DEFINITION
Perform a variety of routine to moderately complex technical field, and/or office engineering work which involves dealing with the public, servicing customer accounts, resolving customer inquiries, problems, and complaints regarding regulations, rates, charges, and overdue payments; perform specialized work related to providing technical assistance at a public information counter and implementing District procedures for development review and permit issuance; perform work related to the appraisal, acquisition, transfer, sale and disposal of publicly owned real property and property rights; process annexations; and as assigned, perform inspections and enforce District regulations relating to construction of public and private sewage facilities.

This is the journey level class in a technical engineering series. An Engineering Assistant II works under general supervision and is expected to perform moderately complex procedures in carrying out a variety of office and field engineering work. Work in this class is distinguished from that of the Engineering Assistant I class by the greater independence with which an incumbent is expected to operate.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receive general supervision from a Supervising Engineering Assistant.
• May receive technical direction from other higher level engineering personnel.

• Perform a variety of routine to moderately complex mathematical calculations using arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Deal with the public by telephone or in person across the counter; handle service inquiries or initial complaints from customers, requiring the use of judgment, tact, and the interpretation of polices and procedures, or refer them to the appropriate personnel if necessary.
• Provide clear, concise, accurate and tactful information to the public, both verbally and in writing; explain District policies and procedures related to connections, permits and sewer service charges.
• Perform clerical support functions by operating a personal computer or network terminal; prepare complete and accurate technical reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Maintain complete and accurate permit, sewer service charge and project records using computer databases or hard copy files.
• Review plans, calculate, collect permit fees and issue permits.
• Calculate adjusted rates for sewer service charges on existing accounts; determine appropriate charges for new connections; update existing accounts based on information from permit counter transactions or other sources.
• Respond to a wide variety of technical and standard questions and inquiries from District staff, contractors, builders, realtors, engineers, and the general public regarding construction plans, specifications, District regulations, and permit  requirements.
• Review properties regarding ownership, restrictions, zoning, easements, etc.
• Gather data and make recommendations regarding easements and rights of way.
• Conduct inspections of new private sewer lateral construction and repairs made by contractors or other agencies.
• Verify air tests and the proper cleaning of sewer lines.
• Make detailed drawings of sewer lines and connections upon construction completion.
• Perform related duties as required.

Knowledge of:

• Mathematics as applied to assigned area of work.
• Fee analysis and report preparation practices.
• Basic electronic data processing applications and database maintenance.
• The use and operation of personal computers in business applications.
• Safety hazards and appropriate precautions applicable to work assignments.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis observe customers' needs, and remember rules, rates, customers, and location of information. Intermittently analyze building plans and reports, identify parcels on maps and from descriptions, interpret District Code regarding fees and construction work, problem solve the application of rules to new situations, and explain fees and regulations to customers.
• Intermittently sit at desk or computer terminal; have mobility between records storage, copier, maps, permit counter; stand or work at permit counter looking at maps and while waiting on the public; twist to reach equipment surrounding desk, and perform simple grasping; use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 25 pounds or less.
• Depending on assignment, intermittently sit to drive or ride in a vehicle for long periods of time, walk over a variety of terrain; stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist at job sites.
• Learn the specific, often moderately complex and technical, procedures related to the work.
• Organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Express self clearly and concisely.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the public and District personnel.
• Read and interpret rules, policies, and procedures.
• Gather data, prepare reports, and maintain accurate records.
• Maintain attention to detail with frequent interruptions.
• Perform routine to moderately complex clerical work.
• Function in an electronic data processing environment.

Experience:

• Two years of experience in technical engineering work.

Education:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by courses in mathematics, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, surveying, and drafting.

• May need to possess a valid California Driver’s License as required by the position.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of engineering and surveying as they apply to area of assignment.
• Basic accounting and customer billing procedures to detect and correct errors.
• Practices, methods, materials, and equipment used in the construction of sewer collection facilities.
• Policies, regulations, specifications, and requirements governing the construction, extension, and maintenance of sewer system and facilities.
• Principles and methods of easement preparation and acquisition.
• The form, purposes, and uses of land descriptions.

Ability to:

• Work under limited supervision.
• Read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, survey notes, and related materials.
• Conduct detailed and accurate inspections of sewer system construction projects.
• Analyze, interpret, apply, and explain moderately complex and technical policies, procedures, codes, statutes, descriptions, and documents; make recommendations.
• Resolve problems and implement policies and procedures.
• Accurately perform computations including those involving algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as related to area of assignment.
• Analyze rates and charges and prepare reports thereon.
• Understand the use of software programs related to database functions and structure.

Experience:

• Eighteen months of experience comparable to that of an Engineering Assistant I class in the District.