Engineering Technician

City of Fife
Fife, WA

Under the direction of the Public Works Director or their designee, inspect utility installation and construction projects in progress and upon completion to ensure performance complies with contracts and City, State and federal specifications and regulations. This position also performs and/or assists in technical work locating and marking underground city utilities using maps, record drawings, GIS software, and electronic equipment.
Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Inspect utility installation and construction projects in progress and upon completion to ensure performance complies with contracts and City, State and federal specifications and regulations; conduct investigations of various utility systems and submit observations to appropriate personnel for approval.
  • Inspect new water system equipment and components including water mains, fire lines, fire hydrant assemblies and domestic and irrigation service meters to assure proper installation; monitor and evaluate disinfection and water pressure testing of new installations to ensure compliance with established guidelines.
  • Ensure proper sanitation of new sewer systems according to established standards and requirements; monitor and evaluate pressure testing of new sewage piping to ensure compliance with established guidelines and regulations.
  • Conduct inspections of new storm water systems and related facilities to ensure proper construction and compliance with established guidelines and project specifications.
  • Ensure new additions to street systems are installed properly according to established specifications, guidelines and requirements; perform related testing to ensure proper alignment, placement and control of street and traffic equipment; resolve public safety issues as necessary.
  • Provide technical advice and assistance to City personnel concerning utility system installation, construction and compliance issues.
  • Monitor job sites to ensure compliance with established erosion and sediment control measures; conduct periodic site visits and identify water runoff, dust control and job site entrance issues.
  • Communicate with City personnel, outside agencies and utility customers to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns related to assigned activities.
  • Review and respond to public requests and complaints over the counter or by telephone regarding utility construction and modification projects, street systems, assigned functions and engineering-related matters; assist the public by reviewing plans, projects and communicating issues relevant to plans and applications; investigate issues involved and recommend appropriate corrective action.
  • Review engineering plans for various utility projects to ensure compliance and compatibility with existing systems and applicable codes, standards, specifications and practices.
  • Operate a variety of machines, survey and inspection equipment, meters and tools; operate a computer and assigned software; drive a vehicle to conduct work.
  • Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to construction activities, inspections, testing and assigned activities.
  • Mark city-owned utilities in response to “On Call” utility locate requests.
  • Assist with Senior Engineering Technician duties when the Senior Engineering Technician is unavailable.

Other Duties:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
  • Principles, practices and procedures of civil engineering.
  • Methods, policies and procedures used in engineering inspections, surveys and mathematics.
  • Applicable City, State and federal laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Engineering plans and specifications.
  • City organization, operations, policies and objectives.
  • Operation of specialized instruments, machines and tools used in utility inspections and surveys.
  • Technical aspects of field of specialty.
  • Health and safety regulations and procedures.
  • Operation of a computer and assigned software.
  • Oral and written communication skills.
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
  • Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.

Ability to:
  • Inspect utility installation and construction projects in progress and upon completion to ensure performance complies with contracts and City, State and federal specifications and regulations.
  • Operate specialized instruments, machines and tools used in utility inspections and surveys.
  • Compile and analyze statistical and technical information, maps, research data and other pertinent data.
  • Read, review and understand engineering plans and specifications.
  • Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
  • Operate a computer and assigned software.
  • Maintain records and prepare reports.
  • Make mathematic engineering calculations.
  • Plan and organize work.
  • Meet schedules and timelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D Certification.
  • Two (2) or more years of related inspection experience applying basic knowledge of materials and workmanship standards used in the construction of streets, traffic lighting/systems, water, stormwater and wastewater facilities and/or related construction projects.
  • Two (2) or more years of construction experience with the installation of water, sewer and storm facilities, preferably within a city’s public works department or public sector.
  • Some related experience performing locating work.
  • An equivalent combination of education, certification and related experience may be substituted for evaluation by the city.


LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid driver’s license.


WORKING CONDITIONS:
Environment:
  • Indoor and outdoor work environment.
  • Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
  • Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.
  • Working with and around heavy construction equipment and in streets under traffic conditions.
Physical Demands:
  • Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized machines, instruments and tools.
  • Seeing to perform inspections and read a variety of materials.
  • Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
  • Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to perform inspections.
  • Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
  • Lifting and carrying heavy objects as assigned by position.
  • Climbing.
Hazards:
  • Working in a cramped or restrictive work chamber.
  • Working around and with machinery having moving parts.
  • Working below ground.
  • Exposure to fumes, odors or gases.
  • Working at heights.





Union Status International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers- IAMAW
FLSA Status Non-exempt
Salary Range Range 9
Adopted
Last Revised 03/16/2026
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for the job, the level of knowledge, skill and ability typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance the workload.
The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Class specifications are only intended to represent a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specific positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.
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