Engineering Assistant I

Position Information

Looking for a career where your work truly matters? Join our team and help shape the future of Texas!! TxDOT's Childress District is looking for a highly motivated Engineering Graduate for our Engineering Assistant - I position based in Childress, TX. In this position, you will perform engineering work that involves job rotation, training and continuing education in design, construction, construction inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental and/or transportation operations related activities with the intent to actively pursue engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams.

All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) which prepares graduates to earn their professional engineering license, including training, exam prep courses, networking and mentoring. Participation in the EACDP requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitments.

*The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Position Description

Performs engineering work. Work involves job rotation, training and continuing education in design, construction, construction inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental and/or transportation operations-related activities with the intent to actively pursue engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams. Design activity is supervised by a licensed professional engineer who has authority for final approval of all projects. Work requires contact with local governmental representatives, engineering contractors and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

NOTE: All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the Engineering Assistant Career Development program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment.

Essential Duties:

The essential duties for the Engineering Assistant I include:

• Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams and completion/maintenance of required documentation.
• Applies engineering principles, methods, and techniques to a wide variety of transportation-related activities.
• Assists during emergencies and inclement weather.
• Assists in survey activities.
• Collects engineering data at project sites.
• Creates detailed PS&E.
• Participates in Career Development for the Engineering Assistants program which includes job rotation, training, and continuing education.
• Performs engineering-related calculations and drafting/design work.
• Performs engineering-related duties in the field of transportation engineering.
• Prepares and checks plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) and designs.
• Prepares drawings and exhibits to support public involvement.
• Reviews construction plans prepared by consultants.
• Uses automated roadway/structural/hydraulic design programs and computer-assisted design/engineering systems.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for all levels:

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Acceptable Substitutions for all levels:

• Master's degree in engineering or a Master of engineering degree from an institution that offers a bachelor of science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.
• Doctoral degree in engineering or a doctor of engineering degree from an institution that offers a bachelor of science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

Additional Acceptable Substitution Engineering Assistant III:

Experience:

• Engineering Assistant I: No work experience is required. No supervisory experience required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Additional Certification required for Engineering Assistant II and III:

• Mandatory: TX Engineer In Training Certificate

Preferred Qualifications:

• Has passed the FE

Competencies:

The required competencies for the Engineering Assistant I include:

Some knowledge of:

• Transportation engineering terminology and fundamentals
• Applicable plans, specifications and estimates preparation, review, processing, and compliance requirements
• Computer-aided drafting and design systems
• Plan review methods, processes, and procedures
• The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Proficient skill in:

• Application of engineering fundamentals
• Using engineering workstations and applications of engineering technology
• Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints, and maps
• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities
• Performing calculations using algebra, trigonometry, and geometry
• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others

Additional competencies for Engineering Assistant II include:

Considerable knowledge of:

• Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance
• Highway construction and maintenance

Proficient skill in:

• Advanced and specialized design/drafting
• Design review
• Performing calculations to include material and labor estimates, expenses, technical survey data and engineering calculations

Additional competencies for Engineering Assistant III include:

Considerable knowledge of:

• Applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations specific to area of responsibility for safeguarding information and information technology related systems
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Transportation design engineering principles, practices and methods and the application of engineering theory
• Engineering designs

Proficient skill in:

• Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals.
• Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device.
• Light work: Life up to 20lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.
• Balancing- walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling.
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading.

Conditions of Employment:

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  
  
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize medical marijuana under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
• All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the EA program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment. Failure to comply with all terms of the Program Agreement will result in reclassification.