Engineering Associate A - Austin Water

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At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

 

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

 

Job Description:

Engineering Associate A

Purpose:

Under close supervision of a Professional Engineer, this position performs routine engineering projects or assignments; exercises limited judgment within defined methods, procedures, and practices.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

• Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Performs routine computerized software drafting programs, ink, or pencil drafting of drawings and maps.

• Develops, analyzes, and generates technical reports by preparing a variety of reports, correspondence, and official documents.

• Researches, investigates, and responds to appropriate agency by meeting with other City departments, external agencies, and those affected by project(s).

• Inspects and monitors projects for legal compliance by reviewing work completed by contractors and monitoring compliance to specifications.

• Assists in the preparation of preliminary, periodic and final estimates of quantities, materials, equipment, labor and facilities for the preparation of budgets, programs, schedules, partial and final contract payments and other purposes for various projects.

• Performs inventory control and procurement duties; develops plans, designs, specification, and instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of traffic signals, signing, lighting, pavement markings, and design standards.

• Performs equipment evaluations of assigned programs and or projects to ensure equipment meets industry and City of Austin standards by reviewing, analyzing, and providing changes or recommendations for improvement for equipment.

• Conducts field inspections of work done by contractors to ensure compliance with plans and specifications. Drafts and recommends approval of contract change orders and payments.

• Performs statistical analysis to ensure specifications are within guidelines.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of engineering principles and practices.

• Knowledge of complex mathematical calculations.

• Knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical and/or Electrical engineering terminology and techniques.

• Knowledge of City purchasing and contract policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of leadership roles and responsibilities.

• Knowledge of construction, utility or other assigned disciplinary practices and techniques.

• Knowledge of various phases of the plans review and inspections processes.

• Knowledge of various computer software programs.

• Knowledge of preparation of cost estimates.

• Skill in oral and written technical and/or general communication

• Ability to perform more complex engineering computations, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry, rapidly and accurately.

• Ability to Read and update quarter-section maps.

• Ability to Read and comprehend specifications, plans, and shop drawings.

• Ability to Interpret and make decisions in conformance within established policies and practices.

• Ability to communicate and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering or in a field related to the job.

• Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with operations, maintenance, and construction of water distribution system pipelines, valves, and other assets

• Possession of a Class C (or higher) Water Distribution License or the ability to obtain within six months of employment

• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word) and Infor Public Sector (IPS) or other asset management database

• Ability to work outside of normal business hours to support emergency operations, including on-call duty for a one-week duration per month

 

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

• Austin Water is a large and complex department of the City of Austin, with over 1,300 employees and multiple facilities across a wide geographical area, providing water and wastewater services to over one million customers in the Austin metropolitan area.  Austin Water is seeking an Engineering Associate A for the Pipeline Engineering and Operations Support division.  This position will perform a combination of field and office tasks covering a wide range of duties associated with operations and maintenance activities for Austin Water’s potable and reclaimed water distribution systems.

Pay Range:

$27.77 – $33.95 hourly

Work Location:

Glen Bell Service Center, 3907 Industrial Dr., Austin TX 78744

Days & Hours:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.

• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.

• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.

• A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.

• If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Critical:

• This position has been designated as critical for the City of Austin. Critical positions are necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. Work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions.

Secondary Employment:

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• Austin Water will review all secondary employment.

• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

• The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

• City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Important Note to Applicants:

All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free.

Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

 

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.