Engineering Technician I

Job Description:

Engineering Technician I

Description

Position Information

Start your career as an Engineering Technician with County of Sonoma!

Starting salary up to $41.71/hour ($87,053/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*

The Sonoma Public Infrastructure (SPI) Department is currently recruiting for Engineering Technician positions at either the I or II level. If you are interested in applying at the other level of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate concurrent recruitments being conducted for the II level.
The Engineering Technician position at the County of Sonoma offers opportunities for career movement in the field of sub-professional engineering. As you gain on-the-job training and experience, you will be able to progress through our career ladders. While all our technical and professional engineering positions require knowledge of algebra and geometry as well as the ability to accurately enter data, conduct reporting, and track and maintain project records, the County offers various starting points for you to begin exploring your career in civil engineering.

SPI’s Engineering Technicians support the Construction Contract Administration, Engineering Design, Field Survey Crew, Materials Lab, and Transportation workgroups. They work both in the field and in the office, preparing improvement plans, specifications, and estimates and developing information necessary to obtain permits from regulatory agencies. Working as part of a small team, they are responsible for assisting with construction contract administration, coordinating and supporting contractor activities on County of Sonoma's road and bridge construction projects, preparing and reviewing all contract pay estimates, learning how to ensure conformance with environmental regulations and Caltrans specifications, and assisting with ensuring safety on the job sites and with staff. Normally the work is completed within regular hours, with occasion overtime required by projects. Work is performed year-round in all weather conditions.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in roadway engineering design and a passion for contributing to public infrastructure projects that benefit the community. They will have a calm demeanor, patience, and humor, and will possess many of the following:

• Knowledge of the Public Contract Code and Caltrans specifications
• Producing a variety of exhibits and keeping accurate records
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting related to construction
• Experience calculating mathematical quantities and checking for accuracy
• A familiarity with American Disability Act (ADA) compliance requirements and AutoCAD software
• Confidence to work independently, learn to direct field work, and interact with contractors in the field
• An aptitude for being detail-oriented in a fast-paced environment while also prioritizing safety
• The ability to think outside the box, solve problems on the fly, and work with a wide variety of people
• The ability to handle changing schedules on a daily basis and accept a variety of tasks

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Engineering Technician II ($39.44 - $47.93/hour)
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory .
SPI is currently recruiting to fill an Engineering Technician position at either the I or the II level. This Engineering Technician I employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Any combination of experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, one year of experience at the level of Engineering Aide with the County of Sonoma, would provide such opportunity.

Education: Academic course work in plane geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and surveying which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Course work in an Engineering Technology curriculum leading to an Associate Degree is desirable.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

The position advertised on this announcement does require possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: the principles of algebra, geometry and trigonometry; surveying and drafting and computer aided drafting equipment; methods, materials, tools and equipment used in engineering construction; safety practices and procedures; electronic information systems.

Ability to: perform limited drafting, surveying, material testing, and engineering calculations; apply the elementary principles of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to calculate a variety of areas, quantities or curves; perform a wide variety of computer applications; gather data and prepare accurate reports; read and understand technical descriptions; follow oral and written directions; work cooperatively with other staff; climb, stand and walk for sustained periods of time, perform physical tasks such as chopping, digging, flagging, and traffic control, and lift moderately heavy objects; utilize electronic information systems and analyze and interpret such information; communicate effectively with co-workers and the public.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.

Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Personally identifiable information (PII) is removed from the standard application fields and applicable attachments. This PII blind screening practice redacts a candidate’s personal information that could potentially influence or bias the scoring process. Personal information includes the applicant’s name, former last name, address, phone number, email, driver's license number, school name, education start and end dates, age, date of birth, gender, and race. This PII blind screening practice helps contribute to a fair and equitable examination process.

Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

Additional Information

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: JT

HR Technician: PP

Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

County of Sonoma Benefits: General*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at Labor Agreements & Salary Resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to Human Resources or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonomacounty.gov or (707) 565-2900.

*Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 12/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$71,609.09 - $87,053.78 Annually