Engineering Assistant I or II (Midland Area Office)

If you are a recent engineering graduate and are looking to build your skills, gain engineering experience, and leave a lasting impact on Midland’s infrastructure then TXDOT’s Odessa District is the place for you!

We currently have historic amounts of funding to improve IH 20 through Midland and Odessa and to prepare our infrastructure for the rapidly expanding energy industry in our area. All we need now is you! This position reports to the Midland Area Office (MAO) which is comprised of a staff that includes licensed engineers, inspectors, designers, recordkeepers, and engineering assistants. TXDOT offers outstanding training programs, opportunity for growth/advancement, work/life balance and supports engineering assistants to become professionally licensed engineers through the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program.

This position will have the opportunity to design the very roads we drive on and oversee the construction of the projects they design to become a well-rounded engineer respected by their peers across the state. Come help us improve safety for the travelling public and for your loved ones, apply today! The most amazing office (MAO) is waiting for you!

Salary Plan/Grade:

Engineer Assistant I (B20): $51,158 - $81,351 yearly
Engineer Assistant II (B21): $54,278 - $87,046 yearly

*The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position offered based on the applicant's work experience, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Engineering Assistant I:

Performs engineering work. Work involves job rotation, training and continuing education in design, construction, construction inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental and/or transportation operations-related activities with the intent to actively pursue engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams. Design activity is supervised by a licensed professional engineer who has authority for final approval of all projects. Work requires contact with local governmental representatives, engineering contractors and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Engineering Assistant II:

Performs engineering work. Work involves job rotation, training and continuing education in design, construction, construction
inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental and/or transportation operations-related activities with the intent to actively
pursue engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams. Design activity is supervised by a licensed
professional engineer who has authority for final approval of all projects. Work requires contact with local governmental
representatives, engineering contractors and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments;
however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

NOTE: All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the Engineering Assistant Career
Development program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a
Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment.

Essential Duties:

Engineering Assistant I:

• Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams and completion/maintenance of required documentation.
• Assists in survey activities.
• Creates detailed PS&E
• Participates in Career Development of the Engineering Assistants program which includes job rotation, training and continuing education.
• Performs construction inspection and material sampling/testing
• Performs engineering calculations for plan quantities as part of PS&E preparation activities
• Performs engineering-related duties in the field of transportation engineering
• Prepares and checks plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) and designs
• Reviews construction plans prepared by consultants
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned

Engineering Assistant II:

• Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams and completion/maintenance of required documentation.
• Applies engineering principles, methods and techniques to a wide variety of transportation-related activities
• Assists in survey activities
• Assists in training less experienced engineering assistants, specialist and technicians
• Collects engineering data at project sites
• Creates detailed PS&E
• Participates in Career Development of the Engineering Assistants program which includes job rotation, training and continuing education.
• Performs construction inspection and material sampling/testing
• Performs engineering calculations for plan quantities as part of PS&E preparation activities
• Performs engineering-related calculations and drafting/design work
• Performs engineering-related duties in the field of transportation engineering
• Preforms research and problem solving of engineering- related problems
• Prepares and checks plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) and designs
• Reviews construction plans prepared by consultants
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Engineering Assistant I or II:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS.

Acceptable Substitutions:

• Master's degree in engineering or a Master of engineering degree from an institution that offers a Bachelor of Science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.
• Doctoral degree in engineering or a Doctor of Engineering degree from an institution that offers a Bachelor of Science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Work experience

Engineering Assistant I - None

Engineering Assistant II - 1 year in ENGINEERING related experience. (Experience can be satisfied by fulltime or prorated part time equivalent).

Competencies:

Engineering Assistant I:

Some knowledge of:

• Engineering designs
• Applicable plans, specifications and estimates preparation, review, processing and compliance requirements
• Computer=aided drafting and design systems
• Plan review methods, processes and procedures
• Highway construction and maintenance

Proficient skill in:

• Design review
• Collecting, sorting and compiling data
• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals.

Engineering Assistant II:

Considerable knowledge of:

• Engineering designs
• Applicable plans, specifications and estimates, preparation, review, processing and compliance requirements
• Plan review methods, processes and procedures
• Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance
• Highway construction and maintenance
• Computer-aided drafting and design systems

Proficient skill in:

• Design review
• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others

Some skill in:

• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Engineering Assistant I or II:

• Subject to environmental conditions; protection from weather but not temperature changes
• Subject to outside environmental conditions; no effective weather protection
• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour
• Subject to noise and vibration
• Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
• Subject to atmospheric conditions-fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation
• Subject to air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids
• Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device
• Works frequently in small/crawl spaces; manholes; areas that can cause claustrophobia
• Works in narrow aisles or passageways
• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs. at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.
• Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs.
• Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc.
• Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling
• Stooping-bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist
• Kneeling-bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee(s)
• Crouching-bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine
• Crawling-moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet
• Reaching-extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Walking-moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another
• Pushing-using upper extremities to press against object with force to move in a direction
• Pulling-using upper extremities to exert force moving objects in a sustained motion
• Lifting-raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position
• Fingering-picking, pinching, typing; working primarily with fingers rather than whole hand
• Grasping-applying pressure to an object with fingers and palm
• Feeling-determining size, shape, temperature or texture of objects
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes visual inspection of small defects/parts
• Close Visual Acuity-using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts

Conditions of Employment:

Engineering Assistant I or II:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
• All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the EA program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment. Failure to comply with all terms of the Program Agreement will result in reclassification.
• Required to work hours other than 8 to 5.
• Required to work weekends and holidays.
• Required to work in inclement weather conditions.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment provided by employer and comply with all safety requirements.
• Must be able to respond to duty within 30 minutes of notification on a 24-hour basis.

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information