Engineering Technician

Salary: $36.59 - $53.65 Hourly
Location : DeKalb, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00244
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 02/14/2025

Job Summary
The Engineering Technician position performs daily scheduling, coordination, quality control, and assures conformance to departmental policies and standards related to work performed by the Engineering Division. The Engineering Technician performs semi-professional engineering including materials testing, construction inspection, traffic counts/surveys, street maintenance, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Infrastructure Management Systems (IMS) functions. This position requires the ability to work under minimal supervision and oversee the work of consultants and contractors within the field.

POSITION CONTEXT:
The position of Engineering Technician is assigned to the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department and is under the direct supervision of the City Engineer. The Engineering Technician is a full-time, non-exempt position represented under AFSCME and works a 37.5-hour workweek with periodic overtime.
Please click to view the AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement & Wage Schedule.
Initial review of applications to begin on Monday, March 3, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

Essential Functions

• Provides oversight of construction projects to ensure developments and public improvements conform with approved engineering plans as assigned by the City Engineer. Completes inspection reports, logs photographs, and other required project documentation.
• Participates in preconstruction and progress meetings with contractors as requested.
• Performs field construction layout.
• Responds to inquiries from contractors, residents, and utility companies regarding public improvement projects.
• Facilitates the closure of projects including preparation and completion of punch list items.
• Performs testing of various concrete and bituminous paving and other material for engineering purposes, checking for compliance with plans and specifications.
• Inspects existing storm sewer, water main, sanitary sewer, street, signal, easement and related facilities.
• Prepares exhibits utilizing ArcGIS.
• Works with the GIS Manager to update and maintain the GIS database of Citywide facilities.
• Gathers field data utilizing global positioning systems to assist in plan development, traffic control, signage installation and modification.
• Performs both manual and machine traffic counts and manages all data. Collects traffic data from other surveillance systems and agencies as required. Maintains all hardware and software for traffic counters.
• Assists with survey and construction staking as a crew member.
• Oversees the execution and budget of outside contracts for consultants and contractors.
• Monitors project budgets and schedules, verifies quantities and examines any variances. Prepares progress reports and verifies construction estimates to validate change order proposals.
• Calculates dimensions, profiles, specifications, and quantities of materials used in construction such as pipes, concrete, and asphalt.
• Conducts plan reviews, evaluates existing site conditions, surveys and analyzes data, and researches related legal documents. Prepares 'as-built' infrastructure records.
• Receives permit applications and reviews against City right-of-way ordinances. Calculates permit fees based on linear footage of underground improvements.
• Assists the applicant on permit restrictions and/or requirements related to the request. Recommends approval and issuance of utility permits. Inspects work within the public right of way to ensure proper construction and restoration as required.
• Prepares and distributes periodic notices to residents and other agencies affected by ongoing public improvement projects.
• Assists with preparation of engineering specifications, coordinates advertising for bids, and tabulates and reviews construction bids as requested.
• Prepares correspondence and reports, researches and compiles contract documents, contracts, bid reviews, and provides preliminary bid analysis for contract awards.
• Maintains records of public infrastructure projects and updates asset management information system.
• Assists with FOIA requests. Coordinates, retrieves and compiles records for processing within required timeframes.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinates or responds to special projects as assigned.
• Performs maintenance work on various engineering equipment.
• Prepares reports and pertinent documentation as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Advanced knowledge of engineering-related fields, including GIS, GPS, IMS, materials testing, construction inspections, traffic engineering, plan and contract preparation, and recordkeeping.
• Knowledge of construction means, methods, and material requirements for watermain, storm and sanitary sewer, sub grade, concrete, asphalt, excavation and backfill.
• Knowledge of field survey techniques and instruments.
• Ability to perform precise topographic and location survey work.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, maps, drawings and blueprints and perform field note reductions and computations.
• Ability to perform advanced mathematical calculations.
• Ability to prepare design sketches by hand or with appropriate computer-aided software.
• Ability to prepare and maintain detailed records, reports, and work orders relating to construction projects and infrastructure improvements.
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to draft responses, prepare written reports and present findings to departmental staff, residents, or other agencies.
• Ability to work effectively with supervisors, staff members, property owners, residents, contractors, and the general public.
• Ability to work independently and handle field assignments with minimal supervision and the ability to work with others in a team environment while exercising good judgment and initiative.
• Ability to operate instruments, tools and equipment that are job related.
• Knowledge or the ability to learn the geographic regions of the City.
• Ability to drive to and from work sites.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's degree or a certificate in Engineering Science, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or closely related field from an accredited college, university, or trade school preferred.
• Valid Driver's License.

Experience:

• A minimum of five years of experience in engineering, construction or a related field required.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite required. Previous experience or the ability to gain proficiency with GIS software is required.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position will work routinely between an office and outdoor setting. While working in the office, the person in this position will regularly sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear on the phone and in person.
• While working outdoors, the person in this position will routinely stand for prolonged periods of time, stoop, kneel, bend, climb, crawl or crouch to reach items and maneuver/navigate all types of terrain including uneven terrain. Inspections may include climbing and bending and may require fitting into tight, small, low, high and generally awkward spaces.
• The position requires the ability to see close, at a distance and with peripheral vision as well as adjust vision focus and distinguish objects and colors. The position also requires the ability to hear ordinary conversation, such as questions from residents, as well as other sounds, including the back-up alarm on trucks and other equipment.
• Occasionally work exposes employee to potential hazards at construction sites such as traffic, fumes, dust, adverse weather conditions and moderate noise levels.
• The position will occasionally lift, move or replace objects weighing up to 75 pounds.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• General office equipment including computers, laptops, scanners, copiers and cellular phones.
• Engineering equipment including standard drafting tools, surveying equipment, and traffic counting equipment.

• Field inspection equipment including binoculars, flashlights, ladders, cameras and equipment that measures sound, light, vibration, and odor.
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• No additional information to be added.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• The selection process includes submission of an application, interview, and a background check. The physical examination and drug screen are completed upon conditional offer.

Please click to view the City's policy regarding hiring of relatives.

STATEMENT OF OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER:
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.
The City of DeKalb is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of DeKalb provides a comprehensive benefits package that beings on the first day of employment and includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Plans through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund or the Fire/Police Pension Funds
• Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
• Deferred Compensation
• Employee Assistance program

01

What prompted you to apply for the Engineering Technician position with the City of DeKalb?
02

Describe any experience you have had in construction management or construction inspection, materials testing, surveying, or completing technical engineering field work.
Required Question