Civil Engineering Technician I​/II

Description

The City of Grand Forks Engineering Department is seeking a skilled and motivated Civil Engineering Technician I or II to support the planning, design, and construction of public infrastructure projects. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and safety of the city’s roads, drainage systems, utilities, and public facilities. The ideal candidate brings technical expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to serving the community.

• Draft and prepare simple plans using AutoCAD Civil 3D and contract documents for review and approval by appropriate engineering staff; assist in the design of assigned projects.
• Utilize, interpret, and comprehend various maps, including aerial photos, contour drawing and as‑builts for both project design and to convey the information to the public.
• Perform research on completed projects; draft and update City maps, plats, details, and various forms with acquired data.
• Perform preliminary surveys to collect data for construction plans; interpolate survey notes; download points into appropriate files and generate triangulated, irregular, network (TIN); assist in construction staking.
• Maintain a variety of accurate records and files on daily activities of contractors; record changes in approved plans.
• Act as the owner’s site representative with authority to accept or reject work completed by contractors. Measure and record bid items and quantities; prepare monthly pay applications.
• Observe construction activities for compliance with specifications; assist contractors in resolving unusual construction conditions to meet the intention of the specifications.
• Collect as‑built and GIS infrastructure data.
• Coordinate technical engineering activities within the Engineering Department, with contractors and utility companies.
• Estimate time, materials and equipment required for jobs assigned; compile and file notes on various projects.
• Review, calculate, and validate bid quantities from construction plans prepared by the Engineering Department.

• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Assist with the support of emergency management field inspections.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the technical engineering field.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge
:
Basic principles and procedures of technical engineering work including computer‑aided drafting, mathematics, and construction methods and inspection; understanding of computer‑aided drafting, surveying, inspection and testing equipment; principles and procedures of record keeping; basic principles of GIS data gathering and application; awareness of occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Skills
:
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; maintain mental capacity, which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities; maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Abilities
:
Learn and apply design and construction standards to plan set preparation using computer‑aided drafting; learn and perform construction inspection practices on public infrastructure projects; make engineering computations with accuracy; use and operate a variety of surveying and inspection equipment in a safe and effective manner; evaluate and set priorities in order to oversee multiple, concurrent projects in the field; understand and follow oral and written instructions;

understand and apply knowledge and guidance from more senior staff; read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.

Experience
:
Experience in construction, inspection, surveying, engineering, or CADD/GIS.

Training
:
Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, surveying, drafting, or a related field.

Credentials
:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver’s license.

The City of Grand Forks offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System. Employee contribution of a mandatory 4% and up to 7% with an employer contribution of a mandatory 5.26% up to 9.26%. For more information on our benefits see 2025 Benefit Summary 2026 Benefit Summary. If you are applying for a part‑time temporary or seasonal position, you are not eligible for benefits through the City of Grand Forks.