Engineering Technician III

About the Role

Performs engineering technical support work in plan and permit review and acceptance, and other engineering technical support programs for compliance and industry requirements under limited supervision. Leads, supervises, and mentors the Engineering Technician II group to support monitoring, cleaning, maintenance, rehabilitation, and repair of the Solid Waste Management Program’s complex methane gas systems, H₂S systems, leachate pump stations, and stormwater systems.

Supervises the scope of work and coordinates with staff and vendors to ensure timely completion of projects, including evaluating and inspecting job sites, scheduling, coordinating with other jurisdictions and environmental agencies for necessary permits, and monitoring work crew production. Provides overall supervision and scheduling for 24/7 on-call staff.

DPWES is a diverse, nationally-accredited, and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for Fairfax County, Virginia. Join the team to help protect the environment and serve the community by creating and preserving a sustainable place to live, work, and play.

Responsibilities

• Performs advanced engineering technical support work in plan and permit review and acceptance for compliance and industry requirements.
• Reviews and marks-up plans and plats through various preliminary and pre-final submissions from design and project managers, using both electronic and manual methods.
• Performs quality control and assurance reviews of technical programs to triage common errors and ensure compliance.
• Independently develops and presents recommended courses of action to resolve project issues, non-compliance, and mediates sensitive complaints.
• Responds to citizen inquiries and requests through site investigations, record reviews, and research to determine program levels of service and recommend agency actions.
• Provides project support, including assisting engineering staff with topographic surveys, utility designation, and coordinating permit applications for maintenance projects.
• Conducts field inspections of stormwater management facilities (e.g., dry/wet ponds, low-impact development facilities) to identify repairs in accordance with county and industry standards.
• Troubleshoots, maintains, and assists with the construction of facilities and equipment.
• Manages asset management systems, including inventory, work order planning, emergency call center monitoring, and preventive maintenance.
• Creates, prioritizes, and refers work orders to appropriate teams for repair, maintenance, or rehabilitation.
• Procures, installs, and operates new equipment; evaluates building systems to determine code compliance.
• Schedules external contractors and conducts inventory assessments of facility and equipment assets.
• Drafts plans, develops estimates, and specifications for design; selects, plans, designs, constructs, and maintains equipment and systems.
• Investigates problems or malfunctions and recommends solutions or corrective actions.
• Writes detailed maintenance or operations procedures; participates in contract administration and negotiation.
• Reviews and approves contractor proposals, cost estimates, and invoices; ensures timely and correct completion of work.
• Processes partial releases from banks and mortgage companies for land rights acquisition.
• Scales plans to determine square footage, use groups, and bond reductions for fee calculations.
• Ensures compliance with permits and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality regulations for landfill gas, stormwater, leachate, and groundwater systems.
• Maintains and troubleshoots environmental compliance equipment (e.g., landfill gas flares, groundwater wells, leachate pumps).
• Monitors, troubleshoots, and maintains Flood Warning System equipment, including ALERT, SCADA, and Contrail systems.
• Identifies storm sewer system asset defects and classifies necessary repairs or maintenance.
• Engages in safe working practices, complies with safety programs, and reports unsafe conditions.

Requirements

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to high school graduation or a GED issued by a state department of education, plus four years of engineering technical support work.

Certifications and Licenses

• A valid driver’s license.
• Class II Waste Management Facility Operators License (within 18 months of hire).
• OSHA-Approved Confined Space Training – 16 Hour Course (within 6 months of hire).
• Aerial Lift and Fall Restraint Certification (within 6 months of hire).
• Forklift Safety Training Certificate (within 3 months of hire).

The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Erosion & Sediment Control (E&S) License.
• Class II Facility Operators License.
• Class B CDL with tanker endorsement.
• Purchasing experience (e.g., purchase orders, purchase requisitions).
• Three years of Solid Waste experience.
• Two years of pump station and methane gas experience.
• Two years managing construction projects.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of engineering science and technology, including principles, techniques, and equipment for design, maintenance, and production of plans, permits, or construction.
• Thorough knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics for project completion and problem-solving.
• Thorough knowledge of county, state, and federal laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to the technical field.
• Knowledge of engineering construction methods, inspection methods, and equipment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices; ability to comply with safety protocols.
• Ability to prepare accurate drawings and maps.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.
• Ability to process, compile, code, and verify information accurately (e.g., field notes, data).
• Ability to evaluate compliance of plans, specifications, permits, or inspection results with standards.
• Ability to estimate technical and resource requirements for projects.
• Ability to review and interpret technical documents (e.g., maps, plans, schematics).
• Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and correct equipment and technical process malfunctions.
• Ability to design, analyze, and use systems within quality control and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Ability to use software or adaptive devices for data entry and maintenance.
• Ability to create graphical representations and utilize tools/technology for work facilitation.
• Ability to collect, compile, and interpret research data.
• Ability to respond to sensitive complaints and provide detailed technical explanations.
• Ability to maintain effective work relationships and collaborate in a team environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

Visual acuity to review detailed drawings and perform inspections.

Benefits

• Defined-benefit retirement plan.
• Medical, life, and disability insurance.
• Paid leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
• LiveWell Program promoting holistic wellness (physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial).

Holiday, weekend, on-call, and overtime work may be required. Position is designated as "Essential Emergency Services Personnel," requiring reporting to duty regardless of county operating status.