Graduate Engineer, Horizontal

Position Description

Position Overview:

The Graduate Engineer aids Project Managers with reviewing, planning, designing, and managing subdivision drainage improvement and/or road & bridge projects. The position is supervised by a Project Manager or Senior Project Engineer and will work with contractors, consulting firms, labs, coordinating agencies, and outside organizations to identify and resolve issues during the study, design, and construction phases of projects.

Job Duties:

• Assist with drainage studies and preliminary design issues, such as geotechnical evaluation, environmental studies, and utility coordination.
• Conduct engineering studies under the guidance of a Project Manager or Senior Project Engineer.
• Assist with the review of preliminary engineering reports and feasibility studies, including evaluating design alternatives for subdivision drainage improvement projects, assessment of water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, roadway design, right-of-way acquisitions, and drainage/storm water engineering.
• Review and/or develop the initial project schedules, budget, and scopes for projects.
• Attend meetings with project managers and engineers in support of the projects assigned.
• Provide Quality Assurance/Quality Control for final reports, plans, and studies.
• Engage with grant projects, including managing payment and reimbursement schedules.
• Coordinate with utility, permitting, and other government agencies, as required.
• Respond to public or other inquiries relative to specific projects, and provide appropriate verbal and/or written response.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of various material and construction cost databases.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Science, or Construction Management from an ABET-accredited college or university.
• Must possess an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification or obtain within six (6) months of employment.

Experience:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, estimates, and specifications.
• Ability to exercise flexibility in accommodating shifting priorities, demands, and schedules.
• Basic understanding of surveying work, environmental studies, and project management best practices
• Ability to comprehend, retain, and apply County policies, and State and Federal regulations.
• Ability to use good judgment, prioritize work, and effectively problem solve.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with management, Harris County elected officials and representatives, external agencies, and the public as necessary.
• Proficient in software applications such as Microsoft Office Professional (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), SharePoint, and Adobe Acrobat Professional.

• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
  Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

Preferences

Education

Experience:

• Three (3) years of municipal civil engineering experience, preferred.
• Experience with H&H modeling
• Construction experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of AutoCAD and GIS software.

General Information

• Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:
  Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.
  Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

  Salary: Commensurate experience, based on 26 pay periods.

  Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

  Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center, but some fieldwork may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event).

  This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting to 25 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs.

  The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  FEATURED BENEFITS:

  Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

  Wellness.

  Professional development opportunities.

  Flexible spending accounts.

  457 deferred compensation plans.

  Retirement pension (TCDRS).

  Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

  Disability and life insurance.

  Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications, positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.