Engineering Technician

Under the general direction of Assistant Director of Engineering, performs a variety of skilled drafting and surveying to produce engineering maps, plans and drawings of public infrastructure improvements, and to inspect public works projects for compliance with construction specifications and public works standards.

• Individual health insurance for only $68.56 per month; or family health insurance for only $210.44 per month.
• IPERS retirement plan
• 457(b) retirement plans with a 2% city match
• 8 paid holidays 3 personal holidays
• 15 paid vacation days and 12 paid sick days per year, with additional vacation days accrued with longevity
• City-paid Life Insurance policy plus additional voluntary life insurance options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Onsite Wellness Center

• Designs and prepares drawings or other illustrative materials of existing/new improvements and other utilities using notes made in the field, photographs or maps.
• Catalogs and files construction plans, plat books, maps, deed and easement reference books from work orders and field inspection notes. Scans all construction plans for archive. Maintains databases of electronic scanned files, maps, and aerial photographs.
• Reviews construction plans, plats and cost estimates submitted by consulting engineers/contractors and utilities to ensure conformance with established requirements.
• Maintains and updates GIS base mapping to facilitate mapping and asset management of City infrastructure and to organize and manage electronic file structure.
• Utilizes global positioning system to locate City infrastructure systems such as sanitary sewer, storm sewer, signs and fiber optics.
• Gathers and provides information to contractors, consultants, city employees/departments, and the public, including as-built drawings, aerial photographs, easements, right-of-way information, and utility locations.
• Responsible for the inspection and construction administration of all engineering projects including, but not limited to: paving (streets, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks), sanitary sewer, storm sewer, grading including inspection and monitoring of erosion control/ storm water pollution prevention plans, water main and drainage structures to insure compliance with construction specifications and approved plans. Review shop drawings and submittals for CIP Projects and Subdivisions
• Enforces compliance with construction specifications and public works standards. Responds to inquiries and assists contractors and sub-contractors regarding applicable compliance requirements.
• Responds to inquiries from the public.
• Prepares and maintains complete project inspection records. Measures field quantities and compiles pay applications for City projects.
• Performs concrete testing.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Responsible for locating and marking City infrastructure through the Iowa One Call system.
• Reviews right-of-way work applications/ plan sets and enforces the right-of-way ordinance.
• Designs Capital Improvements Projects under supervision.
• Provides Engineering cost estimates.
• Assists with review and oversight of the Traffic Signal and Fiber systems.

Must be able to pass a pre-employment offer: professional reference checks, physical/drug screen, motor vehicle report, and background check. Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge is qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• At least two (2) years of experience/education in engineering design or public works construction, or two ( 2) years of field experience in construction, engineering or inspection, or two (2) years of an equivalent combination.

• Accurate geometry and trigonometry as applied to the computation of angles, areas, distances and traverses.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to understand and work from written and/or oral instructions and sketches.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, contractors, consultants, other departments and members of the public.
• Excellent telephone techniques
• Accurate typing skills
• Strong customer service skills
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities
• Ability to take initiative.
• Problem-solving ability
• Ability to manage time and multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Able to perform essential duties at designated work site location at designated hours.

• Principles of Surveying, Construction Inspection, CAD Training
• General knowledge of office equipment, including photo copier, telephone, calculator, plotter, and scanner, surveying tools, drafting instruments and supplies
• Proficiency with PC’s and computer software and applications, including CAD, GIS, GPS, civil engineering design software, word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.
• General knowledge of tools and equipment, including electronic equipment, hand/power tools, GPS equipment
• DOT certification classes
• Knowledge of total station survey equipment
• In depth knowledge of construction inspection techniques and methods
• Familiar with Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS) for Public Improvements
• Familiar with IDOT Standard Specifications for Highway & Bridge Construction

The Civil Service testing process will consist of a phone interview, written test and onsite oral board interview. Those meeting minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the phone interview phase. Those passing the phone interview with a minimum score of 70% or higher will be invited to take the written test. Those who meet the minimum passing score of 70% or higher on the written test will be invited to participate in the onsite oral board interview phase. Those passing the interview phase with a score of 80% or higher will be placed on the certified list of candidates eligible for hire.

Candidates will be notified via email to Self-Schedule their interview time slots. Be sure to apply with a valid email you check regularly and sign up for text message option for more communication options.

Tentative Timeline:
Phone Interviews and Written Tests: Week of November 6, 2023
Oral Interviews: Week of November 13, 2023
Anticipated Hire Date: December 27, 2023

The salary range listed includes pay steps based on length of service with the City if Urbandale therefore most employees are offered a starting salary closer to the minimum of the advertised range.

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons with disabilities must submit requests for ADA accommodations to the Human Resources Department, in writing, prior to the application deadline.