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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Government Engineer Assistant

💰 $ - $

GovernmentEngineeringPublic WorksInfrastructureCivil Engineering

🎯 Role Definition

The Government Engineer Assistant supports public-sector engineering programs by coordinating project documentation, assisting with design review, conducting field inspections, and ensuring compliance with municipal, state, and federal regulations. This role is central to delivering safe, cost-effective infrastructure projects—roads, bridges, stormwater systems, utilities, and public buildings—while liaising with contractors, consultants, and community stakeholders. Ideal candidates bring technical drafting and inspection experience, strong regulatory knowledge, and excellent communication skills to advance public works objectives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Civil Engineering Technician or CAD Technician transitioning from private firms or utility companies.
  • Construction Inspector or Field Technician with experience in public works projects.
  • Recent graduates with a Bachelor’s in Civil, Environmental, or Construction Management seeking government experience.

Advancement To:

  • Assistant/Associate Engineer (Government)
  • Project Engineer / Public Works Project Manager
  • Senior Civil Engineer or Capital Projects Manager
  • Infrastructure Program Manager or Department Division Head

Lateral Moves:

  • Construction Inspector
  • Environmental Compliance Specialist
  • Facilities or Asset Management Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist in the review and preparation of engineering plans, technical reports, and construction specifications for public works projects, ensuring conformity with municipal codes, state standards, and federal regulations.
  • Perform detailed plan checks for site development, stormwater management, roadway improvements, sewage and water systems, and other municipal infrastructure projects; identify non-compliant elements and recommend corrective actions.
  • Coordinate and schedule field inspections during construction phases to verify contractor conformance with approved drawings, materials specifications, and quality assurance testing protocols; document findings in formal inspection reports.
  • Support project managers by compiling bid documents, evaluating contractor submittals, reviewing change orders, and maintaining contract files to ensure transparent and auditable procurement processes.
  • Prepare, maintain, and update asset inventories, as-built drawings, and GIS layers for infrastructure networks; convert field measurements and survey data into accurate digital records using CAD and GIS tools.
  • Collect, analyze, and summarize technical data (soil reports, traffic studies, hydrologic models) to support design decisions, permitting, and environmental reviews; present findings in written memoranda and presentations for stakeholders.
  • Assist with the development and updating of standard operating procedures, engineering guidelines, and permit checklists to streamline departmental workflows and enforce regulatory consistency.
  • Participate in public meetings, pre-construction conferences, and community outreach efforts to explain project scopes, timelines, and potential impacts; address resident and stakeholder inquiries professionally.
  • Review contractor pay applications and progress claims in conjunction with engineers and finance staff, verifying work completed, quantities installed, and compliance with contract terms prior to payment approval.
  • Monitor construction schedules and coordinate with inspectors, contractors, and utilities to mitigate delays, coordinate traffic control plans, and ensure public safety around active work zones.
  • Conduct field verification, surveying assistance, and simple boundary checks using level instruments, GPS equipment, or survey data to validate design baselines and resolve on-site discrepancies.
  • Assist in permit application preparation and tracking for floodplain approvals, NPDES stormwater permits, right-of-way encroachments, road cut permits, and utility connections; liaise with regulatory agencies until final approvals are secured.
  • Perform materials sampling and coordinate laboratory testing (concrete, asphalt, soil compaction) to validate compliance with project specifications; record, interpret, and report test results with recommended remediation steps as needed.
  • Review and process engineering-related invoices, purchase orders, and procurement documentation under the direction of senior engineers to maintain budgetary controls for capital projects.
  • Support the preparation of grant applications, funding proposals, and capital improvement program (CIP) submissions by compiling technical exhibits, cost estimates, schedules, and compliance narratives.
  • Maintain accurate project documentation, electronic files, and project management dashboards to ensure transparency, support audits, and provide accessible records for cross-functional teams.
  • Assist with traffic control plan reviews and temporary traffic management measures during construction to maintain vehicular and pedestrian safety and minimize community disruption.
  • Coordinate with utility providers (electric, gas, telecommunications, water) to secure necessary relocations, clearances, and as-built records for integrated project delivery and conflict resolution.
  • Execute routine technical calculations (quantity takeoffs, slope/stability checks, hydraulic capacity estimates) using engineering standards and calculators to support design checks and cost estimates.
  • Stay current with building codes, stormwater regulations, ADA requirements, and municipal engineering standards; proactively propose process improvements to promote regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
  • Draft concise engineering memos, technical specifications, and construction change directives to ensure clear communication and timely resolution of site issues.
  • Provide ongoing support for emergency response activities related to infrastructure failures (pipe breaks, sinkholes, washouts) including rapid assessment, temporary repairs coordination, and documentation of emergency procurements.
  • Assist in quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews during design and construction, ensuring that deliverables meet departmental standards and reduce rework or defects.
  • Manage community service requests and complaint tickets related to infrastructure, documenting resolution steps, coordinating inspections, and escalating complex issues to senior staff.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
  • Provide administrative and clerical support for engineering divisions including meeting minutes, permit tracking, and license verification.
  • Train and mentor junior technicians, interns, and temporary staff on inspection protocols, software tools, and public safety procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Civil engineering fundamentals: site grading, drainage design, roadway and utility layout, and earthwork calculations.
  • Proficient in AutoCAD / Civil 3D for drafting, redlining, and production of as-built drawings and plan sets.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) proficiency (ArcGIS or QGIS) for asset mapping, spatial analysis, and data layer maintenance.
  • Construction inspection experience including materials testing protocols, compaction testing, and standard laboratory result interpretation.
  • Working knowledge of stormwater management design and regulations (BMPs, low-impact development, NPDES permit requirements).
  • Familiarity with municipal permitting processes, right-of-way encroachments, and coordination with regulatory agencies.
  • Project coordination and scheduling tools: Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or equivalent scheduling/planning software.
  • Contract administration basics: understanding of bid documents, change orders, payment applications, and lien waiver processes.
  • Field surveying fundamentals and experience with GPS/total station data collection or the ability to coordinate with survey crews.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced Excel skills for quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, pivot tables, and data analysis.
  • Technical report writing: preparing inspection reports, technical memos, and correspondence suitable for public records and legal review.
  • Understanding of public procurement rules, purchasing workflows, and municipal finance controls.
  • Basic hydraulic/hydrologic computations and familiarity with modeling tools (e.g., HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, Stormwater modeling basics).
  • Asset management principles and experience maintaining infrastructure inventories and condition assessments.

Soft Skills

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear technical explanations to both engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate records, schedules, and compliance documentation.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to prioritize competing demands under tight public-sector timelines.
  • Stakeholder management and diplomacy when interacting with residents, contractors, elected officials, and regulatory agencies.
  • Team player who can collaborate cross-functionally with planning, utilities, finance, and operations departments.
  • Adaptability and resilience to perform effectively in the field under variable weather and construction conditions.
  • Ethical judgment, discretion, and commitment to transparency in public procurement and reporting.
  • Time management and multitasking ability to support multiple concurrent projects and inspections.
  • Continuous learning orientation to stay up-to-date on codes, emerging technologies, and best practices for public infrastructure.
  • Customer service focus to respond promptly and professionally to public inquiries and service requests.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Technology, or a related technical discipline plus relevant field experience; OR
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related engineering field (preferred).

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (B.E./B.Sc.) with coursework in transportation, hydraulics, geotechnical, and construction management.
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or progress toward professional licensure (PE) is a strong plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Construction Management / Construction Technology
  • Surveying / Geomatics
  • Transportation Engineering
  • Public Administration (for regulatory and procurement familiarity)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of practical experience in civil/public works engineering, construction inspection, CAD drafting, or municipal engineering support.

Preferred:

  • 2–4 years of public-sector experience supporting infrastructure projects, permit reviews, construction inspection, and contract administration.
  • Demonstrated experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D, GIS systems, and familiarity with municipal standards and permitting processes.
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