Associate Civil Engineer I

Under close supervision, performs routine and less complex professional civil engineering work in support of the planning, design, operation, and construction of water, sewer, and recycled water capital improvement, maintenance, and construction projects; and performs related duties as assigned while gaining experience and developing proficiency.

Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This is the entry-level classification in the professional engineer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer II by the performance of routine and less complex duties while learning the full scope of job responsibilities under close supervision, with limited independence and minimal need for judgment and initiative. Assignments are provided with detailed instructions and close supervision; incumbents are primarily responsible for learning procedures, developing foundational skills, and assisting in the delivery of work products or services according to established methods and timelines. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. The Associate Civil Engineer I is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer II in that the latter is assigned more complex and technically advanced responsibilities within the unit.

The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to provide a representative list of the various types of work that may be performed. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job class, and incumbents may expect to perform other related similar duties. Some of the duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs engineering planning and design for capital construction and improvement programs for the District's water systems and facilities; performs design work including researching data and determining design criteria in accordance with required standards and codes; prepares Water Master Plan reports, the Urban Water Management Plan, and performs related long-term planning.
• Prepares calculations, sketches, specifications and estimates for water supply, treatment, storage, and related distribution facilities.
• Serves as project engineer in support of the Associate Civil Engineer II, Senior Civil Engineer or the Department Head for facilities construction, expansion, and/or refurbishment projects designed in-house or by engineering consultants; evaluates and recommends solutions to problems; generates preliminary design reports; assembles project teams and directs the work of lower-level engineers and technicians on assigned projects; liaisons with developers, contractors, and design engineers.
• Assists in administeringconstructioncontracts;reviewsconstructionprogress payments and prepares and/or recommendsapproval ofconstructionchange orders; assists in the resolution of fieldconstruction and contractor issues and discrepancies.
• Prepares, reviews, and checks engineering drawings, plans, computations, estimates and reports for completeness, accuracy, and soundness of applied engineering principles and District standards.
• Assists in the monitoring of construction work in-progress, including conducting field investigations, to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, and standards.
• Assists in preparing engineering economic feasibility and environmental assessment studies on proposed or existing facilities to develop effective project or operation alternatives.
• Assists in preparing contractual documents on design and construction projects, including Memoranda of Understanding and agreements between the District and other regional or local agencies.
• May present the engineering design and project plans to the Board of Directors and community with guidance from the supervisor as needed.
• Obtains required permits and other documents for assigned projects.
• Prepares and/or reviews special engineering studies, cost estimates, requests for proposals, correspondence, records, files, and reports.
• Maintains records of work progress and expenditures of project funds; prepares progress estimates.
• Coordinates with District operations, administrative, and finance staff regarding capital improvement and development projects.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Theory, principles, and practices of civil and/or mechanical engineering design, construction, and maintenance, including water, recycled water, and raw water utility engineering and design.
• Modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding water utility engineering.
• Applicable laws and regulatory codes related to development and construction of water, recycled water, and raw water infrastructure.
• Hydraulic calculations and hydraulic system analysis; principles of physics and mathematics applicable to civil engineering and land surveying.
• California Public Works Contract Code.
• Methodsofpreparingdesigns,plans,specifications, estimates, reports, and recommendationsrelatingtoDistrictfacilitiesandprojects.
• Principles and techniques of project management and legal guidelines applicable to public works engineering.
• Principles of providing functional direction and training. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and programs, and project and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Review and prepare engineering plans, specifications, and legal contracts.
• Perform technical research and analyze engineering and mathematical problems and recommend and adopt alternative courses of action. 
• Perform accurate engineering calculations and cost estimates.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports, drawings, maps, notes, correspondence, and other written materials. 
• Explain engineering design criteria, policies, ordinances, and procedures to consultants.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field; and 

Three (3) to five (5) years engineering experience involving the construction and design of water utility systems and facilities. 

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of California. 

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. 

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also occasionally work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and road hazards. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing District policies and procedures.