Engineer - Materials Lab

Overall Job Objective

Summary of Job Duties

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of:  Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.

Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs
• Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

Department Information
The Materials Lab Division of the Public Works Department is seeking an Engineer - Materials Lab.  The Materials Lab evaluates materials such as soils, concrete, and asphalt used in roadway and utility construction to ensure they meet the city's specifications along with reviewing and qualifying materials used in infrastructure improvements.  PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist in the formulation of lab & field investigations, development of alternative solutions to routine complex geotechnical & geological issues, on capital improvement & maintenance projects and private development. Assist in review of industry testing work for completeness and accuracy. Assist in engineering/technical guidance of lower level technical staff, field and/or drill crews. Provide engineering evaluations by selecting and applying standard techniques, procedures, and criteria under the supervision of the Principal Public Works Inspections Engineer, the City Engineer, and the Materials Lab Supervisor.
 

• Provides materials testing reviews in coordination with the design and construction of complex utility, roadway, and drainage projects from project conception to completion, including coordination with various federal and state agencies when needed;
• Develops criteria and designs for complex engineering projects;
• Earthwork, foundation, and construction materials observation and testing
• Subsurface investigations including borings and test pits, reviewing exploration logs, lab results, and plans
• Calculations of bearing capacity, settlement, earth pressures, pavement section design, and slope stability
• Preparation of geotechnical reports
• Manage and develop a group of highly motivated individuals
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently or on multidisciplinary teams
• Plans, implements, and manages geotechnical exploration programs, including assigning laboratory testing technicians
• Guide technicians in performing material and site characterization, seepage, slope stability, and settlement analysis, etc.
• Prepare geotechnical reports, drawings, and specifications for foundations and earthwork for a wide range of projects including transportation, water, parks, buildings, etc.
• Support project managers in budget management, client updates, and general project management tasks
• Prepare and present technical presentations to clients and technical review boards
• Perform field observation and testing
• Pro-actively troubleshoot and problem-solve with practical, client-focused solutions
• Assist with professional development of staff at all levels
• Assist City project managers with developing geotechnical proposals
• Establish priorities and multi-task effectively
• May perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in Geotechnical/Geological field.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience in engineering work.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in geotechnical/civil/municipal engineering, design, and construction.

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of current geotechnical engineering principles and practices applicable to municipal engineering projects
• Local, state and federal laws and regulations related to assigned function.

Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to make decisions and solve complex technical problems
• Interpret codes and criteria
• Use computer design software in engineering projects design and review
• Work effectively with other employees, outside agencies, contractors, and citizens.

Skills: 

• Strong interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills
• Skills in the use of field and office engineering instruments and equipment
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Driver's License
• Engineer-in-Training Certification or equivalent

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:

• Heavy physical work which requires the ability to lift a maximum of 100 pounds with assistance
• Frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance
• Considerable walking and standing
• A full range of body movements including pushing, pulling, climbing and crawling; foot/eye coordination to operate a motor vehicle
• Vision to read plans, specifications, and testing and measuring equipment; frequent hearing and speech communication with employees, contractors and citizens.

 
Work Environment:

• Works indoors in a laboratory environment and outdoors in all weather conditions and over all types of terrain with some exposure to chemicals, dust, noise, traffic and moving construction equipment.

  
Equipment Used:

• Computer and engineering instruments; electronic components; motor vehicle; drilling and field and laboratory test equipment
• This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.

Essential Personnel: When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel. 
For Veterans points:  Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
            
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.  We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants.  It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace.  A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
 
Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.