Watershed Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the position satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Tippecanoe County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless the accommodation would present an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Engineer's Assistant for the Highway Department, responsible for assisting in reviewing road, bridge, related projects for code compliance, processing and maintaining related records.

DUTIES:

• Assists in supervising and directing assigned personnel, including planning/making work assignments, providing training and corrective instruction, evaluating performance, and maintaining discipline.
• Assists in reviewing construction plans, specifications, applications for permits, inspecting sites for compliance, engineering standards, such as street/road, drainage, sewer, driveway, culvert, and bridge projects, including verifying measurements, calculations, printing watershed data, meeting with engineers/developers to discuss problems and preparing legal descriptions as needed.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding roads, rights-of-way, researching records as needed, providing information, assistance, maintaining communication with developers, contractors, consultants, and utility companies, ensuring construction requirements are met. responsible for maintaining electronic filing of citizen reports and responses as well as all permit and plan review notes and correspondence.
• Performs various administrative duties as assigned, including copying, filing various documents, assisting in compiling/preparing reports, such as certified mileage for state, and occasionally taking notes during field inspections. 
• Assists in preparation of road and bridge plans/specifications as assigned, assisting in researching related information, including topography, deeds, watershed analyses, right-of-way acquisitions, and traffic counts.
• Serves on 24-hour call for emergencies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Baccalaureate Degree in civil engineering or related area and possession of or ability to obtain possession of registration as a Professional Engineer.
• Ability to assist in supervising and directing assigned personnel, including planning/making work assignments, providing training and corrective instruction, evaluating performance, and maintaining discipline.
• Working knowledge of and ability to make practical application of state and local regulations regarding road and bridge construction, subdivision construction, drainage, and traffic control.
• Working knowledge of and ability to make practical application of standard bookkeeping principles, including making simple arithmetic calculations, and maintaining accurate records.
• Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and ability to properly operate a variety of standard office equipment, including computer, printer, typewriter, calculator, fax machine, copier, microfilm reader, and telephone.
• Ability to comply with all employer and department polices and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct. 
• Working knowledge of and ability to operate standard surveying and drafting equipment, such as level, level rod, and CAD software.
• Ability to compute and calculate results of tests, read, and interpret detailed prints, sketches, and specifications, and prepare detailed documents and reports as required.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, developers, contractors, consultants, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.
• Ability to plan and layout assigned work projects, work on several tasks at the same time, and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions, often under time pressure.  
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and work alone and with others in a team environment with minimum supervision.
• Ability to serve on 24-hour call and respond swiftly, rationally, and decisively to emergency situations.
• Ability to occasionally work extended and/or evening hours. 
• Possession of a valid driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent assists in designing and completing County highway and related construction projects according to Department goals and objectives and standard practices of the profession, exercising independent judgement in determining construction project priorities and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Incumbent's work involves a wide variety of administrative and engineering duties, often requiring careful consideration of new and/or unusual situations and circumstances.

III. RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent assists in assessing county roads, including planning, developing, inspecting construction projects, and assisting in supervising personnel. General objectives of incumbent's work are known, with unusual and/or unprecedented situations discussed with supervisor as needed. Work is reviewed for soundness of judgement and technical accuracy.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, other County departments, County officials, contractors, contractors, consultants, and the public for the purpose of exchanging and explaining information and resolving problems.

Incumbent reports directly to Executive Director and Highway Engineer.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment and outdoors, which may involve standing/walking for long periods, pushing/pulling/lifting/carrying equipment weighing under 25 pounds, crouching/kneeling, bending, reaching, close and far vision, driving, hearing sounds/communication and handling/grasping/fingering objects.

Incumbent occasionally works extended and/or evening hours and serves on 24-hour call for emergencies.