Engineering Technician III

Position Description

The City of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Utilities are establishing an eligible list for Engineering Technician III. This list will be used for one year to fill vacancies.

Engineering Technician III perform, oversee and/or direct a variety of advanced technical engineering and logistical support activities related to the design, maintenance and improvement of City systems and facilities in either the civil, electrical, environmental, or mechanical disciplines. Positions in this classification perform technically advanced sub professional engineering duties in both office and field environments and may lead other Engineering Technicians on assigned projects.

Depending on assignment, Engineering Technician III positions may support engineering design, drafting, GIS and CAD coordination, utility infrastructure programs, technical data management, field verification activities, contract management, project documentation, and utility operations support. Incumbents coordinate and communicate activities with City departments, contractors, outside agencies, vendors, suppliers, and the public.
The following departments hire Engineering Technicians III:

Tacoma Power, Transmission & Distribution - This workgroup is responsible for administering Autodesk products; managing engineering drawings, developing preliminary, for construction, and as built drawings that support overhead and underground primary distribution and transmission systems. This workgroup is also responsible for maintaining the Tacoma Power GIS data that is utilized by the Outage Management System, Dispatch, Line Crews, Asset Management, Engineering, and SAP.

Power Shared Services - This workgroup provides technical and operational support for a variety of Tacoma Power engineering, infrastructure, and utility programs. Engineering Technicians in this group support project delivery and ongoing utility operations through the preparation and maintenance of engineering drawings, coordination of project documentation, technical data management, field verification activities, records support, and cross-functional project coordination. This workgroup also supports engineering system improvements, CAD workstation coordination, GIS-related processes, and utility modernization initiatives while collaborating with engineers, operations personnel, contractors, vendors, and other internal stakeholders to support reliable utility operations and infrastructure projects.
Environmental Services, Asset Management and Technology Services - This workgroup is responsible for long-range planning of utility assets and for developing and maintaining a variety of applications and databases. The core function of the Engineering Technicians in this group is to create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste facilities using AutoCAD Plant 3D along with related software tools such as Revisit, FARO AsBuilt, Navisworks, EdgeWise, and Elecdes.
Environmental Services, Engineering/Capital Delivery - This workgroup is responsible for designing and delivering all capital projects for the wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste utilities. The core function of Engineering Technicians in this workgroup is to produce engineering drawings for construction projects utilizing AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Public Works - This work group perform, oversee and/or direct a variety of technical engineering and logistical support activities related to the design, maintenance and improvement of City systems and facilities in either the civil, electrical, environmental, or mechanical disciplines. Coordinate and communicate activities with City departments, outside agencies and the public. May lead and direct the activities of Engineering Technicians I, II, Ill and contractors.

Responsibilities May Include:
• Perform advanced technical and sub professional engineering work related to utility systems, infrastructure, and facilities
• Prepare and review engineering drawings, plans, specifications, cost estimates, programs, reports, and material requirements
• Perform contract management and coordinate contractor activities and submittals
• Lead other Engineering Technicians as assigned; provide technical guidance, training, and work direction
• Direct and participate in field studies, inspections, and verification activities; analyze findings and prepare reports
• Review submittals, materials, and installations for conformity to specifications
• Prepare, compute, compile, and maintain technical data, statistics, cost summaries, records, and reports
• Catalog, classify, organize, update, and distribute engineering drawings and project documentation
• Coordinate work activities with engineers, contractors, vendors, suppliers, City personnel, and outside agencies
• Conduct fieldwork as necessary to support assigned functions and projects
• Monitor materials inventory systems and assist with operational and engineering support activities
• Serve on technical committees, user groups, and task forces as assigned
• Develop notices, graphics, charts, maps, and technical presentation materials for projects and public communication efforts
• Design and coordinate maintenance programs for computer aided drafting and engineering workstation systems
• Answer questions from the public regarding permits, engineering-related matters, City programs, or infrastructure activities
• Investigate issues involving public improvements or utility infrastructure and recommend appropriate corrective action

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent (GED) AND one of the following:

• Six years' experience in sub-professional engineering related work
  OR
• Four years' experience in sub-professional engineering related work and completion of a recognized engineering technology vocational education program which includes computer-aided drafting training
  OR
• Four years' experience in sub-professional engineering related work and two years' relevant college level engineering course work

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State Driver's License with maintenance thereafter.
Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Certificate as required with maintenance thereafter.

Knowledge & Skills

• Mathematics and its application to surveying, engineering, drafting, and technical computations
• Practices, techniques and instruments used in engineering drafting and field engineering support
• Record-keeping techniques and technical documentation practices
• Operation of personal computers, MS Office Suite or similar software, AutoCAD, GIS systems, and computer aided drafting software
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, procedures, permits, and engineering standards
• Technical aspects of assigned engineering specialty areas
• Research methods and technical data analysis techniques
• Perform complex computations, prepare estimates, and compile engineering data and statistics
• Operate and customize computer aided design/drafting systems and related software
• Operate, calibrate, and set up engineering tools and equipment
• Produce and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Read, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Plan and organize work independently
• Lead, train and provide work direction to others
• Work safely according to City safety standards and practices

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $41.90 - $50.92

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 6/11/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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