Job Description

Posting number: 26-3240-01 (O/PW)

Department: Public Works

Job classification: Engineering Technician I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Building & Safety, Building Maintenance, Engineering, Environmental Services, Facility Management, Public Works, Waste Management, Miscellaneous, Construction Maintenance, Building & Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance, Database Administration

Summary

Salary:

Engineering Technician I: $69,222.40 - $82,852.64 Annually

Engineering Technician II: $79,187.68 - $95,012.32 Annually

Benefits: Explore the Benefits Summary

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.

*NOTE: Depending on the candidate's qualifications and the needs of the department, the selected candidate(s) may be appointed at the I or II level.

The County of Santa Barbara Public Works Department is currently accepting applications to fill two (2) Engineering Technician I/II vacancies - one in the Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division in Santa Barbara and one in the Encroachment Permits section within the Transportation Division in Santa Barbara.

We are also accepting applications to establish employment lists for future Full-Time, Part-Time, Civil Service Rule 1414* and Extra-Help Engineering Technician I/II vacancies in multiple locations (Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, etc.). Please make sure you select on your application which location(s) and division(s) you are willing to accept current and future employment.

NOTE: Positions vacated as a result of a leave of absence (Civil Service Rule 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.

THE POSITION: Under close supervision, trains to perform or performs paraprofessional civil engineering work in design, mapping, database management, utility coordination, materials testing, hydrology, permits, construction inspection, or other civil engineering specialties; performs related duties as required.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE will have:

• Microsoft Office Suite skills and experience (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Familiarity with drafting/design software (e.g. AutoCAD Civil 3D) and GIS software
• Adobe Suite skills and experience for creating and editing visual presentations, site maps, and diagrams
• A team-first attitude and the ability to successfully work with managers, peers, and support staff from multi-disciplinary teams
• Ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and personalities
• Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet deadlines with competing deadlines
• Solution-oriented, strategic, and problem-solving skills
• Calm demeanor under all circumstances and the ability to handle high stress situations, thrive under pressure and adapt to change
• Ability to process, interpret and communicate technical information in a timely manner (return phone calls and emails)
• Ability to prepare and write clear and concise reports, and keep records organized accordingly
• Desire to serve the public and be a good steward of public funds
• Ability to exercise good judgement, high ethical standards, and dedication to assigned tasks
• Motivation to learn and initiative to work above and beyond the initial job or task assigned
• Demonstrated knowledge and interest in the field of civil engineering design

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Engineering Technician I/II is a flexibly staffed series. Engineering Technician I is a trainee level at which incumbents perform a variety of office and/or field technical duties characterized by routine projects, progressing toward assignments of moderate difficulty and potential promotion to the higher level. Engineering Technician I receive close supervision on new aspects of assignments, whereas Engineering Technician II receive general instructions on assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions.

Public Works Department

The County's Public Works Department employees are committed to efficiently providing, operating and maintaining public works infrastructure, facilities and services to make everyday life as safe and convenient as possible for the public we serve. The Department is comprised of five Divisions: Administration, Resource Recovery & Waste Management, Surveyor's Office, Transportation, and Water Resources. To learn more about the Public Works Department, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/184/Public-Works.

Examples of duties

1. Construction: Oversees construction projects of substantial complexity; leads and participates in construction inspection; prepares final labor and materials reports; recommends approval of construction work and contract payments.
2. Encroachment Permits: Process encroachment permit applications using Accela and Bluebeam, inspect field work.
3. Contract Administration: Develops and tracks operational contracts for environmental management system. Schedules contractors for maintenance of technical operating systems including SCADA, landfill gas collection, liquid collection and gas-to-energy systems.
4. Management of Environmental Control Systems: Operates environmental management systems including landfill gas collection, liquid collection systems, anaerobic digestion facility and gas-to-energy systems. Performs or coordinates required service of all environmental control systems and maintains service records according to O&M manuals and as required by applicable regulations.
5. Landfill Environmental Compliance Reporting: Assists in the preparation of various reports to regulatory agencies. Collects and analyzes field data in order to maintain environmental compliance at all times. Assists in acquiring regulatory permits.
6. Design: Assists with design work of complex engineering projects; reviews the designs, calculations, and cost estimates of other technicians; trains and assists technicians in the various functions of CAD software and other specialized applications.
7. Inspection and Data Analysis: Conducts inspections of contractor work with an emphasis on documentation of all work performed. Collects and analyzes data in order to ensure optimal operations of environmental management systems including landfill gas collection, liquid collection systems, anaerobic digestion facility and gas-to-energy systems.
8. Recordkeeping of Operating Systems: Completes reports of all service and maintenance inspections in a timely manner in accordance with operating and maintenance manuals. Must have the ability to interpret technical manuals and diagrams.
9. Materials Testing: Participates in field and lab inspections and tests of construction materials; certifies material test results; recommends materials of construction; prepares material testing reports; and trains technicians in testing procedures and equipment.

Qualifications

1. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent including coursework in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; OR,
2. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Driver License may be required for some positions.

Desirable Qualifications: some knowledge of engineering technology, drafting, and/or CAD may be required for some positions.

Knowledge of: mathematics, including: algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

Ability to: learn surveying, drafting, testing and inspection principles and procedures; perform assigned work; make arithmetical computations; prepare accurate and neat calculations and drawings; follow oral and written instructions; learn to input, access, and analyze data using a personal computer terminal; prepare and maintain accurate records; work effectively with the public, other government agencies, contractors, and staff; perform manual tasks under a variety of conditions; and establish and maintain effective relationships with others.

Supplemental information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking – Responses to the required Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking examination will be evaluated and scored. Candidates’ final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 12 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s) and exact duration of the employment list.

NOTE: Veteran’s preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans’ hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veteran’s preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran’s Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The ability to perform physical tasks of moderate difficulty may be required for some positions in this class.

The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a medical provider or a learning institution.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: November 12, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty.

Kim Clark, Human Resources Specialist, kiclark@countyofsb.org