Engineering Assistant I, II, or III Design Section - Bridge Division - Texas Department of Transportation : Job Details

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.

The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

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:

Engineering Assistant I:

• Performs research and problem solving of engineering-related problems.
• Reviews construction plans prepared by consultants
• Reviews/designs and details bridge and structural elements.
• 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 bridge structures.
• Participates in Career Development for the Engineering Assistants program which includes job rotation, training and continuing education.
• Performs design computations and plan preparations to include preparing plan sheets for construction projects.
• Performs engineering-related calculations and drafting/design work.
• Uses automated structural design programs and computer-assisted design/engineering systems.

Engineering Assistant II:

• Performs all of the above duties plus
• Performs advanced and specialized engineering design work for bridge structures.

Engineering Assistant III:

• Performs all of the above duties plus
• Trains less experienced engineering assistants, specialists and technicians.

Minimum Qualifications for all levels:

EducationBachelor'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.

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

• Mandatory: Safety Impact Certificate
• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Additional Certification required for Engineer Assistant II and III:

• Mandatory: TX Engineer In Training Certificate

Competencies:

• Engineering Assistant I:
• Computer-aided drafting and design systems.
• Applying engineering principles, practices and methods in job responsibilities.
• Performing calculations using algebra, trigonometry and geometry
• Application of engineering fundamentals
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals.
• Engineering designs for bridge structures
• Design review for bridge structures

Engineering Assistant II:

• Greater skill in the above and:
• Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints and maps

Engineering Assistant III:

• Greater skill in the above and:
• Research and analysis methodologies
• Advanced and specialized design/drafting for bridge structures

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Engineering Assistant I, II, III:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

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.