Engineering Technician

The City of Upland Public Works Department is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated professional to serve as an Engineering Technician. This position plays an important role in supporting the City's engineering and development services by providing technical assistance for capital improvement projects, plan review, permit processing, engineering records, and public works operations. As a key member of the Engineering team, you'll help ensure capital and development projects are accurately reviewed, documented, and coordinated to support the City's continued growth and infrastructure needs. 

The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in civil engineering support, drafting, plan interpretation, specification preparation, and development services. Responsibilities include reviewing plans and permits for completeness, preparing engineering drawings and exhibits, maintaining project records and GIS data, calculating fees, coordinating with engineers, developers, contractors, consultants, and the public, and providing technical support for a variety of engineering projects. We are looking for someone who is organized, customer-focused, and committed to delivering accurate, high-quality work in a collaborative environment. 

The best candidates are proactive problem-solvers with excellent organizational and communication skills who enjoy working on projects that improve the community. If you're ready to contribute to meaningful public infrastructure projects while supporting the City's engineering and development efforts, we invite you to apply and join the City of Upland team.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. 

• Performs skilled technical engineering support work; prepares documentation, drawings, and files related to civil engineering and Public Works related activities.
• Performs technical plan checks of minor grading and site plans for a variety of dwelling structures and facilities to ensure compliance with City development conditions and Municipal Code provisions.
• Responds to inquiries from staff, developers, contractors, consultants, businesses, and the public regarding City requirements relative to the construction, alteration, and maintenance of civil engineering facilities and geophysical conditions.
• Responds to questions regarding water and sewer capacity in regard to connection fees, utilization locations, size, flow, pressure, easements, and other inquiries.
• Prepares, calculates, and collects a variety of public works or utility-related fees and charges; issues permits and receipts for fees and deposits.
• Maintains project files and engineering records, including creation and maintenance of capital improvement projects, inspection projects, and other databases.
• Participates in the preparation, filing, retrieval, and distribution of a variety of engineering maps, grading plans, improvement plans, and related documents, including assigning addresses for new construction locations. 
• Completes reimbursement agreements, lien agreements, and related correspondence affiliated with development actions and right-of-way improvements.
• Receives and reviews a variety of City permits for completeness and processing.
• Provides technical support to engineering staff regarding capital improvement projects and private development projects, as assigned.
• Provides staff assistance of a generalized nature as well as in areas of specialty such as drawing development, permit review and issuance, inspection, GIS updates, and data management.
• Prepares written correspondence, documents, and presentation materials, including photos, graphs, exhibits, maps, and other materials for Council reports, department projects, and reports.
• Interprets and applies rules, regulations, and policies.
• Assists the public and other agencies in person, by telephone, and via email by answering routine questions and providing information about Citywide services and processes 
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: 

• Principles and practices of design, drafting, and general construction.
• General building and construction methods and terminology. 
• Basic engineering principles, plan types, map types, and legal descriptions.
• Public works construction inspection techniques.
• Methods and techniques of preparing, reading, and interpreting engineering drawings, maps, charts, and related documents.
• Technical engineering mathematics. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to construction permitting, engineering, and land use.
• Common construction methods and materials.
• Principles and procedures of recordkeeping, basic report writing, and presentation preparation software and techniques.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. 
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

 
Ability to: 

• Perform technical engineering duties in support of civil engineering and Public Works activities.
• Read and interpret routine engineering and construction plans, technical drawings, specifications, and subdivision maps.
• Conduct research on property ownership, valuation, and other matters.
• Prepare and update maps and engineering documents.
• Compose correspondence and reports independently or from brief instructions.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, databases, and basic written records of work performed.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Make accurate arithmetic computations.
• Prepare plans and drawings neatly and accurately.
• Use and care for engineering and drafting instruments and equipment.
• Follow written and oral instructions involving technical engineering or planning terminology.
• Understand and interpret legal property descriptions, engineering, street and planning records, and maps.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems. 
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. 
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. 
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Demands:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.