Engineering Assistant I, II, or III-Bridge Division

Performs engineering work. Work involves job rotation, training and continuing education in design, construction, construction inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental and/or transportation operations-related activities with the intent to actively pursue engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams. Design activity is supervised by a licensed professional engineer who has authority for final approval of all projects. Work requires contact with local governmental representatives, engineering contractors and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

NOTE:  All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the Engineering Assistant Career Development program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment.

Essential Duties:

The essential duties for the Engineer Assistant I include:

• Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams and completion/maintenance of required documentation.

• Applies engineering principles, methods, and techniques to a wide variety of transportation-related activities.

• Participates in Career Development for the Engineering Assistants program which includes job rotation, training, and continuing education.

• Performs engineering-related calculations and drafting/design work.

• Performs design computations and plan preparations to include preparing plan sheets for construction projects.

• Performs research and problem solving of engineering-related problems.

• Reviews construction plans prepared by consultants.

• Uses automated roadway/structural/hydraulic design programs and computer-assisted design/engineering systems.

• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Additional duties for Engineer Assistant II include:

Performs all of the above duties plus.

• Performs advanced and specialized engineering design work

Additional duties for Engineer Assistant III include:

Performs all of the above duties plus

• Trains less experienced engineering assistants, specialists, and technicians.

Minimum Qualifications for all levels:

Education: 

Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Acceptable Substitutions for all levels:

• Master's degree in engineering or a Master of engineering degree from an institution that offers a bachelor of science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

• Doctoral degree in engineering or a doctor of engineering degree from an institution that offers a bachelor of science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

Additional Acceptable Substitution Engineering Assistant III: 

Experience:

• Engineer Assistant I:  No work experience is required.  No supervisory experience required.

• Engineer Assistant II:  1 year of Engineering related experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).  No supervisory experience required.

• Engineer Assistant III:  2 years of Engineering related experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).  No supervisory experience required. Passing Professional Engineer (PE) exam prior to obtaining requisite experience for gaining PE licensure may substitute for two (2) years of engineering related work experience. 

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

• Mandatory: Safety Impact Certificate

Additional Certification required for Engineer Assistant II and III: 

• Mandatory:  TX Engineer In Training Certificate

Preferred Qualifications:

• Has passed the FE    

Competencies:

The required competencies for the Engineer Assistant I include:

• Application of engineering fundamentals

• Computer-aided drafting and design systems.

• Engineering designs for bridge structures

• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities

• Performing calculations using algebra, trigonometry, and geometry

• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that supports business objectives and goals.

Additional competencies for Engineer Assistant II include:

Greater skill in the above and:

• Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints, and maps

   

Additional competencies for Engineer Assistant III include:

Greater skill in the above and:

• Research and analysis methodologies.

• Advanced and specialized design/drafting for bridge structures. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.

• Light work: Lift up to 10lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools.

• Repetitive Motion-substantial movement of the wrist, hands, and/fingers.

• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading.

Conditions of Employment:

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions

Conditions for an Engineer Assistant I:

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical. 

• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.

  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

• All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the EA program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment. Failure to comply with all terms of the Program Agreement will result in reclassification.