County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, Public Works Technical Assistants I perform a variety of technical office and/or field work; establish and maintain detailed and inter-related engineering, maintenance, inspection, construction, building inspection, permits, contracts or land development record-keeping systems; and perform related work as required.

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Public Works Technical Assistant classes are found only in the Public Works Agency. Public Works Technical Assistant I is the entry-level class. Incumbents are closely supervised and their work is more routine in nature, reviewed in process and upon completion. As experience is gained, the incumbent will be expected to work more independently on more difficult problems/projects. Public Works Technical Assistants I are expected to promote to the next higher-level of Public Works Technical Assistant II after one year of experience and demonstrating the necessary knowledge and ability to work with greater independence.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Review site developments, tentative parcel maps, tracts, conditional use permits, variances, rezoning and review construction development applications.

2. Conduct field investigations in response to private development referrals or public complaints and conduct and implement office and field study activities in the area of program specialization and operate field scientific testing and measuring equipment.

3. Maintain files, office records and maps and order specs and plans for inspectors and contractors.

4. Prepare modifications and changes to base maps, schematics and blueprints.

5. Review and process traffic collision reports; conduct traffic data collections and install traffic counter machines or devices.

6. Administration and fee collection responsibility; prepare payment sheets and input calculations for payments; prepare inspector’s payment sheets; send out payments to contractors; prepare purchase orders and process invoices.

7. Issue encroachment or other permits, and process permit applications. Confirm that all appropriate plans, handouts and attachments are included with permits; schedule inspections; verify that all necessary testing reports have been submitted before inspection; track charges and bill permittees as appropriate; coordinate permit close-out and return of any outstanding funds and/or bonds associated with permits.

8. Respond to public inquiries; answer inquiries concerning Flood Control District, Road or County Service Area policies including: maintenance, inspection, construction, building inspection, land development, water quality or other environmental issues.

9. Gather, process, investigate and analyze traffic and safety complaints or requests; determine amount and method of study required; conduct field investigations; apply measuring and tabulating devices and procedures used in traffic analysis; compile and analyze data and submit report with recommendations.

10. Initiate and prepare work orders for all maintenance service requests, including: street lighting equipment and services, road signs, traffic control devices; and for maintenance services for this equipment.

11. Input all notes, attachments and other critical information into Mainstar and close out when completed. Coordinate inspections in response to complaints from the public which may require maintenance services by the Road Department or Flood Control District. Input responses including notes, attachments and other critical information into Mainstar and forward to Maintenance Services for action.

12. Coordinate the preparation and administration of cooperative agreements and contracts; coordinate posting of contract documents; review and approve invoices from Blue Printer for printing and distribution of plans; prepare notices to proceeds for the awarded contractor and prepare contracts for the awarded contractor; schedule pre-bid meeting with contractors, subcontractors, utilities and Agency staff; prepare the agenda and handouts; may act as the department representative.

13. Monitor bid box to ensure that all bids are submitted appropriately and within deadlines; record bidders and bid amounts; distribute copies of bids; check bids for calculation accuracy; input bid results and post them to our website.

14. Prepare maps and exhibits using various software and input data into various computer applications.

15. Prepare graphics and other supporting materials for technical reports and presentations.

16. Review records of survey, parcel maps, tract maps, and water quality or other environmental data for conformity with applicable laws and regulations; prepare documentation describing non-conforming and incomplete documents.

17. Process well permit applications and fees collection; conduct field inspections of permitted well work; verify contractors’ compliance with well reporting requirements; assign state well numbers; conduct well records searches.

18. Gather data for the hydrologic data program by: installing, servicing, manually reading and/or electronically downloading gauges at field sites including those at remote “off-road” locations; transferring data from forms and/or data loggers to a network database; search for and provide archived data.

19. Coordinate clean-up of illicit discharges with consultant; track clean-up activities; verify payments to Consultant for cleanup work; prepare report for State Water Board to satisfy cleanwater requirements.

20. Investigate illegal encroachment complaints, draft initial and follow-up correspondence, track timelines and assist in coordinating final resolution with Agency staff and outside agency staff.

21. Receives, prepares and processes applications for permits at the public counter for conformity with the Alameda County Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, and Zoning Ordinances. Submits completed applications for permits for final approval and signature.

22. Reviews plans for dwellings, dwelling additions or alterations and minor commercial buildings or structure for accuracy and conformity.

23. Advises the public on building practices and interprets codes, ordinances and regulations for laymen, contractors and the general public.

24. Provides information and answers inquiries over the telephone relating to the fee structure; directs complex issues or problems to the Plans Checker, Building Inspector or appropriate personnel.

25. Assists with the gathering of data for inspection reports or investigations regarding inspections, or estimated plan review process and completion date; and processes complaints for illegal work.

26. Maintains complex office records, applications, permits, legal documents and similar materials related to building inspection.

27. As assigned, reviews proposed construction plans and drawings for accuracy, forwards plans requiring detailed technical engineering review to appropriate personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Education:

Completion of 12 semester units (or the equivalent) from an accredited college or junior college in the following subjects or areas; building codes, blueprint reading, public works or construction inspection, mechanical or computer aided drafting, plane surveying, engineering graphics, descriptive geometry, trigonometry, calculus, physics, physical or environmental geology, chemistry, biology, botany, or zoology.

Or II

Experience:

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience performing sub-professional work in the areas of engineering, survey, construction management practices, maintenance, inspection practices, building inspection, permits, contracts, environmental or water quality regulatory compliance.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Office methods and procedures, including filing and record-keeping practices.
• Technical report writing.
• Engineering plans, drawings, maps and specification.
• Elements of traffic studies.
• Environmental and water quality impact assessment and mitigation.
• Elements of engineering design and construction methods.
• Procedures involved in the processing of boundary changes.
• Elements of land surveying.
• Computer programming and operations, including word processing and spreadsheets, databases, photo and graphics programs.
• Contract and agreement administration.
• State of California codes, regulations and specifications related to program responsibility.
• Local, State and Federal environmental and clean water laws and regulations.
• General principles of the natural and physical sciences and storm water and facilities drainage.
• General provisions of the Uniform Building Code, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and the State Electrical and Housing Codes.
• Modern building materials, tools, practices and nomenclature.
• Common methods and practices used in routine public works construction.

Ability to:

• Review plans and legal documents for compliance with agency policies and legal provisions.
• Research, organize and write clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Read and interpret building plans, specifications, legal descriptions, construction and engineering drawings topographic maps, tract descriptions and technical reports in a variety of fields for compliance with legal provisions and established guidelines.
• Examine, analyze and process documents such as maps, survey data, plans, specifications, contracts and agreements.
• Prepare agreements, contracts, Board letters, resolutions and similar items.
• Communicate and work effectively with County employees, outside agencies and the public.
• Prepare and adopt computer programs to meet program needs.
• Reach collaborative solutions, using problem-solving skills.
• Conduct special studies or field investigations as part of an inter-disciplinary team.
• Review and interpret legislation and regulations.
• Work out doors in possibly adverse weather conditions.
• Traverse unpaved terrain by vehicle and/or on foot.
• May lift and carry tools, equipment and/or materials weighing up to 55 pounds.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

BL:mdc 8/78
TAT:pb Revised: 2/26/90
DF:dj Rev:6/29/94
Old doc: 0319h
New doc: 2111-2112.doc
ys/1/01
CSC Date: 7/13/94
RC:pf Rev. 3/19/03
CSC Date: 7/23/03
RC:pf Rev. 10/27/05
CSC Date: 1/18/2006
RC:po Revised 3/15/06
CSC Date: 5/10/2006
SJ:cs Revised 4/24/15
Old Title: Engineering Staff Assistant I
CSC Date: 5/13/15

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.