Engineering Technician III - Stormwater (2024 Salary)

Salary: $7,095.00 - $8,437.26 Monthly
Location : Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2024-00090
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering Projects
Opening Date: 02/12/2025
Closing Date: 2/26/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

BASIC PURPOSE

Reporting to a supervisor or manager in Public Works under general direction, the Utilities Engineering Technician III performs advanced technical and sub-professional engineering work in the office and field. This position is responsible for assisting with the development and completion of a variety of public and private projects including stormwater improvements, facility projects, utility projects and similar assignments. Other duties will vary depending on the section to which the position is assigned.

Please note:
The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time.

First round in-person interviews are tentatively scheduled for Monday, March 11, 2025.

*This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.*
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

These duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Regularly takes initiative in recommending changes in work methods, policies, and procedures to improve levels of service delivery and improve overall operating efficiencies.
• Monitors day-to-day operations and anticipates and troubleshoots problems where needed.
• Responds quickly and appropriately to citizen inquiries, requests for service, and/or complaints. Handles complaints and answers citizen inquiries regarding public work issues to best of ability. Follows through if unable to answer the question at the moment.
• Routinely detects and prevents errors or mistakes that would prove costly or could seriously disrupt a city service or project.
• Represents the City at inter-agency meetings, committee meetings, or with contractors or citizen groups as assigned. Prepare agendas and lead meetings related to section work.
• Uses computer(s) to perform engineering tasks related to section work, preparation of spreadsheets, design work, engineering modeling, AutoCAD, Bluebeam and other related applications.
• Usually perceives when non-routine activities are required and offers help without needing to be asked. Makes efforts to modify workload to assist with an emergent problem, assignment, or project whenever feasible.
• Maintain accurate schedules for work, review work for accuracy, coaches or trains other staff as appropriate, and ensures timely completion of work. Refers all performance issues to immediate supervisor for resolution and participates in joint problem solving as appropriate.
• May be assigned to assist with engineering work for another section (i.e. survey, utility mapping, construction inspection, plan review, design, transportation or drafting).
• May perform limited section supervision responsibilities in absence of section supervisor.

Backflow and Cross Connection Prevention Program

• Manages all aspects of the City's backflow and cross connection prevention programs, including field inspection and testing work, and on-site surveys, database management, and customer service.
• Responds to inquiries and/or complaints from customers, the public and/or developers.
• Diagnoses and resolves problems, coordinating with engineering and maintenance staff and referring complicated issues as needed.
• Manages all aspects of special emphasis compliance efforts; e.g. lakefront property backflow prevention.
• Collects, records, and enters compliance data to maintain a current backflow prevention database.
• Generates reports to document program findings, schedule compliance activities, and to monitor compliance.
• Identifies and follows -up with non-compliant customers to bring system to compliance.
• Takes an active role in the local AWWA cross connection control committee.
• Coordinates with other local jurisdictions regarding backflow prevention and cross connection programs.
• Reviews development plans for compliance with cross connection control and backflow prevention guidelines, policies, ordinances, and standards.
• May be called upon to take routine compliance samples from water distribution system and source wells, or samples for new main and/or new city facility construction projects, or samples from monitoring wells during short staffing in the Water Operations section of Public Works.
• Performs field work and monitoring as assigned in support of the Wellhead Protection projects and programs.

Stormwater Program

• Reviews all development plans for compliance with Stormwater management guidelines, policies, ordinances, and standards; highlights and summarizes key features and deficiencies; and provides summarized findings to the Senior Stormwater Utility Engineer.
• Responds to customers' stormwater quality inquiries, complaints relating to drainage, flooding, and related stormwater issues. Responds to customers, diagnoses problems, takes initiative to resolve problems, and coordinates response with appropriate public works staff to resolve issues.
• Tracks, reports on, and analyzes stormwater quality and stormwater inquiries.
• Under the general direction of the Stormwater Engineer, develops procedures, tools and forms for NPDES Phase 2 Municipal Stormwater Permit compliance.
• Collects data in support of permit compliance and prepares reports required by the permit.
• May be called upon to take routine compliance samples from water distribution system and source wells, or samples for new main and/or new city facility construction projects, or samples from monitoring wells during short staffing in the Water Operations section of Public Works.
• Collects samples from stormwater facilities and surface water bodies; Performs field analysis of samples, as needed. Compiles reports on sampling results and data.
• Manages or assists with implementation of various programs, including the Residential Private Stormwater Facilities program, the Commercial Private Stormwater Facilities program, the IDDE program, the Source Control program, and the Stormwater Mapping program.
• Liaison for municipal O&M compliance, (SWPPPs, SOPs, Etc.) TMDL compliance, and compliance of PW stormwater enforcement.
• Stormwater Mapping (Outfalls, tree canopy, stormwater facilities corrections & revisions).
• Performs field inspections of stormwater facilities/BMPs and provides technical assistance related to maintenance and functionality of stormwater systems.
• Enforces applicable stormwater codes and regulations.
• Assists with development, coordination, and implementation of stormwater management programs and activities.
• Assists the Water Resources Division as needed with public information and/or notification projects; site survey work; research and/or response to emergent issues.

QUALIFICATIONS

An Associate's Degree in civil engineering technology or related field AND three (3) years of work experience performing technical engineering work with emphasis in the area of assigned section responsibilities.
OR

A High School Diploma or GED AND five (5) years of work experience performing technical engineering work with emphasis in the area of assigned section responsibilities.

*May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute for the level of knowledge and ability required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S):

• Must pass a thorough background investigation and successfully complete pre-employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation
• Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures and techniques.
• Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City's insurance carrier; OR must be able to provide own transportation to and from job, meetings, and related job sites.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
• The Technician assigned to the stormwater program must possess Washington State certification as a Certified Erosion & Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) or be able to obtain the certification within one year from the date of hire.
• Must possess Washington State certification as a Cross Connection Control Specialist and a Backflow Assembly Tester, or have the ability to obtain both certifications within one (1) year from date of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Civil engineering techniques applicable to assigned section responsibilities and good knowledge of higher mathematics (calculus, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry).
• Laws, rules and/or regulations that pertain to assigned area of work.
• Computers and their application to land surveying, engineering, mapping, project management, and/or design as appropriate to section responsibilities.
• Public works design and construction practices and methodologies as appropriate to section responsibilities.
• Pertinent standards, guidelines, manuals, and specifications.
• Local agency guidelines and applicable local, state, and federal funding requirements.
• Industrial first aid practices and pertinent safety regulations, standards, and guidelines.

Skills in:

• Drafting to prepare neat and accurate notes, drawings, sketches and field maps.
• Georeferencing imagery.
• Reading plats, plans, and blueprints.
• Editing vector data.
• Interpreting aerial photos.
• Proficient with ESRI ArcGIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D and Access.

Ability to:

• Utilize a high degree of skill and competency in making independent decisions in resolving problems.
• Routinely provide leadership and direction to other technical staff and effectively coordinate assigned project.
• Perform technical duties of section responsibilities in accordance with accepted engineering construction practices.
• Apply engineering formulas, principles, and techniques to solve design, and/or engineering related problems.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of the local agency guidelines and applicable local, state, and federal funding requirements.
• Demonstrates willingness to work collaboratively with others and looks for ways to foster respectful relationships with team members, and other internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrate ability to develop and meet program goals and complete assignments on time.
• Warmly greet the public and co-workers and clearly convey a sincere willingness to be of service and/or be open to resolving the situation at hand. Clearly explains self or answers when necessary. Takes the time to ensure message is easily understood. Closes all contacts courteously and appropriately.
• Look for opportunities to build trust; is willing to give "becauses"; follows up on answers; researches more data if needed; willing to be helpful; and to demonstrate a willingness to negotiate schedule to accommodate another's needs.
• Portray an image of knowledge, confidence, professionalism, fairness, and caring. Dress and grooming are appropriate to position.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to use both good verbal and non-verbal behavior to show an open, accepting attitude.
• Work in the field in all weather conditions and over rough terrain when assigned field responsibilities.
• Use a computer, iPad or other equipment to perform engineering tasks related to section work, preparation of spreadsheets, design work, engineering modeling, and other related applications.

The City of Lacey understands the importance of benefits and offers a competitive and full benefits package for all regular full-time employees.

Generally, represented employees may receive some, or all, of the benefits listed below, based on their union contracts. Those employees should consult their union agreements for specific information about their benefits, which can be found on the City web page This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 618-L.

Medical Insurance Benefits:

• Medical - Choice of Regence BlueShield (PPO) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO) plans offered through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Trust.

The employer pays 100% of employee's monthly premiums and 90% of qualified dependent/domestic partner's premiums.

• Vision - VSP with low co-pays
• Dental - Choice of Willamette or Delta Dental plans and orthodontia coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Program that provides resources to employees, their immediate family (including dependent children) and anyone living in the employee's household. The EAP can provide help with matters such as stress/anxiety, parenting, grief, workplace issues, legal services, financial services, and more.

Life Insurance & Long Term Disability & Accidental Death and Dismemberment

• Employer paid life insurance plan
• Employer paid long term disability plan
• Employer paid accidental death and dismemberment plan

Leave Benefits:

• 96 Hours of Vacation on Accrual Basis (increasing with years of service)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 2 Floating Holidays
• 8 Hours Sick Leave Accrued per Month
• Jury Duty/Military Leave
• Bereavement Leave

*All benefits and accruals are outlined in the collective bargaining agreement found here:

Investment and Retirement Programs:

• State retirement pension plan - Includes employer paid contributions to the State of Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
• 457 Deferred Compensation (voluntary)- two options MissionSquare and DRS
• Social Security benefit (for Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) covered staff) - Our Employee Benefits include employer paid contributions to Social Security and Employees pay the employee portion of Social Security tax.
• HRA/VEBA plan- A designated monthly amount (a City and/or employee contribution) is paid into a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account. An HRA is a type of health plan savings account for your family's medical care expenses and premiums, which can be accessed during employment with the City or saved and used at separation or retirement.
• 1% Benefit - Employer provides a 1% contribution of your monthly salary pre-tax towards two options; 1) applied to insurance premium amount owed for dependent coverage or invested into a 457 deferred compensation account; OR a cash disbursement amount applied to your check monthly but the amount is taxed.

Voluntary Benefits:

• Optional plans for additional life insurance, disability, and accident coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan - employees can contribute pre-tax contributions toward IRS allowed, qualifying medical and/or daycare expenses.

Wellness Program:

• The City has a robust employee Wellness program that offers a variety of resources and activities for employee well-being.

Flexible Working Arrangements:

• In recognition of Commute Trip reduction efforts, the City of Lacey provides flexible and alternative work schedules for many of our workforce positions.
• City Hall is within minutes driving from I-5 Exit 108, and within walking/biking distance from Park and Ride Transit Martin Way Location and the Chehalis Western Trail.

Tuition Reimbursement:

• The City promotes a learning environment and encourages opportunities for employees to continue to grow in their positions and careers. The City offers tuition reimbursement (as outline in City Personnel Policies) for eligible employees.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF):

• Employees are also eligible to apply to The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This program is a United States government program that was created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 to provide indebted professionals a way out of their federal student loan debt burden by working full-time in public service.

*Note: Regular part-time employees may be eligible for pro-rated benefits (medical/dental/vision) depending on the hours of work assigned to the position. Their spouses and dependents are not eligible for health insurance coverage.
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INSTRUCTIONS: Please read the following instructions before you proceed in responding to the supplemental questions below. Answers to the supplemental questions will be evaluated by subject matter experts. You must answer each question in its entirety for it to be considered as a complete answer. You must also answer the remainder of these questions as truthfully and as accurately as possible.Please do not refer to your resume or other attached documents, or copy and paste information from your resume or other attached documents, in lieu of answering any questions. Your responses must be typed in the space provided for each question. Your responses may be assessed in subsequent examinations and any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration may result in disqualification from the examination process and possible elimination from future employment opportunities with the City of Lacey. As part of the interview process, you may be invited to come in and perform a work assessment prior to interviews related to the duties of this position. Please note that the work experience section must be completed and a resume AND letter of interest must be attached.Please indicate "yes" to show that you have read these instructions and understand that your application may be considered incomplete if any of the above criteria are not met.

• Yes
• No

02

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

03

A high school diploma or G.E.D. is required at the time of application. Do you have a high school diploma or G.E.D.?

• Yes
• No

04

A valid Washington (WA) State driver license is required at the time of hire OR must be obtained within 30 days of hire. Do you have a valid WA State driver license or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have an Associate's Degree in civil engineering technology and at least three (3) years of work experience performing technical engineering or public works construction work or any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required?

• Yes
• No

06

What motivated you to apply to this position?
07

Please describe your experience communicating stormwater issues and BMP recommendations with contractors and property owners.
08

Please describe your previous work experience in stormwater utility inspection and maintenance.
09

Please describe your experience or knowledge of erosion and sediment control on construction sites.
10

Please tell us about your work with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permits and Construction Stormwater General Permits.
Required Question