Plans Engineer; Associate Civil Engineer

Description

DEFINITION To interpret and explain City requirements and policies to developers and contractors; to design and write specifications for City projects. Review plans and associated calculations/specifications for building construction, improvement, changes of use and alterations for compliance with applicable building codes and regulations.

WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in an office setting with frequent interruptions, deadlines, complaints, and peak workload periods. The position may require working nights and weekends. Depending on the area assigned, the employee may be exposed to variable weather, construction and traffic noises associated with observing construction projects or conditions and circulation on streets, intersections, or other areas.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work may include prolonged sitting and standing, as well as light to moderate lifting, reaching, stooping and pulling. Manual dexterity, clear (understandable) speech, visual and hearing acuity are also required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the journey level class within the engineering series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Assistant Engineer/Assistant Civil Engineer by the full range of duties as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the division.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general direction from the Assistant City Engineer, Senior Civil Engineer, Operations Superintendent or Chief Building Official, depending on assignment. Exercises technical and functional supervision over lower level support personnel.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering.
• Design, construction and maintenance requirements of public works facilities.
• Engineering mathematics.
• Strength, properties, and uses of the materials of engineering construction.
• Federal, state and municipal codes and regulations governing building construction, alteration, accessibility, use and occupancy (including building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, and green building standards codes) – if assigned to Plan Check Division.
• Structural engineering principles and practices as applied to building design and construction – if assigned to Plan Check Division.
• Residential, commercial and industrial construction materials, methods and equipment – if assigned to Plan Check Division.
• Appropriate safety and fire prevention construction and building methods.

Abilities:

• Learn and interpret City ordinances and department policies pertaining to public works.
• Prepare detailed plans and specifications.
• Establish and maintain relations with contractors, consultants, and other employees.
• Supervise the work of other employees.
• Apply engineering, construction and architectural principles and techniques (including load path, life safety, energy conservation, accessibility, etc.) to resolve construction-related problems – if assigned to Plan Check Division.
• Prepare clear, concise, accurate and grammatically correct reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Verbally communicate information and concepts so the intended audience may understand.

Interact tactfully and effectively with the public, City staff, homeowners, contractors, design professionals and outside agencies during the course of work. Listen and express differences of opinion respectfully and resolve conflicts. Use a computer and computer-related applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, permitting software, e‑mail and internet research. Supervise the work of other employees as needed.

Experience: Two (2) years of professional civil engineering experience equivalent to an Assistant Civil Engineer with the City of Fairfield or three (3) years of professional civil engineering experience are required. Experience in the public sector, project management, contract administration, consultant selection, regulatory permitting, designing, constructing and/or maintaining municipal infrastructure is highly desirable. If assigned to Plan Check Division: three (3)…