Engineering Technician

Salary : $68,827.20 - $83,657.60 Annually
Location : City Hall, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: ET26-1
Department: Engineering
Opening Date: 04/09/2026
Closing Date: 5/3/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Job Summary
The City is excited to recruit for the position of Engineering Technician, an essential, hands-on role at the center of our Engineering Division.

Step into the field and into the community as a key representative of Engineering. In this role, you'll work directly with residents, contractors, and developers, answering questions, resolving issues, and helping move projects from concept to completion.

You'll review plans for compliance, process permits, conduct field inspections and surveys, and create maps and drawings using AutoCAD and GIS. Whether you're verifying construction in the field, interpreting improvement plans, or helping a resident understand a project, your work will directly support safe, efficient, and well-planned infrastructure.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives on variety, enjoys problem-solving, and takes pride in providing excellent public service. If you're looking to apply your technical skills in a role where you can see the real-world impact of your work every day, we encourage you to apply.

Under general supervision, performs a variety of specialized paraprofessional engineering work and office duties in support of professional engineering staff and inspectors for the planning, design, and construction of public works and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects and private developments; performs drafting and makes mathematical calculations related to projects; provides information and assistance to contractors, developers, engineers, and the general public regarding the City's engineering services and activities; maintains plan files and engineering records; reviews plans for code compliance; conducts field surveys, maintains engineering database, generates reports, and creates maps.

Examples of Essential Job Functions

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides information and assistance to contractors, developers, engineers and the general public on engineering services and activities; responds to general inquiries and ensures issues are resolved in a timely and efficient manner.
• Receives and responds to information requests for base maps, parcel maps and improvement plan information, encroachment permits, benchmarks, and other geographical data, soils reports, as-builts, and street improvements; retrieves plans, reports, permits, and files as necessary to comply with requests; issues encroachment permits and processes fees; responds to complaints from the public and resolves conflicts between owners, contractors, developers, utility companies, and others.
• Receives, tags and logs, and reviews submitted engineering plans, maps, and related documents for plan check; routes documents to consultants or developers for preceding and following plan review; tracks status of plan checks and original documents; advises parties of revisions; reviews a variety of engineering plans including grading, drainage, erosion control, and public improvement plans to ensure compliance with City codes, ordinances, standards, and specifications.
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of and/or interprets designs, plans, estimates, layouts, profiles, cross-sections, detail drawings, specifications, and reports pertaining to the construction, maintenance, and operation of a variety of engineering, land development, utility, and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, including conducting a variety of surveys for the creation of sidewalks, utility lines, and topography maps; participates in securing adequate funding from Federal and State grant programs and other funding sources.
• Reviews easement documents and agreements.
• Performs construction inspection duties on assigned projects; monitors and reviews work performed by contractors; ensures work performed complies with project plans, specifications, standards and contracts; refers field and/or plan issues to higher level engineering staff as required.
• Evaluates development review proposals such as single-family residences and minor subdivisions to ensure compliance with codes and policies.
• Maintains engineering files, including plans, studies, inspections, surveys, maps, and other data related to engineering projects; prepares, updates, reproduces, and distributes maps, drawings, blueprints, and other information recorded in the Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Utilizes AutoCAD and GIS software to create and modify plot plans, topographic maps, improvement plans, and illustrative graphics, such as charts, illustrations, and graphs for reports, drawings for design manuals, and other projects.
• Performs basic design and drafting duties in connection with streets, storm drains, utilities, and other projects.
• Performs field, office, and computer-aided studies and prepares periodic and special reports based on findings from research, studies, and surveys; and makes recommendations on findings.
• Maintains and updates department records, tracking lists, permit records, and files of engineering plans, including grading, encroachments, improvements, storm drain, landscaping, final maps, water, sewer, and streets.
• Prepares basic routine staff reports for the City Council.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the paraprofessional engineering field.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Civil engineering principles, practices, and methods applicable to office and field work involving the design, construction, and maintenance of public works projects.
• Basic design and construction practices and methods of streets, grading, drainage, underground facilities, and related public works infrastructure.
• Engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures.
• Principles and practices of technical civil engineering drafting and surveying support.
• Drafting and surveying equipment, computers, principles, techniques, and practices.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including administrative and department policies and procedures.
• Technical engineering mathematics.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications, including GIS and AutoCAD software applications, word processing, spreadsheet, and other office computer software.
• Technical report writing practices and procedures.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, engineers, architects, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Prepare a variety of plans, specifications, maps, graphic materials, cost estimates, and technical engineering reports.
• Modify engineering drawings, topographic maps, improvement plans, and illustrative graphics using GIS software.
• Perform responsible technical engineering support work with accuracy, speed, and minimal supervision.
• Read and interpret engineering plans, technical drawings, specifications, and subdivision maps.
• Perform standard engineering design under professional engineering supervision.
• Make mathematical calculations and accurate engineering computations and drawings.
• Make and record accurate field engineering observations.
• Use engineering, drafting, and surveying instruments and equipment.
• Understand basic civil engineering concepts, practices, and methods, laws, codes, and regulations related to the assigned function.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supplemental Information

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by college-level coursework in civil engineering or a related field, and two (2) years of increasingly responsible paraprofessional experience in civil or mechanical engineering or architecture that included customer service and computer aided drafting.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.

Discover the Benefits of Working with the City of Pismo Beach

At the City of Pismo Beach, our employees are our greatest asset. We're proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future.

Comprehensive Coverage for You and Your Family

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance - High-quality coverage through CalPERS Medical, with options tailored to your needs.
• City Contributions - Up to $2,500/month toward family coverage.

Future-Focused Financial Benefits

• Deferred Compensation Plan - Build long-term financial security with tax-advantaged retirement savings.
  • City Contributions - Among the most competitive in the region, providing unmatched contributions based on your applicable MOU or Resolution.

Longevity Pay

We value long-term service and reward your dedication:

• 2.5% pay increase after 5+ years of service
• 5% pay increase after 10+ years
• Lateral sworn law enforcement officers receive credit toward longevity

Insurance & Optional Benefits

• Life & AD&D Insurance - $50,000 in life insurance plus $100,000 in AD&D coverage, provided by the City.
• Additional Optional Benefits-
  • Aflac supplemental plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care through IGOE

Support for You and Your Family

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support for work-life challenges.

Work-Life Balance

• Generous vacation and sick leave
• 13 paid holidays - Includes 11 standard and 2 personal holidays
• A workplace culture that values your time, health, and personal well-being

Retirement Planning

• Participation in CalPERS and Social Security ensures a strong foundation for your retirement.

Benefit details may vary by position and are defined in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Resolution for each classification.

Join us-and enjoy the rewards of a career that gives back.
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What experience do you have issuing or processing encroachment permits? Can you describe your role and the steps you were responsible for?
Required Question