Engineering Technician II: Surface Water Inspector

Join our Public Works Department as a Surface Water Inspector. Under the guidance of the Surface Water and Environmental Engineering Manager, you will support the Surface Water Management Utility through storm drainage inspections, problem drainage assessments, and updating city drainage maps. Responsibilities include reviewing maintenance standards, creating work orders, and assisting in capital project designs. Ideal candidates will have experience in field operations, asset management, and maintenance coordination. Apply today to help improve our city's storm drainage system

Nature of Work

The Surface Water Inspector works under the general supervision of the Surface Water and Environmental Engineering Manager. The Surface Water Inspector implements programs and projects in the Public Works Department. Work assigned involves providing effective office and field operation support to the Surface Water Management (SWM) Utility and associated Maintenance and Operations Program. The incumbent is responsible for storm drainage inspections for public and private drainage system improvements; conducting problem drainage assessments and the creation of work orders to improve the City storm drainage system; updating the City drainage maps using field data and records research; inspects, oversees the services and activities associated with the City's Asset management program and operations; reviews maintenance standards and provides maintenance staff work orders for all existing drainage facilities; assists in the preliminary design preparation and specifications for capital projects and coordination of work with skilled and/or clerical employees.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Engineering Technician II is the mid-level classification for the office and field sub-professional engineering work and supports engineering activities. Incumbents can work independently, with limited direction. Positions in this nonprofessional class work perform engineering-related support tasks, including independent inspections, managing data, utilizing asset management software, and providing engineering information to the public. Contacts include inter and intra-departmental personnel, other agencies, and the public to exchange information and answer inquiries. Engineering Technician II is distinguished from Engineering Technician I and II by its complexity, technical nature of tasks, and ability to work independently.

Essential Functions

• Leads the field inspections of public and private drainage projects.
• Provides support to the SWM Utilities public education and outreach programs.
• Updates the SWM Utility's element of the City's Graphic Information System (GIS). This includes updates for new construction and system corrections.
• Maintains database records for the Surface Water Management (SWM) Utility.
• Maintains records of inspection and work orders used by SWM Utility maintenance crews. Answers telephone, greets the public, and provides general information about the SWM utility and M&O programs.
• Performs field and office mapping and verification of the City's storm system.
• Locates and documents the source of pollutant spills, provides public information and spill prevention materials, and coordinates cleanup efforts with maintenance crews and possible enforcement.
• Tracks the inspection of all City-owned detention and treatment facilities to ensure they are appropriately maintained.
• Keeps and maintains the SWM Utility's maps, plans, and records.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public using principles of good customer service.
• Reports for scheduled work with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to being assigned to work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, equalize peak work periods, or balance the workload.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil and construction engineering, including the methods, materials, equipment, and techniques used in civil engineering, construction, and inspection.
• Principles of street and storm drainage system design and function; a good understanding of construction methods and techniques.
• King County Surface Water Design Manual and its application.
• NPDES Permit Requirements and their application.
• Spill Response activities and procedures.
• Development and implementation of municipal Asset Management procedures and practices;
• ESRI's ArcGIS software.
• Municipal principles, practices, and procedures.
• Database programs and their applications.
• Good working knowledge of standard computer programs.
• Knowledge of municipal government administration, Public Works financing, and the role of engineering in City government.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Understandably present complex technical data to a variety of audiences.
• Prioritize, organize, plan, and coordinate work based on City and Department objectives and manage several employees engaged in divergent functions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships internally and with the public.
• Maintain accurate and adequate project records.
• Perform the essential functions of the position.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, drafting, environmental science, or computer programming/drafting or related field; AND
• Three years of engineering technician or construction inspection experience.
• A combination of experience and training enabling the individual to perform the position's essential functions may be considered.

• One year of experience in ESRI's ArcGIS is preferred.
• One year of inspection experience related to public improvements is preferred.
• Basic engineering hydraulic and hydrology knowledge or experience is desired.

Special Requirements

• Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License throughout employment with a good driving record.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background and criminal history check.
• Because of the known effects of tobacco use, the City of Des Moines does not hire applicants who use tobacco products.

Working Conditions and Physical Abilities

Environment:

Outdoor and indoor work environment; subject to driving a vehicle to conduct work. Outdoor environments include uneven and unstable walking surfaces, tripping hazards, and inclement weather conditions.

Physical Abilities:

Climbing ladders and working at heights on sloped surfaces; walking, kneeling, standing, or crouching; hearing and speaking to exchange information; and occasionally lifting objects up to fifty (50) pounds.

Hazards:

Working on or around heavy equipment, ladders, and scaffolding; exposure to various chemicals, fumes, odors, and gases; tripping hazards from construction site debris and unstable walking surfaces; unrestrained animals; contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• The City of Des Moines is committed to hiring a diverse workforce, and all qualified applicants, including those from all ethnic backgrounds and persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, an employer is obligated to make a reasonable accommodation only to the known limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability. In general, it is the responsibility of the applicant or employee with a disability to inform the employer that accommodation is needed to participate in the application process, perform essential job functions, or receive equal benefits and employment privileges.

General Information

• The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job classification, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.
• The physical abilities described above are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
• The provisions of this job description do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
• Created 2024.