About the Department

Please note: This is a departmental promotional recruitment. Departmental promotional recruitments are only open to permanent status County employees that are currently employed within the vacant positions department.

Under general supervision, performs difficult and complex technical and paraprofessional engineering work in the field and office, including installation, diagnosis, repair, maintenance and modification of traffic signal systems; provides work direction and review for assigned staff; performs related work as assigned.
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced specialist level in the engineering technical support series, performing difficult, complex and specialized work and/or providing work direction, review and training to assigned staff.  This is not considered a supervisory class in that the selection, evaluation and discipline of employees is not assigned at this level.  It is distinguished from the professional engineering classes in that the latter perform a wide variety of engineering duties requiring the equivalent of completion of a four-year college or university engineering curriculum.

Position Duties

•  Performs complex technical work related to the design and construction of public works, road, bridge, drainage and capital improvement projects and related work.
• Provides work direction, review and training for less experienced staff.
• Completes drawings, plans, estimates, and preliminary reports for difficult construction and improvement projects; prepares or participates in the preparation of estimates and specifications; prepares or reviews complex engineering designs and plans as assigned.
• Performs resident engineering work including the supervision and inspection of public works projects.
• Performs inspections on more complex construction projects, subdivision improvements and encroachments to ensure compliance with plans, specifications and standards.
• Performs construction contract administration; monitors and enforces compliance with contract provisions by contractors and sub-contractors.
• Coordinates and supervises the collection and reduction of field data and the preparation of maps, cross-sections and related survey data.
• Performs field and office work related to property or right-of-way boundaries; prepares property descriptions and maps; researches records and files.
• Computes land, earthwork and other estimated quantities for assigned construction projects.
• Reviews applications, inspects plans and issues permits in compliance with established policy guidelines.
• Reviews and evaluates plans and maps for compliance with applicable state and County regulations.
• Performs routine replacement of traffic signal devices and equipment; performs preventive maintenance and testing.
• Responds to traffic signal malfunction requests, including all hour emergencies.
• Makes complex technical engineering and mathematical computations.
• Provides information and confers with contractors, engineers, developers and representatives of other government agencies and the public regarding assigned areas of expertise.
• Uses a computer and electronic calculator to solve a variety of engineering related problems.
• Prepares and maintains accurate records, correspondence and various technical, statistical or narrative reports.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

•  Basic supervisory principles and practice
•  Principles, practices and terminology of varied engineering technical support work including drafting, mapping, design, construction, survey, permitting, field inspection and right-of-way.
•   Common public works construction methods and materials.
•   Engineering mathematics through trigonometry.
•   Computer user applications related to the work.
•   Standard office practices and procedures.
•   Data collection and analysis methods.
•   Methods, tools, materials and equipment used in the construction, installation,  operation, maintenance and repair of electrical and electronic traffic signal and lighting systems.

Skill in:

•      Planning, assigning, supervising and reviewing the work of others.
•      Training others in work procedure.
•      Organizing and prioritizing work and meeting critical deadlines.
•      Performing engineering technical support work in a variety of areas.
•      Using drafting tools and equipment and preparing skilled layouts, map  and graphic materials.
•      Analyzing engineering technical and statistical information, evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations.
•      Making accurate mathematical calculations.
•      Making accurate records, sketches and notes and preparing clear an concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
•      Making accurate field inspections and enforcing compliance with plans  and specifications.
•      Reading and interpreting engineering plans and specifications.
•      Operating and maintaining precision surveying instruments.
•      Inspection, installation and maintenance and repair of electrical and electronic traffic signal systems.
•      Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:
Must possess a valid California driver's license.  Must be willing to work outdoors year round in all weather conditions.
 
Desirable Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:
 
Equivalent to completion of two years of college or possession of an Associate of Arts degree in a pre-engineering or closely related curriculum and three years of work experience in engineering technical support work and traffic system installation and maintenance, including at least two years at the level of the County's class of Engineering Technician II.

Other Qualifications

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca. 

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. 

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. 

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement.  Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.  

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable.  Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

Can I change my application after submitting it?

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. 

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States.  For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.  THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.