Engineering Assistant III

Performs engineering work. Work involves job rotation, training and continuing education in design, construction, construction inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental and/or transportation operations-related activities with the intent to actively pursue engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams. Design activity is supervised by a licensed professional engineer who has authority for final approval of all projects. Work requires contact with local governmental representatives, engineering contractors and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Essential Duties:

• Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams and completion/maintenance of required documentation.
• Assists with contract administration for construction and maintenance projects to ensure contractor compliance.
• Collects engineering data at project sites.
• Creates detailed PS&E.
• May serve as a lead worker and the related tasks.
• Participates in Career Development for the Engineering Assistants program which includes job rotation, training and continuing education.
• Performs advanced and specialized engineering design work.
• Performs engineering calculations for plan quantities as part of PS&E preparation activities.
• Performs engineering-related calculations and drafting/design work.
• Performs engineering-related planning, design, data collection, evaluation and analysis activities.
• Performs research and problem solving of engineering-related problems.
• Prepares and checks plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) and designs.
• Reviews construction plans prepared by consultants.
• Reviews engineering work for calculation errors and compliance with applicable federal and state laws and industry standards and guidelines.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS.

Acceptable Substitutions:

• Master's degree in engineering or a Master of engineering degree from an institution that offers a bachelor of science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.
• Doctoral degree in engineering or a doctor of engineering degree from an institution that offers a bachelor of science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

Experience: 2 years of engineering related experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent)

Acceptable Substitution:

• Passing Professional Engineer (PE) exam prior to obtaining requisite experience for gaining PE licensure may substitute for two (2) years of engineering related work experience

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Texas Engineer in Training Certificate (EIT)

Preferred Qualifications:

Ability to:

• Assist licensed electrical engineers with design development, technical reviews, and consultant coordination for facilities projects.
• Review submittals and construction documents for compliance with facility design standards and project specifications.
• Support construction administration task including RFIs, change orders, and field coordination.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, policies, procedures, and standards.
• Communicate professionally with local government officials, contractors, consultants, and private entities.
• Perform work independently on routine assignments; escalate complex or unusual issues to supervisory staff.
  
  Competencies:

 Considerable knowledge of:

• Applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations specific to area of responsibility for safeguarding information and information technology related systems
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Engineering designs
• Applicable plans, specifications and estimates preparation, review, processing and compliance requirements
• Computer-aided drafting and design systems
• Plan review methods, processes and procedures

Expert skill in:

• Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints and maps
• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities

Proficient skill in:

• Using engineering workstations and applications of engineering technology
• Advanced and specialized design/drafting
• Design review
• Performing calculations to include material and labor estimates, expenses, technical survey data and engineering calculations
• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others

Other Attributes:

• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
• Visual Acuity-determine work quality/make general observations of facilities/structure

Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical. 
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at e) – does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
• All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the EA program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment. Failure to comply with all terms of the Program Agreement will result in reclassification.