Position Summary/Purpose:
The Field Engineer has the responsibility of performing work in design, construction, and inspection of municipal public works projects, performs research and drafting work, provides information on plans, specifications, and policies to contractors, consulting engineers, and public. Performs routine and technical engineering related work for environmental, water, sewer, streets, sidewalks, and other community development projects and programs. Assists the Engineering Department in application of department principles, means, and methods.
Essential Job Functions:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position
- Reviews project specifications and confers with Town Engineer concerning assistance required such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions, design changes, and reports.
- Conducts material testing and analysis.
- Prepares reports detailing tests conducted and results. Drafts and calculates field notes to document quantities, alignment, grade and locations according to project plans or to document progress estimates.
- Surveys project sites to obtain and analyze topographical details of sites, layout road geometry, and property line and easement locations.
- Writes legal descriptions for dedications, annexations, local improvement districts, easements or condemnations.
- Reviews property and street line mapping for accuracy and completeness of metes and bounds.
- Researches records, maps and collects data to obtain typical engineering data such as location of sewer stubs, storm sewer and routing, water mains, hydrants, easements etc.
- Drafts detailed dimensional drawings such as those needed for street, water, sewer, drainage, and other utility plans, systems and projects.
- Calculates dimensions, profile specifications, and quantities of materials such as earthwork, pipe, concrete, asphalt, landscape and miscellaneous items.
- Inspects construction sites to determine conformance of site to design specifications and plans.
- Assists the Engineering Department to ensure that construction and repair of transportation, storm water or wastewater systems meet control requirements.
- May assist in the review of private project development plans for compliance with codes, regulations, and standards, adequacy of applications for permits and compliance with approved plans.
- Reviews development submissions and drawings to determine sanitary sewer availability, and adherence to Town codes and standards.
- May assist in the preparation of engineering plans and specifications, coordinate required advertising for bids, review construction bids and make necessary recommendations based on lowest and best bids, competency of vendors, consultants, and the selection criteria.
- May assist with the development and implementation of the CT DEEP MS4 permit.
- Assist in project management for the construction of Town projects.
- Prepare sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and street system maps, data bases, and comprehensive plans for record updates.
- Assist in the preparation, revision and maintenance of engineering and infrastructure records.
- Reviews applications for sewer permits, excavation permits, etc. Issues routine permits.
- Coordinate sidewalk inspection, maintenance, and enforcement programs.
- Assist in the development of pavement management systems.
- Assists the Engineering Department with marking location of sanitary and storm sewers in response to requests made through the Connecticut Call Before You Dig program (CBYD).
- Inspects sanitary sewer installations, connections and disconnections, and prepares as-built sketches at each location.
- Assists the Tree Warden with property-line information for purposes of determining tree maintenance responsibility
- Attend utility and project coordination meetings.
- Prepares for field work by locating files and drawings and coordinating with Engineering, Wastewater Treatment Facility, and Department of Public Works staff.
- Serves as a drafter, by making final sketch of proposed drawings, checking dimensions of parts and materials to be used, relation of one part to another, and relation of various parts to whole structure or project; making any adjustments or changes necessary or desired;
- Inking in lines and letters on pencil drawings as required; Drawing charts for representation of statistical data; drawing finished designs from sketches; using computer assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
- Prepares semi-annual list of permitted permanent pavement patches, prepares purchase order for same and inspects completed work.
- Reviews bond estimates in support of the Land Use Departments.
Other Functions:
- Good knowledge of methods, materials, principles and practices used in the design, construction, installation, repair and maintenance of Town infrastructure. Ability to understand and implement Rules and Regulations, Technical Standards and Detail sheets as they apply.
- Ability to research and analyze a wide variety of engineering problems to provide engineering and technical assistance to personnel and other interested agencies or contractors. Some ability to compile and analyze information to prepare technical reports. Some knowledge of state and local ordinances, regulations, and codes.
- Effectively present oral and written communications. Ability to understand and implement complex oral and written instructions. Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, municipal employees, contractors, developers and the general public.
- Effectively utilize computer programs such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Excel, and other productivity software to prepare and maintain utility drawings and data.
- Perform a variety of office related functions, including preparing and/or issuing permits, correspondence, maps, presentation materials, brochures, reducing field notes, printing materials, answering phones and responding to inquiries from contractors, developers, property owners, staff, and the general public.
- Conduct independent research on a variety of topics using the resources of other departments including, but not limited to, Assessor, Finance, Tax and Town Clerk, as well as the Branford Land Records.
- Edit and augment infrastructure layers to the Geographic Information System. Prepare GIS graphics and documents to support reports.
Supervision:
Supervision Scope: Performs varied and responsible technical, management and supervisory responsibilities requiring the knowledge of regulations, state/federal statutes and local ordinances. Exercise responsible judgment and initiative in effectively and efficiently following department policies and practices.
Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Town Engineer or their designee.
Supervision Given: None.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience
An associate's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, or construction management plus two (2) years of progressively responsible experience. Minimum of two years related experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special requirements
Must have and maintain a valid CT Driver’s License
Must be physically capable of moving about on construction work sites.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Knowledge: of civil engineering and construction principles, practices and methods as applicable to a municipal setting; some knowledge of applicable Town, State and Federal policies, laws, and regulations affecting department activities
Ability: to prepare, organize and maintain engineering field and office data, reports and systems; Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information, orally and in writing, to contractors, developers, property owners, employees, consultants, other governmental agency representatives, Town officials and the general public.
Skill: in arriving at cost estimates on complex projects with some skill in operating the listed tools and equipment; some skill in basic drafting, surveying, and flagging.
Tools and Equipment Used
Personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheet, and data base and computer-aided-design software and GIS; standard drafting tools; pipe locator; surveying equipment; engineering calculator; motor vehicle; phone; mobile radio.
Job Environment:
Administrative work is performed in a moderately noisy office with regular interruptions during the day from the public via telephone or in person. Perform regular inspections of construction sites
Requires the operation of telephones, personal computers, copiers, facsimile machines, and other standard office equipment.
Makes frequent and periodic contact with contractors, property owners, businesses, Town staff and Town officials. Communication is frequently in person, telephone email and in writing. Work requires a high level of professionalism and high level of patience in dealing with and explaining regulations to the public.
Avoid errors in judgment or omissions that could result in delay of services, monetary loss, and legal ramifications.
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)
