Engineering Technician I / II at Palmdale Water District – Palmdale, California

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Ranges:

-Engineering Tech I $41.89-$46.24

JOB SUMMARY

To perform technical engineering support duties in drafting/design, plan check review, mapping, engineering recordkeeping, and customer service inquiries related to the District’s water distribution system and facilities improvement projects.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Engineering Technician I - This is the entry level class in the Engineering Technician series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience and work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. The Engineering Technician 1 class is distinguished from the 2 level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the 2 level. Incumbents work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.

Engineering Technician II - This is the journey level class in the Engineering Technician series and is distinguished from the 1 level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the 1 level.

Supervision Received and Exercised

All levels receive supervision from the Engineering Manager.

Examples Of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare and review technical designs, maps, drawings, visual aids, and graphic presentation materials related to District facilities projects; use manual or computerized methods to develop or revise engineering drawings during design and construction phases.
• Perform technical design review including conceptual and detailed design review according to District standards and polices; issue rejection or will-serve notifications.
• Using a variety of technical engineering software including computer aided design/drafting (CADD), produce and maintain maps via geographic information systems (GIS); maintain and make adjustments to the District’s distribution system hydraulic model.
• Plan checking CADD files.
• Maintain mapping and recording of the District’s conveyance and distribution systems and related water facilities; identify and report problems with new and/or existing pipeline maintenance and construction.
• Establish, maintain, and close out project files, including tract, commercial, single parcel and specification files according to District engineering standards; ensure compliance with project documentation requirements; prepare and maintain as-built drawings.
• Provide database management of maps and records; add new layers, edit documents or make corrections as needed to document project and engineering/construction history and maintain District mapping records in an up-to-date status.
• Create and run queries and prepare format output for various routine and special reports required by District departments; update programs and systems with patches and service pack releases provided by outsourced vendors.
• Respond at the public counter, by telephone electronic mail, or regular correspondence to inquiries from the general public, contractors, developers, landowners, consultants, and other agencies or utilities regarding availability of and requirements for water service and fire flow.
• Work with consultants and private engineers relative to the design of water project facilities; prepare estimates for connection fees and construction meter installation; prepare a variety of technical and narrative reports.
• Conduct field site investigations; verify conditions, measurements, and conformity to specifications; locate public utility lines and confirm adequate fire flow pressures; perform survey work and prepare field sketches and notes.
• Assist in the design and preparation of plans for new or expanded District buildings; prepare plan specifications or modifications and ensure compliance with building and design codes and regulations.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Engineering Technician I

Knowledge of:

• Basic manual and computerized practices and methods used in civil engineering drafting, design, and mapping including CADD and GIS.
• Principles of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Basic surveying practices and related equipment.
• Principles and practices of recordkeeping.
• Computer software used in word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Principles and practices of good customer service.

Ability to:

• Perform technical engineering support duties in the design, construction, and maintenance of the District’s water distribution system and facilities improvement projects.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; research, identify and interpret technical and numerical information, including engineering calculations; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedure; and explain regulations and procedures to others.
• Perform mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy.
• Use a variety of computer software to draft and design engineering plans, maps; charts, spreadsheets, and other related documents; maintain databases and records.
• Maintain and update a variety of electronic and hardcopy files.
• Learn District policies and procedures and engineering standards.
• Learn principles and practices of property research, including boundary determination and land title examination.
• Work outside under a variety of climatic and geographic conditions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

No experience is required.

Training

Associate degree coursework in engineering, architecture, mathematics or related field.

License and Certificate

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License.
• Possession of a Distribution Operator Grade 1 Certificate as issued by the State Water Resources Control Board is preferred.

Engineering Technician II

In addition to the qualifications for the Engineering Technician 1:

Knowledge of:

• Advanced engineering computer software applications such as CADD and GIS used in the design and monitoring of civil engineering construction and maintenance projects.
• Property research and real property legal descriptions.
• District policies and procedures, engineering standards, and pertinent local, State, and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.
• Principles and practices of technical report writing and data presentation.

Ability to:

Independently perform technical engineering support duties in the design, construction, and maintenance of the District’s water distribution system and facilities improvement projects.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

Three years of responsible journey experience performing duties similar to an Engineering Technician I with the Palmdale Water District.

Training

Equivalent to an Associate degree from an accredited college with major course work in engineering, architecture, mathematics, or a related field.

License and Certificate

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License.
• Possession of a Distribution Operator Grade 2 Certificate as issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a Treatment Operator Grade 2 Certificate as issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near vision in reading correspondence, statistical data and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold with extreme sun exposure. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Approved: December 2025