Makes engineering calculations in connection with field and office work.

3. Prepares working plans and detailed drawings.

4. Makes or revises maps, charts, schedules and diagrams.

5. Acts as a construction engineer on minor or on parts of major construction projects such as highway construction, flood control facilities, asphalt concrete, concrete, structural steel, and timber construction.

6. Makes field inspections of existing facilities to determine extent of damage, deterioration, or defects; or to determine present adequacy or future requirements.

7. Prepares drafts and assists in the preparation of progress reports, daily construction reports, contracts, correspondence and similar reports or estimates.

8. Assists in the preparation of legal descriptions of easements and other parcels.

9. Investigates inquiries of the public; writes reports, describing conditions and makes recommendations.

10. Assists in reviewing plans and specifications of other agencies and private developers for conformance with existing County ordinances, guidelines and for adequacy of drainage, earthwork, structures and roadway improvements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Education:

Must either possess a valid Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering awarded by an accredited college or university, OR obtain such a degree before being eligible for appointment in the Alameda County classified service.

Or II

Possession of a certificate as an Engineer-in-Training issued by the State of California Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers.

Or III

A Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an accredited college or university received prior to the last five years, AND professional engineering experience during the last five years.

License:

Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Fundamentals of physics, chemistry, and mathematics as required by civil engineering.
• Fundamentals of hydraulics, mechanics, and stress analysis.
• Principles and practices of surveying.
• Strength, properties, and uses of engineering construction materials.
• Fundamentals of engineering construction techniques.
• Common methods of describing real property.
• Basic computer software.
• English grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure.

Ability to:

• Learn and acquire skill in the more difficult and technical phases of civil engineering.
• Do computer aided drafting (CAD).
• Operate surveying instruments.
• Make legible and precise engineering computations and notes.
• Analyze field conditions accurately and recommend an effective course of action.
• Prepare technical reports and correspondence.
• Use computer software.
• Make public presentations and communicate effectively.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

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Revised: 7/l978
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Revised: 6/3/88
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Revised: 6/19/89
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Revised: 3/5/91
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Revised: 5/31/00
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BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.