Engineering Technician 3

Why it's a great opportunity: In this role as an Engineering Technician 3 with the Construction Engineering team, you will play a vital role in ensuring that County road projects are inspected and built to meet requirements as specified in the plans and specifications. You will work with Contractors and the Construction Inspection Supervisor to provide project guidance, material inspection and testing, documentation for measurement, and payment. You and your team will ensure that the County’s roadway projects are done correctly per the plans and specifications.

Here is a link to several of the County’s road projects.

About the department

PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement.

Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

How to be successful in the role

Your success will come from having the skills and knowledge of WSDOT Standard Specifications and Pierce County Standards with the ability to apply those documents to project inspection. Your ability to communicate well both in person and in writing, understanding construction sequencing, and ability to explain details related to contract specifications, materials, and standards to the contractor will be essential. Your focus on the mission, details, positive attitude, and strong ability to communicate transparently and concisely will further ensure your success.

Future opportunities

You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Responsibilities

• Inputs measurements and information into calculators and computer systems utilizing coordinate geometry and computer aided drafting programs to produce project documents for records and payments.
• Writes technical reports, or letters to support an engineering task or job function, records information for future use in an engineering function or job.
• Provides technical information and explains policies and procedures to the public, other staff or groups in person, on the telephone or in writing.
• Performs engineering calculations and drafting, prepares "as built" drawings for approval.
• Conducts on-site inspections or performs the inspection of materials and projects for contract compliance; prepares inspection reports for routine projects.
• Reviews routine plans, specifications or engineering reports for conformance to pre-established Pierce County standards.
• Reviews preliminary estimates of materials, quantities, and costs for construction and maintenance projects.
• Develops and maintains project files and other records.
• Prepares and checks the preparation of monthly cost and progress estimates, other engineering data, and final reports upon the completion of projects; maintains construction diary.
• Interprets plans and specifications to ensure compliance with project documents as inspector-in-charge of routine engineering projects.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Requirements

• Two or more years of progressively responsible related experience.
• Two years of college or post-high school technical training.
• A valid driver’s license is required of the position.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Traffic flagger training.
• CESCL certification.
• WSDOT Construction Inspector Training.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.