Engineering Assistant I, II, III - Sinton Area Office

About the role

Performs engineering work involving job rotation, training, and continuing education in design, construction, construction inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental, and transportation operations-related activities. The intent is 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 perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP), which includes signing a Program Agreement outlining employee responsibilities and service time commitment.

Responsibilities

• Engineering Assistant I:
  • Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through training, exams, and documentation.
  • Applies engineering principles, methods, and techniques to transportation-related activities.
  • Assists during emergencies and inclement weather.
  • Assists with contract administration for construction and maintenance projects to ensure contractor compliance.
  • Participates in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program, including job rotation, training, and continuing education.
  • Performs engineering calculations for plan quantities as part of PS&E (Plans, Specifications, and Estimates) preparation.
  • Performs engineering-related duties in transportation engineering, including planning, design, data collection, evaluation, and analysis.
  • Performs research and problem-solving of engineering-related issues.
  • Performs other assigned job responsibilities.
• Engineering Assistant II (in addition to the above):
  • Performs advanced and specialized engineering design work.
  • Assists with contract administration for construction and maintenance projects.
• Engineering Assistant III (in addition to the above):
  • May serve as a lead worker and related tasks.
  • Trains less experienced engineering assistants, specialists, and technicians.
  • Performs construction inspection and material sampling/testing.
  • Prepares and checks plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) and designs.
  • Reviews engineering work for calculation errors and compliance with applicable federal and state laws, industry standards, and guidelines.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's Degree in engineering or a related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TX PELS).

• Acceptable substitutions:
  • A Master's degree in engineering or a Master of Engineering degree from an institution with an EAC/ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in the same discipline may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.
  • A Doctoral degree in engineering or a Doctor of Engineering degree from an institution with an EAC/ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in the same discipline may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

• Engineering Assistant I: No work experience required. No supervisory experience required.
• Engineering Assistant II: 1 year of engineering-related experience (full-time or prorated part-time equivalent). No supervisory experience required.
• Engineering Assistant III: 2 years of engineering-related experience (full-time or prorated part-time equivalent). No supervisory experience required. Passing the Professional Engineer (PE) exam prior to obtaining requisite experience may substitute for two years of engineering-related work experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license (required for driving a state vehicle).
• Safety Impact Certificate (upon hire).
• Engineering Assistant II & III: Texas Engineer In Training Certificate (EIT).
• Engineering Assistant III: A passing PE test score.

Skills

• Engineering Assistant I:
  • Knowledge of applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations for safeguarding information and IT systems.
  • Understanding of transportation design engineering principles, practices, and methods, and application of engineering theory.
  • Familiarity with plans, specifications, estimates preparation, review, processing, and compliance requirements.
  • Knowledge of inspection methods, procedures, and techniques.
  • Understanding of plan review methods, processes, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance.
  • Familiarity with highway construction and maintenance practices.
  • Ability to apply engineering fundamentals and perform calculations using algebra, trigonometry, and geometry.
  • Maintains safe and effective working relationships.
  • Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions supporting business objectives.
• Engineering Assistant II (in addition to the above):
  • Proficiency in using engineering workstations and applications of engineering technology.
  • Ability to perform calculations for material and labor estimates, expenses, technical survey data, and engineering calculations.
  • Experience training in classroom, office, or field environments.
• Engineering Assistant III (in addition to the above):
  • Ability to lead, assign, review, and monitor the work of others.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Subject to environmental conditions, including protection from weather but not temperature changes.
• Subject to extreme cold and heat (below 32°F or above 100°F for more than one hour).
• Medium work: Lifting up to 50 lbs at a time and frequently lifting or carrying objects up to 25 lbs.
• Balancing: Walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist.
• Crouching: Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing: Prolonged periods of time.
• Walking: Moving on foot to accomplish tasks, including long distances or between work sites.
• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing; working primarily with fingers rather than the whole hand.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words.
• Close Visual Acuity: Working with data/figures, viewing a computer screen, and extensive reading.

Conditions of Employment

• Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) is mandatory, including signing a Program Agreement outlining responsibilities and service time commitment. Failure to comply may result in reclassification.
• Required to work weekends, holidays, and hours other than 8 AM to 5 PM.
• Required to work under exposure to inclement weather conditions.
• Must wear personal protective equipment provided by the employer and comply with all safety requirements.
• Must be able to report for duty within 45 minutes of notification on a 24-hour basis to respond to emergency situations.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical, as this job is physically demanding.
• 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.
• A mathematical simulation will be part of the interview process.

Pay

• Engineering Assistant I (B20): $51,158 - $81,351 annually.
• Engineering Assistant II (B21): $54,278 - $87,046 annually.
• Engineering Assistant III (B22): $57,614 - $93,138 annually.

The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the right to determine the level of the position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and business needs.

Benefits

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents in 2024, and many offices are designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites.

For a complete list of the total compensation package, visit the TxDOT website. To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees, visit Benefits at a Glance.

Schedule

Full-time, regular employee status.