Entry Level Research Assistant Jobs in Modesto, CA

Description The City of Livermore is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Engineering Technician. The current vacancy exists in the Design Section. For more information regarding this recruitment, please refer to the job announcement.

DEFINITION Under general supervision, the Assistant Engineering Technician performs routine technical office and field engineering functions in connection with public works activities and performs other duties assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Assistant Engineering Technician is the entry level classification in the Engineering Technician series and has responsibility for conducting traffic, engineering and similar studies for public works projects, and for assigned technical engineering tasks; preparing plans and estimating for various engineering projects; issuing permits; reviewing building referrals; assigning fees; and inspecting permits and other construction activities. It is distinguished from the Associate Engineering Technician which is the journey level classification with responsibility of the more complicated technical tasks.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED General supervision is provided by the Construction Inspection Manager or an engineer, depending on the assigned area of responsibility. Lead direction may be provided by other classifications in the division. SUPERVISION EXERCISED None.

Examples of Important and Essential Functions General Engineering Duties/Computer Skills Operates reprographics machine and various other office machines such as photocopier, fax machine, and calculator; operates a personal computer to perform Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), GIS database and retrieval functions, word processing, and spreadsheet functions; updates various databases relating to permits, work orders, and service requests; assists contractors and the public in interpreting and complying with city design, land development, and construction policies and requirements; and maintains engineering files and base maps. Development Plan Review Uses computer aided drafting techniques and procedures to assist in the preparation of routine engineering plans for development projects; develops graphs, charts, and exhibits for presentations; Drafts specifications; reviews property descriptions; reviews final maps and lot line adjustments; reviews planning entitlement referrals and drafts conditions of approval; and reviews public improvement plans and building referrals for compliance with conditions of approval and City standards; updates City maps; and prepares and issues permits and calculates fees. Project Design Uses computer aided drafting techniques and procedures to prepare routine engineering plans for public works projects; develops graphs, charts, and exhibits for presentations; assists in research and in developing project design and cost estimates for City projects such as streets, bike trails, sewers, storm drains, water lines, parks, golf courses, airport, traffic control projects and other miscellaneous projects; and reviews development project plans for conformance with current engineering requirements on routine projects.

Construction Compliance Performs field inspections of public works projects, developments, and activities requiring permits and inspection; inspects grading, underground utilities, City water mains, sewers, storm drains, curbs, gutters, paving, irrigation systems, street lights, and other infrastructure construction for conformance with regulatory standards, plans, and specifications; maintains daily written records of progress made in construction and materials used; assists in the preparation of progress payments and writing of change orders; and performs other contract administration duties on routine public works projects. Traffic and Transportation Collects data for various traffic engineering studies such as setting traffic counters, speed studies, turning movement counts, traffic control device inventory, and other research as assigned; assists in the preparation of plans and estimates for signing, striping and traffic signal projects; reviews traffic accident reports and prepares collision diagrams. Job Related and Essential Qualifications Demonstrated Knowledge of: Principles and practices of engineering related to design, construction, and maintenance of street, sidewalks, drainage and related public works projects; materials, methods and equipment used in the testing of construction materials; methods of compacting soils, grading methods, and erosion control techniques; miscellaneous public works repairs such as sidewalks, utility repairs, and trench compaction; civil engineering design and drafting techniques and procedures; surveying techniques and practices including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; construction standards; computer usage and application in an engineering office; principles and practices of traffic engineering; signing and pavement marking standards; and methods of conducting various surveys and studies.

Demonstrated Skills to: Read, evaluate, and interpret routine construction drawings, subdivision maps, and reports; analyze construction methods to determine conformance with accepted standards and enforce corrective actions when necessary; prepare clear and concise reports; draft maps, plans, and layouts; make accurate measurements and compute materials used in construction; correctly read and interpret field construction staking survey controls, plans, profiles, cross-sections, topographic maps and plats; solve problems and make appropriate decisions; utilize personal computers for CAD, GIS, spreadsheet and work processing software, and other specialized software programs; and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective customer service attitude with those contacted in the course of work. Ability to: Learn and apply the City's policies, practices, and protocols; effectively apply the required knowledge and skills in the daily performance of assigned duties; establish and maintain open and honest communications with co-workers at all levels of the organization; and remain flexible and adapt to changing conditions. Experience, Education and Training Guidelines Any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: Experience: Two years of technical experience in public works engineering including experience in civil design, construction, land development, and/or traffic engineering. Experience involving customer service is preferred. Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, land surveying, engineering design, and/or traffic engineering.

An Associate degree in a related field is desirable. Training: Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs which are relevant to this job classification. License: Certain positions may require the possession of a valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record as determined by the City.

Other Requirements: Willingness and ability to work overtime; respond to emergencies, attend meetings, classes, and seminars as required during work and non-work hours; work under adverse conditions such as in inclement weather, in awkward spaces, and in and around construction areas. Special Requirements: Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to work in a standard office environment; drive a motor vehicle; read fine print on drawings and computer monitors; converse in person, over the telephone, two-way radio, and around the noise of heavy construction equipment and be heard and clearly understood; move across rough terrain and bridge scaffolding; climb into and out of sewer holes and trenches, up 25 foot ladders, and several flights of stairs a day; use drafting and survey instruments, calculators, and personal computers; and strength to safely lift and maneuver materials weighing up to 30 pounds. Additional Information The City of Livermore is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.