Compensation

Engineering Technician: $40.05 - $50.06 

Sr. Engineering Technician: $44.15 - $55.19

Ideal Candidate

Are you an analytical person with great attention to detail? Do you have experience in an engineering or construction environment performing designs and assisting Civil Engineers in the design of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects? Do you have experience using AutoCAD Civil 3D and ArcGIS Desktop software? Are you able to keep track of competing priorities and remain focused? If so, we would like to hear from you.

We also welcome veterans and transitioning military. Consider joining a team of hardworking employees who work to protect and preserve water, one of our most valuable natural resources. The experience you've gained during your service can continue to positively impact the world with a career at Otay.

The Otay Water District offers excellent benefits, a balanced work/life environment and is a leader in the industry.

About the Position and Department 

The position may be appointed at either the Sr. Engineer Technician or Engineer Technician level depending upon qualifications and experience (there is only 1 vacancy). The position is in the Design Section of the Engineering Department and reports directly to an Engineering Manager. Depending on the level appointed, the position performs a variety of engineering work involving preparation and checking of construction drawings, including civil, structural, and mechanical plans; prepares record drawings and maps; and maintains Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) database. The Sr. Engineering Technician performs minor designs and assists Civil Engineers in design of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects including assisting with water and wastewater facility designs using AutoCAD Civil 3D and ArcGIS Desktop software; reviews developer plans for conformance to District codes, policies, and standards and may serve as liaison/coordinator for major programs and special projects.
 
The Engineering Department also manages a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of approximately $19.7 million (2026). This position is a member of a dedicated, service oriented team where collaboration and leadership are promoted at all levels.
 
The Engineering Department is responsible for the Planning, Budgeting, Design and Construction of all Otay Water District Facilities as well as the administration of all developer and new customer construction and service applications. The Department has a staff of approximately 30 employees.
 
Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection. However, for the earliest consideration, please submit your application materials by October 22, 2025. For information on the recruitment process, please go to the Employment section of our website www.otaywater.gov or click here.

Examples of Duties

Engineering Technician Includes:

• Drafts construction drawings including civil, structural, and mechanical plans using AutoCAD Civil 3D.  Submits to higher level technical staff for review and approval.
• Drafts record drawings upon completion of projects.
• Prepares and updates maps, charts, layouts, displays, and plans using AutoCAD Civil 3D and ArcGIS Desktop.
• Prepares, maintains, and distributes District maps.
• Assists Project Managers in developing and assembling contract documents.
• Administers and maintains the department library, vendor list(s), databases, etc.
• Administers and maintains department equipment and expendables.
• Compiles, updates, and assists with analysis of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budgeting, estimating and cash flow, and maintenance of report database.
• Operates and uses ArcGIS/AutoCAD applications to update facilities and mapping records.
• Reviews plan checks for new developments; prepares and maintains plans and profiles of development and applies Otay Water District and WAS Standard Plans and Specifications.
• Drives a vehicle as required to visit sites for design factors or sites not accessible to the public.

Sr. Engineering Technician Includes:

• Performs checking of calculations, plans, specifications, shop drawings, and construction submittals for completeness, accuracy, and conformity to District standards and project requirements, in support of Project Manager.
• Prepares and monitors budget and schedules for CIP projects and other tasks.
• Performs administrative tasks, such as consultant selection and bid evaluations for projects under direction of Project Manager.
• Review developer project designs, plans, and legal descriptions for conformance to District Code, policy, standards, Sub Area Master Plans (SAMPS), and current Master Plan.
• Assist Engineers with design work, including site layout, pipeline alignment, facilities siting, and prepares plans and specifications for construction using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Create and update maps, drawings and exhibits using AutoCAD and ArcGIS Desktop for engineers and others in the department.
• Utilize civil engineering software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, to develop designs and prepare construction drawings.
• Conduct field inspections and engineering studies by collecting and summarizing data.
• Research and compose project specifications based on District Standard Specifications under direction of Project Manager.
• Prepare exhibits for legal descriptions and quit claim deeds under direction of the Project Manager.
• Perform duties of Project Manager on minor projects.
• Supervises temporary, intern, and other employees in less technical engineering tasks.
• Prepares written correspondence to developers, engineers, contractors, and the general public.
• Responds as District liaison to commercial, industrial, government, international and other large customers.
• Responds as District liaison to government agencies and coordinates the District’s relocation of utilities.
• Assists in the review and processing of design plans presented by  applicants for water and sewer service.
• Drives a vehicle as required to visit sites for design factors or sites not accessible to the public.

For the complete job description go to the Employment section of our website www.otaywater.gov or click here.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

 

• Both positions require: A valid California Class "C" Driver's License and a safe driving record.
• Sr. Engineering Technician:  Engineering In Training (EIT), desirable.

 

Minimum Experience, Education, and Training Requirements

 

Experience:

• Engineering Technician:  Two (2) years of experience in civil engineering including drafting and plan checking preferably for a water/wastewater facility or engineering firm.

• Sr. Engineering Technician:  Four (4) years of experience in civil engineering, including plans and specifications preparation preferably for a water/wastewater agency.

Education:

• Both positions require a High School diploma or G.E.D.
• Engineering Technician: Coursework in basic drafting, computer aided drafting, survey drafting, engineering, construction, and trigonometry is desirable.
• Sr. Engineering Technician:  Coursework in fundamental principles of civil engineering including statistics, plane surveying, elementary statistics, and physics of fluid mechanics is desirable. An Associate's of Science degree in drafting, engineering, or a closely related field is desirable.

About Otay Water District

Located in Spring Valley, approximately 15 miles southeast of downtown San Diego, the District is close to all the cultural, educational, and recreational amenities of a large southern California metropolitan area without the daily congestion. The District takes pride in providing reliable, high-quality products, services, and support.

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