Assistant/Associate Transportation Engineer - Transit Engineering

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is seeking a motivated and flexible Assistant/Associate Engineer that is well versed in engineering and construction principles specifically within a public transit context. This Engineer will be part of the Transit Engineering Group within Facilities Rehabilitation and will contribute to the planning design and execution of rehabilitation and improvement projects for VTAs light rail and bus facilities.

Assistant Transportation Engineer
Definition
Under general supervision an Assistant Transportation Engineer performs professional engineering duties in connection with the location design construction maintenance and operation of transportation systems and related projects.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the second professional transportation engineering level. Incumbents perform moderately complex assignments and exercise some latitude for independent judgment. Incumbents at this level may be assigned specific projects with minimal supervision. Additionally incumbents may direct the work of lower level engineers technicians and others who assist in specific project assignments. Incumbents may occasionally lead smaller short-term projects or studies of limited scope.

This class is distinguished from the entry level class of Junior Transportation Engineer in that incumbents of the latter class perform entry level professional engineering duties under close supervision.

Associate Transportation Engineer
Definition
Under direction the Associate Transportation Engineer supervises and performs responsible professional field and office engineering work in connection with the planning design construction maintenance and operation of transportation systems and projects; and to participate in a variety of services and special studies requiring the application of professional knowledge and skills.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the journey-level class in the professional transportation engineer series. Associate Transportation Engineers typically perform more difficult or complex engineering work using independent judgment and typically serve as the project lead providing lead supervision to lower level professional and technical staff on a project basis.

The Associate Transportation Engineer is distinguished from the next higher level of Senior Transportation Engineer in that the latter class has full supervisory responsibility over staff and consultants of a major unit or program.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess an appreciation for project management methodologies and excel at collaborating with diverse stakeholders at a high professional level. This position will also be responsible for helping in the delivery of projects related to implementation of infrastructure and facility improvements to support VTAs transition to Zero Emission fleet. In addition the successful candidate will be eager to apply technical skills and learn best practices in this emerging field supporting the development and implementation of sustainable solutions for VTA.

Salary
This position may be filled at different levels depending on the candidates qualifications experience and business needs. Title and compensation will be commensurate with the selected candidates background.

• Assistant Transportation Engineer:$58.30 - $70.90 Hourly / $4664.08 - $5671.68 Bi-weekly / $10105.50 - $12288.64 Monthly / $121266.02 - $147463.72 Yearly
• Associate Transportation Engineer:$67.85 - $82.44 Hourly / $5427.84 - $6595.28 Bi-weekly / $11760.33 - $14289.78 Monthly / $141123.92 - $171477.40 Yearly

Assistant Transportation Engineer
Typical Tasks:

• Performs drafting engineering computations research report writing direction of field operations involved in the gathering and compiling of data for the planning design and construction of transportation systems and projects;
• Performs technical reviews of design plans and contracts specifications engineering cost estimates construction schedules and engineering studies of transportation systems and projects;
• Assists in the planning for and design of new or improvements to fixed guideways transit highway bicycle airport and other facilities by preparing plans profiles cross sections making quantity estimates computing stresses and strains and performing other professional engineering tasks;
• Prepares and review maps right of way deeds and legal descriptions;
• Inspects the construction of projects;
• Takes field tests and gather samples for laboratory tests of materials;
• Writes engineering specification;
• Makes cost and quantity estimates;
• Reviews and approves DBE work progress contractors payroll contract compliance reports and extra work reports;
• Composes and reviews Request for Proposal (RFP) or similar documents for vendor selection;
• Utilizes AutoCAD and other appropriate software;
• Performs related work as required.

• Performs professional engineering activities related to planning design construction maintenance and operation of transportation facilities including fixed guideways transit highway bicycle airport and other facilities;
• Reviews technical reports on transportation systems design submittals reviews design submittals from contractors for contract compliance and recommends changes to existing planning and design criteria;
• Reviews documents prepared by subordinates consultants and other parties;
• Determines route alignments;
• Makes analyses to determine best design;
• Develops routes and schedules for transit system facilities;
• Supervises the design and construction of transportation system facilities;
• Directs other engineering personnel in preparing final plans and maps;
• Supervises the preparation of detailed drawing and specifications;
• Writes reports and makes estimates of a specialized nature in connection with various transportation projects;
• Makes preliminary designs and estimates for determining budgetary needs for construction and maintenance activities;
• Performs related work as required.

• Responsible for technical details of an entire project such as planning design and contract documents typically involving project coordination and administration;
• Resolves technical problems concerning the planning design construction maintenance and operation of transportation facilities;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Employment Standards

• Assistant Transportation Engineer
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in engineering or possession of a valid Engineer-In-Training certificate and two years professional engineering experience on transportation systems or projects.
• Associate Transportation Engineer
  • Development of the required skills knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in engineering plus four years of increasingly responsible experience in the performance of professional engineering work in design estimating construction and contract administration with a strong emphasis in design and construction of transportation systems and projects.

Assistant Transportation Engineer:
Knowledge of:

• Transportation Planning principles;
• Principles and practices of engineering design as related to transportation systems and projects;
• Engineering mathematics and its application to engineering problems stress analysis mechanical and properties of materials;
• Construction methods equipment and inspection;
• Engineering economics;
• Engineering drafting and mapping;
• Contract and technical specification preparation and interpretation;
• Computer systems and programs;
• Basic principles of project management;

• Apply engineering principles and practices to the solution of engineering problems;
• Perform professional engineering work of average complexity in the planning and design of transportation facilities and projects and in special engineering studies and reviews;
• Interpret and prepare drawings and specifications;
• Read and interpret real property descriptions;
• Make difficult engineering mathematical calculations quickly neatly and accurately;
• Conduct engineering studies and evaluations and write clear and concise reports;
• Keep accurate records;
• Analyze technical problems and make recommendations;
• Operate computers and computer-aided drafting equipment;
• Prepare Request for Proposal (RFP) for vendor selection;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Methods materials and equipment used in the design construction and operation of transportation facilities;
• Principles and practices of engineering used in transportation systems and facilities;
• Principles and practices of scheduling and coordinating engineering work and project control;
• Applicable local State and Federal codes and regulations governing transit-related design and construction;
• Knowledge of C.P.U.C. NEMA NEC AREMA and similar codes governing transit systems design and construction;
• Engineering theory and practical application of operating transit systems;
• Specifications writing and estimating for rail systems projects;
• Principles and practices of contract administration and construction management construction inspection and materials testing;
• Planning and budgeting for transportation development projects;
• Economics of transportation facility design;
• Software tools common to the field of engineering;
• Safety practices in the construction industry.

• Inspect plans for the methods of construction;
• Design or review the design of transportation systems and facilities;
• Design check sign and stamp drawing and specification;
• Assist in inspections to achieve compliance with contracts construction plans and specifications;
• Prepare cost estimates for projects;
• Review and prepare clear and concise correspondence reports specifications and other documents;
• Effectively represent VTA at technical meetings and before local citizens in public meetings and hearing;
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing;
• Take initiative reason logically and be creative in developing and introducing new ideas;
• Define problem areas and evaluate recommend and implement alternative solutions to issues and problems;
• Establish cooperative relations with staff contractors community organizations representatives of Federal State regional and city agencies and the general public.

• Work/Life Balance:40-hour work weeks and an option of a flexible/hybrid remote schedule.
• Health:VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.
• Flex Spending Account: $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees
• Vision:VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Dental:Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Leave: 17 days of vacation (accrued) 80 Hours of sick time (accrued) 13 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement:
  • Participation in CalPERS
    • Classic Members: 2%@55
    • PEPRA Members: 2%@62
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary)
    • 457 pre-tax
    • 457 Roth
  • Self-directed brokerage account option for qualifying employees
• Retiree medical coverage for eligible employees with VTA contributions to the retirees medical premium

• All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines including VTA Paratransit services.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee eligible dependent and household member 24 hours a day seven days a week.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Fund
• Wellness Programs