ENGINEERING AIDE 3

General Definition

This is engineering aide work at the advanced level performing the more complex tasks in an assigned specialty. An employee in this class prepares complex drafting for engineering and architectural drawings; prepares maps and plans, analyzes, observes and monitors traffic control devices related to traffic flow; and/or provides technical support on a variety of projects for a treatment plant or Streets Department technical operations. When required, an employee in this class utilizes computer aided design and drafting (CADD) equipment for drafting efficiency and accuracy and personal and/or mainframe computers to perform data entry and retrieval related to an assigned task. This class is differentiated from the lower level classes in this series by the ability to exercise autonomy in completing assigned projects and the responsibility for assuming a lead role in the activities of architectural, engineering, , operations, drafting or surveying projects and providing technical support on a variety of projects. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.

Allocating Factors:

(The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

The position must perform engineering aide work in the area of specialization in the support of engineering or architectural activities for an operating department.
The position must assume a lead role in coordinating Engineering Aide support for engineering projects and may make assignments and review work performed by lower level aides.
Positions allocated to the Surveying specialty must be located in the Streets or Water Department.

Typical Examples Of Work (Illustrative Only)

ALL SPECIALTIES

Gathers information necessary for cost estimates on architectural and construction projects and improvements.
May use standard computer database, spreadsheet and word processing software packages for various aspects of assigned engineering projects; gathers and organizes project specific data items, computer cost estimates and documents project activities, using computer terminals and software systems.
Assigns and reviews work of a small group of lower-level engineering aides performing drafting tasks on a project basis.
Issues permits and provides "one call" utility notification as applicable.
Performs related work as required.
Architectural and Drafting Specialties
- Secures information relative to developing complex and detailed final drawings; reviews field survey books and sketches for accuracy and completeness; conducts field observations when necessary to observe existing conditions and to take relative notes and prepare architectural and drafting sketches; uses computer-aided drafting and design and drafting software and personal and/or mainframe computers to retrieve and enter data; prepares or assists in the preparation of contract specifications; prepares related correspondence to be attached to drawings and contract specifications.
- Interprets dimensions and locations and draws sketches of architectural structures, water mains, sewers and processing equipment.
Operations Specialty
- Prepares drafts, plans and specifications; makes modifications to drafts and plans; performs field inspections to determine if work complies with plans and specifications; reviews manufacturers' parts and equipment manuals, industry handbooks and other literature applicable to engineering and support assignments.
- Coordinates special projects; provides technical support on a variety of projects; researches historical records in order to locate plans of problem sites pertinent to project assignments; prepares reports on findings, prepares a variety of charts, graphs and tables for the presentation of collected data.
- Assigns routine permit tasks and the updating of underground plans; provides technical assistance to lower level engineering aides; coordinates with utility companies to resolve scheduling conflicts between utility projects and city projects and events; explains city codes and regulations to outside utility companies.
- Assigns subordinates to specific plant locations to monitor various treatment processes; tours, inspects and observes treatment plant operations to maintain efficient plant operations; apprises lower level aides of proper procedures to follow in resolving problems affecting plant operations; notes equipment problems and informs supervisor and the plant’s maintenance unit of major maintenance problems.
Surveying Specialty
- Performs duties in support of construction and land surveys; collects physical features of the land using various types of survey equipment such as levels, total stations and GPS; maintains proper care of survey equipment; Collects field notes using both paper field book and electronic field book; establishes property lines; researches deeds and maps; establishes project elevation bench marks and horizontal control for road improvement projects; conducts topographical surveys for Streets department construction projects, other municipal departments and the general public; performs construction staking; prepares cut sheets for contractors; performs grade checking during and after construction of projects.
- Performs necessary calculations and drafting of data, as required; transfers data stored in electronic survey equipment to personal and/or mainframe computer terminals.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge Of:

the principles, practices, techniques and instruments used in the area of specialization.
mathematics such as trigonometry and algebra, and their application to the area of specialization.
drafting practices as required in the area of specialization.
architectural and engineering principles and practices used in the work as they apply to the area of specialization.
the applications of computer aided drafting and design equipment, personal computers and mainframes.

Skill In:

applying mathematics computations and configurations as they apply to the area of specialization.
the care and use of instruments, tools, materials, and equipment used in the work as they apply to the area of specialization.

Ability To:

reduce field notes and sketches and to make, read, and interpret sketches, maps, plans, and/or designs as they apply to the area of specialization.
provide design and construction personnel with adequate data obtainable in field survey work in the area of specialization.
use CADD software and personal and/or mainframe computers to enter and retrieve data in completing work assignments.
use computer aided drafting and design equipment if required by work assignment
use computing software packages related to assigned engineering tasks.
direct the activities of lower level engineering aides.
establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
observe field conditions and prepare and keep accurate notes and records.
prepare required oral and written reports as they apply to the area of specialization.

Minimum Acceptable Training And Experience

(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 10/11.)

Education

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade AND

General Experience

One year of general engineering aide experience. AND

Specific Experience

Two years of technical engineering aide experience at the full performance level in the area of specialization, performing engineering or architectural support tasks.

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included the Specific Experience as specified above.

NOTE:

Successful completion of one year of engineering, surveying, industrial or mechanical drafting training at an accredited college, university, vocational or technical institute may be substituted for the General Experience requirement.

SURVEYING SPECIALTY ONLY

Possession of a valid certificate as a Land Surveyor in Training (SIT) or Engineer in Training certificate (EIT) issued by the Pennsylvania Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors may be substituted for the Education and Experience requirement for the Surveying specialty.

Physical And Medical Requirements

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Licenses, Registrations And/Or Certificates

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to and during tenure of employment as an Engineering Aide 3, if required by work assignment.

PAY RANGE:

Class Established:
- 1/53
Spec. Revision:
- CSC: 3/94, Ad Board: 4/94
Latest Spec. Revision:
- CSC: 9/11, Ad Board: 10/11

CBJ/jl

City Of Philadelphia Office Of Human Resources

3A03