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Engineering Technician Trainee

THE COUNTY
The County of Orange is a regional service provider and planning agency whose core businesses include public safety, public health, environmental protection, regional planning, public assistance, social services and aviation.  


OC WASTE & RECYCLING
OC Waste & Recycling is an organization dedicated to providing waste management services, protecting the environment, and promoting resource recovery in order to preserve the life of our landfills and ensure a safe and healthy community for current and future generations. OCWR operates three active regional landfills (North, Central, South), four household hazardous waste collection centers, material recovery (metal, mattresses, green waste), three compost facilities, monitors 20 closed landfills, and administers municipal solid waste collection, recycling, and planning for County unincorporated areas. OCWR is a nationally renowned waste management department responsible for a network of sanitary landfills and is committed to its exceptional record of regulatory compliance and excellence. 


THE OPPORTUNITY
OC Waste & Recycling has an opportunity to be stationed at one of OCWRs three Landfills. Engineering Technician positions at OCWR are characterized by the performance of technical tasks requiring formal education or training, or specialized experience or knowledge in all or a substantial combination of the following areas: Civil Engineering principles Earthworks; Fluid Mechanics: Hydraulics Engineering Mechanics; Land Surveying; Ground and surface water monitoring and sampling; Landfill Gas Systems; Environmental Monitoring and Control Systems and Landfill Operations.

The job duties include, but are not limited to:

 

  • Assists Engineers to perform both landfill and greenery related calculations, including but not limited to land area, materials quantities, testing volumes, perimeters, cost-estimating, curves and grades, hydraulic flow rates, and pressure checks.
  • Drafts cross sections, profiles, maps, plans and working sketches and other drawings; and prepares miscellaneous illustrated materials such as charts, graphs, PowerPoint-type presentations and exhibits.
  • Uses computerized equipment for surveying, plan and map drafting, calculations, data collection, and record-keeping.
  • Researches records, including but not limited to plans, permits, maps, agreements, records of survey and deeds.
  • Reviews plans, documents or maps for conformance to permits, codes, ordinances, specifications and safety requirements.
  • Performs design drafting work as an assistant to an engineer.
  • Performs field survey work and related duties to assist engineers in the preparation of design waste fill plans and other projects.
  • Provides the public, developers, contractors and other agencies with technical information.
  • Performs Landfill Gas (LFG) compliance monitoring and sampling using approved equipment.
  • Performs compliance water monitoring and sampling using approved equipment.
  • Monitors and records compost material data such as temperature and water moisture for comprehensive analysis and reporting.
  • Collects and provides regulatory compliance data including but not limited to LFG collection, compost operation, and groundwater and stormwater monitoring and sampling for landfill and greenery operations.

This is a trainee level classification for Engineering Technician series. Successful completion of fifty-two weeks of probation and departmental training as an Engineering Technician Trainee will result in promotion to Engineering Technician , with an additional twenty-six weeks of probation. Incumbents who fail to promote to the classification of Engineering Technician will be subject to termination of their trainee status and/or employment with the County of Orange.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess One (1) year of experience in the field of, or an emphasis on, drafting, plan reading, mapping, computer science, advanced mathematics and/or engineering technology. Although not required, candidates who possess a degree in Civil Engineering or a related field or an Engineer-In-Training / Fundamental Engineer certificate, are highly desirable.

In addition, the ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and/or experience in the following core competencies:
 
Technical Knowledge

  • Monitoring and compliance testing and sampling of air, compost materials, landfill gas, and water quality using a variety of testing equipment.
  • Maintain the equipment used for testing.
  • Familiarity with database programs.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, and Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) programs such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
  • Knowledge of the principals, practices and mathematics used in engineering design and construction, including but not limited to percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes, ratios, present values, spatial relationships and statistics.
  • Knowledge of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
  • Experience with engineering software suites such as AutoCAD, GIS and BIM
  • Knowledge of plans, estimates, engineering reports and specifications
  • Ability to estimate project costs, determine the project scope of work and submit a Request for Services (RFS) to contractors.
  • Ability to detect and identify field-related issues including but not limited to LFG collection system, groundwater and storm water infrastructure, and compost facility and any environmental and safety hazards.
  • Ability to quickly learn the new software programs utilized on-site.

Relationship Building and Communication

  • Ability to effectively work with peers, supervisors, stakeholders, contractors, the general public, and federal/city/state/local officials and staff.
  • Accurately and concisely exchange information with others, both orally and in writing.
  • Effectively follow written and oral instruction and ability to give instructions to others.
  • Comprehend and interpret technical material related to the job.
  • Ability to communicate technical and complex information in a clear, easy to understand manner to a wide variety of audiences.
  • Ability to draft technical reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to establish and maintain collaborative and positive working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, contractors, and regulators.

 EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

  • Speak, read, write and understand English at a level required for successful job performance
  • Comprehend and carry out technical directions
  • Prepare clear, accurate notes; maintain records and files;
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to view the minimum qualifications for the Engineering Technician Trainee.

REQUIRED LICENSE
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation to carry out the essential functions of the job. 

 

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Positions in the class typically require frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching and twisting at the neck and waist. Occasional squatting, climbing stepladders to reach sets of plans located in storage areas, kneeling, and pushing and pulling carts. Repetitive use of both hands, simple to power grasping with both hands, fine manipulation with both hands, reaching above and below the shoulders and lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Cognitive ability to solve complex problems and manage workload with time sensitive deadlines. 


ENVIROMENTAL & WORKING CONDITIONS
Positions primarily work in an office environment, although may occasionally take place in the field or a landfill with fluctuating weather conditions. Work involves frequent exposure to computer screens, occasional exposure to heights when using stepladders to reach around moving objects and machinery; may have exposure to chemicals, gases, odors, or toxic materials. Positions communicate with people; therefore, there may be occasional interactions with members of the public who may be unreasonable, upset, or angry. 

 

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum qualifications. After screening, candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All candidates will be notified via email of their status in the process.

Online  Examination | Multiple Choice Test (Weighted 100%): Candidates will be required to take a proctored exam consisting of job-related multiple-choice questions.   Only the most successful candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment.

Based on the Department's needs, the recruitment procedures listed above may be modified. Candidates will be notified of any changes in the recruitment procedures. 

Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.