Public Works Technician II

Multiple Public Works Technician II positions available in the Right of Way, Land Surveying, and Street Construction & Design divisions.

About the role

Perform intermediate-level engineering technician work inspecting, investigating, drafting, administering, and designing public works projects.

Responsibilities

Right of Way (ROW) Division

• Review, process, and issue all permit types for work within the City of Saint Paul Right of Way.
• Inspect operations and worksites of permitted contractors.
• Conduct field inspections for permit adherence, operations confirmation, amendments, project site traffic safety, complaint resolutions, and permit closeout.
• Inspect excavations for proper backfilling protocols and pavement restorations.
• Collaborate with Right of Way field personnel, other city departments, government entities, private contractors, and residents.
• Review utility plan submittals through the utility plan review program.
• Maintain road closure data in the GIS system.
• Use office suite software including Paulie permitting software.
• Respond to field complaints and safety concerns.
• Attend permit project coordination meetings and pre-construction conferences.

Land Surveying Division

• Set up and operate advanced surveying instruments such as total stations, GNSS/GPS receivers, data collectors, and digital levels with precision.
• Ensure equipment is calibrated and maintained regularly.
• Conduct topographic, boundary, construction layout, and as-built surveys for public infrastructure projects (roads, utilities, sidewalks, drainage systems).
• Accurately stake out features for construction crews using engineering plans and design drawings.
• Assist in establishing control networks and verifying existing benchmarks.
• Work closely with licensed land surveyors, engineers, and project managers to interpret design plans and translate them into accurate fieldwork.
• Understand and apply local government standards, CAD drawings, and legal descriptions.
• Lead or guide junior crew members in the field, ensuring proper setup, data collection methods, and safety procedures.
• Train new hires or interns on equipment usage and field protocols.
• Collect precise field data and ensure its accuracy before submitting it for processing.
• Perform field calculations (e.g., inverses, offsets, elevations) as needed to support real-time decisions.
• Coordinate survey efforts with engineering, construction inspection, GIS, and utility maintenance divisions.
• Respond to requests for locating public infrastructure, property lines, easements, or rights-of-way.
• Utilize software such as Trimble, TBC, AutoCAD Civil 3D, SCENE, GIS, and SharePoint.

Street Construction & Design Division – Street Construction Inspection

• Perform inspection work related to Public Works construction projects in compliance with city, state, and federal regulations.
• Inspect day-to-day operations of contractors, documenting work including excavation, concrete, grading and base, paving, sewer systems, and erosion control.
• Review construction plans and make field modifications as needed.
• Provide public information and coordination with businesses, residents, and the public.

Requirements

Must meet one of the following:

• Two years of experience performing basic engineering technician work (land survey, traffic studies, routine construction inspection, project design, or drafting).
• Twenty-four post-secondary credits in technical classes and one year of experience performing basic engineering technician work (land survey, traffic studies, routine construction inspection, project design, or drafting).

Depending on assignment, must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver’s License or equivalent out-of-state driver’s license.

Schedule

• Right of Way Division: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday (899 North Dale Street).
• Land Surveying Division: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday – Friday (1000 City Hall Annex).
• Street Construction & Design Division: 6:30/7:00 AM – 3:00/3:30 PM, Monday – Friday, with occasional overtime during summer months (900 City Hall Annex).

Pay

$61,443.20 - $84,968.00 annually.

Benefits

• Competitive wages.
• Health insurance.
• Retirement contributions.
• Paid vacation and sick time.

The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers, promoting equity, inclusion, and belonging. The workforce reflects the diverse city it serves, and leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda.