HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Engineering TechnicianUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Senior Engineering Technician
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering
Supervisor: City Engineer
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 9
Job Number: 0910
Job Summary
Under general direction, prepares construction drawings, plats, maps and other engineering and
architectural drawings using computer-aided design (CAD) and geographic information system
(GIS) software. Maintains accurate GIS data and record drawings of the City's infrastructure and
answers questions from the general public.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Utilizes computer aided design and drafting software to produce complex and accurate
maps, construction plans, graphics and architectural plans.
• Develops and maintains GIS data and database layers related to City infrastructure
(drainage, water, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, streets, sidewalks, curb ramps and other
related facilities).
• Creates, updates and maintains various datasets and maps for Public Works, City
departments and the public.
• Creates and maintains as constructed record drawings of City infrastructure.
• Trains Engineering interns on software for computer-aided drafting and GIS work; assigns
interns work, mostly computer-aided drafting and GIS-related work.
• Receives and reviews as built computer-aided drawings from outside consultants.
• Utilizes civil engineering design and GIS software for design and analysis functions.
• Interprets survey data for preparing preliminary drawings for project design.
• Designs and prepares plans, specifications and cost estimates for basic Public Works
projects.
• Calculates or checks calculations for quantities of bid items for construction projects.
• Researches prices and orders supplies for computer-aided drafting system, GIS system
and large-volume outside printing, and computer software and hardware upgrades.
• Establishes standards and procedures for consistency within documentation for
Engineering drawings and GIS system.
• Organizes and maintains plan storage room, computer-aided drafting system hard drive,
GIS database and software system, and files.
• Works with outside organizations and agencies regarding future mapping projects.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
• Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all
community members and coworkers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related
experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Degree in Geography, Urban Planning, Engineering, GIS, or
related. Experience in engineering drafting, GIS, or related.
• Valid State of Iowa driver's license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of
age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or four years of related
experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or
schedule form.
• Ability to interpret survey data.
• Ability to perform advanced mathematical calculations used in engineering calculations.
• Ability to prepare written legal descriptions for use in easement and property
acquisitions.
• Ability to prepare written requests for proposals and various notes and reports.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering design notes, surveying field notes, software
documentation, legal descriptions, and safety rules, operating and maintenance
instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in
situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to speak effectively before public groups of customers or employees of
organization.
• Knowledge of GIS software and database applications such as ArcGIS and ArcView.
• Knowledge of surveying methods and engineering design basics.
• Skill in drafting, mathematics and spatial relations.
• Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook) and drafting/civil engineering software applications such as Autocad.
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use
hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally
required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee
regularly lifts and/or moves 25 pounds and will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in
an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of
time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant
work pace pressure.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Ron Knoche, Public Works Director (4/2024)
of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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