Principal Engineering Technician

THE COUNTY OF EL DORADO

The County of El Dorado is committed to promoting the power of public service by fostering a diverse and collaborative workplace where employees are empowered, respected, and valued. The Board of Supervisors continues to promote El Dorado County as a competitive employer that is committed to recruiting and retaining qualified employees by advocating for competitive salaries and excellent benefits. The County also supports telework opportunities consistent with business needs and Board of Supervisors Policy E‑12 – Telecommuting.

The Department of Transportation is responsible for funding, designing, building, operating, and maintaining the County Road System, which currently consists of approximately 1,083 centerline miles of paved roadway, 76 bridges, storm drainage systems, and related transportation facilities.

The Engineering Division provides planning, design, and construction management services within the unincorporated area of El Dorado County. Responsibilities include delivering capital projects from initial planning phases through design and construction and post‑construction environmental monitoring.

Under direction, the Principal Engineering Technician has day‑to‑day supervision of an assigned technical engineering support unit and performs a variety of complex engineering technical work in the field and in the office.

• Supervise and direct technical engineering support staff and activities, either directly or through subordinate lead staff.
• Plan, organize, train, review and evaluate the work of assigned staff; set priorities and follow up as required.
• Coordinate and oversee construction inspection, materials testing, contract administration, quality control, and record keeping for Capital Improvement Projects, Assessment/Mello Roos District, Road Improvement Agreements, and Class I and Rural subdivisions.
• Approve subcontractor and materials/equipment submittals.
• Review contractor compliance with safety requirements.
• Have responsibility for accurate record keeping on Federal Aid projects.
• Prepare periodic status reports regarding the assigned area of responsibility.
• Review and approve the issue of a variety of permits.
• Investigate complaints and permit enforcement problems.
• Receive and process all communications relating to accidents, safety, signing, striping, and other traffic issues.
• Analyze annual accident data and select locations for road improvements.
• Review and process permits for road closures.
• Oversee the maintenance and updating of the traffic database.
• Perform a wide variety of professional engineering studies and assignments.

Review plan, specifications and engineering estimates for construction related issues.

The ideal candidate will have experience in interpreting and reviewing civil engineering documents related to the construction of utilities, developing and issuing project approval documents such as encroachment permits, managing staff members, and knowing temporary traffic control standards. Familiarity with Caltrans and local agency standards and specifications and the ability to monitor construction activities and ensure compliance are required. Construction inspection experience on roads and bridges is preferred.

Effective communication and problem‑solving skills are key for coordinating with utility companies, contractors, staff, and property owners while resolving potential conflicts. A team‑oriented professional committed to public service, safety, and infrastructure integrity is essential.

Human Resources will assess your application to determine if you are minimally qualified using the following criteria:

• Graduation from a four‑year college or university with major coursework in an engineering discipline, OR
• Possession of a valid California certificate as an Engineer‑in‑Training and three years of engineering or technical work at a level equivalent to the County’s Senior Engineering Technician or Senior CADD Technician.

Additional work experience at the equivalent level may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year…