Engineering Technician

The City of Urbandale is currently accepting applications for Engineering Technician. In this role, you’ll perform a variety of skilled drafting and surveying to produce engineering maps, plans and drawings of public infrastructure improvements, and inspect public works projects for compliance with construction specifications. 

Urbandale is a thriving, growing community with bold plans to shape a vibrant future. With a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, the Engineering & Public Works Department works to keep Urbandale connected, resilient, and ready for the future. 

Watch this VIDEO to see what meaningful work looks like when you work for the City of Urbandale!

This full-time, non-exempt position generally works Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM–4:00 PM. Additional hours and weekend work may be required due to seasonal workload and operational demands.

The City of Urbandale offers a comprehensive salary and benefits package. Benefits for this position include:

• Individual health insurance for only $77.46 per month; or family health insurance for only $237.74 per month
• Dental, vision, and flexible spending account options
• 15 paid vacation days per year
• 12 paid sick days per year
• 4 weeks of paid paternal leave
• 10 paid holidays + 3 additional personal holidays
• IPERS retirement plan
• 457(b) retirement plan with 2% city match
• City-paid life insurance policy - plus additional voluntary life insurance options
• City-paid long term disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional information can be found in the EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK and the 2026 NON-UNION BENEFITS GUIDE 

*The salary range reflects pay steps based on length of service. New employees are typically hired at Step 1. The full range is provided to illustrate potential future earnings.*

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Designs and prepares drawings or other illustrative materials of existing/new improvements and other utilities using notes made in the field, photographs or maps.
• Catalogs and files construction plans, plat books, maps, deed and easement reference books from work orders and field inspection notes. Scans all construction plans for archive. Maintains databases of electronic scanned files, maps, and aerial photographs.
• Reviews construction plans, plats and cost estimates submitted by consulting engineers/contractors and utilities to ensure conformance with established requirements.
• Maintains and updates GIS base mapping to facilitate mapping and asset management of City infrastructure and to organize and manage electronic file structure.
• Utilizes global positioning system to locate City infrastructure systems such as sanitary sewer, storm sewer, signs and fiber optics.
• Gathers and provides information to contractors, consultants, city employees/departments, and the public, including as-built drawings, aerial photographs, easements, right-of-way information, and utility locations.
• Responsible for the inspection and construction administration of all engineering projects including, but not limited to: paving (streets, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks), sanitary sewer, storm sewer, grading including inspection and monitoring of erosion control/ storm water pollution prevention plans, water main and drainage structures to insure compliance with construction specifications and approved plans. Review shop drawings and submittals for CIP Projects and Subdivisions
• Enforces compliance with construction specifications and public works standards. Responds to inquiries and assists contractors and sub-contractors regarding applicable compliance requirements.
• Responds to inquiries from the public.
• Prepares and maintains complete project inspection records. Measures field quantities and compiles pay applications for City projects.
• Performs concrete testing.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Responsible for locating and marking City infrastructure through the Iowa One Call system.
• Reviews right-of-way work applications/plan sets and enforces the right-of-way ordinance.
• Designs Capital Improvements Projects under supervision.
• Provides Engineering cost estimates.

Typical Qualifications

Typical qualifications include:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two (2) years of experience/education in engineering design or public works construction, or two (2) years of field experience in construction, engineering or inspection, or two (2) years of an equivalent combination.
• Valid driver's license required.

• Proficient in applying geometry and trigonometry to calculate angles, areas, distances, traverses, grades, and measurements.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from construction plans, specifications, sketches, and survey data.
• Knowledge of surveying principles, construction inspection practices, and CAD applications.
• Experience with total station survey equipment, GPS equipment, and related electronic surveying tools.
• Familiarity with construction inspection techniques, methods, and documentation standards.
• Working knowledge of Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS).
• Working knowledge of IDOT standard specifications for highway and bridge construction.
• Proficiency with personal computers and software applications, including CAD, GIS, GPS, civil engineering design software, word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs.
• General knowledge of office equipment (e.g., copier, telephone, calculator, plotter, scanner) and drafting instruments and supplies.
• General knowledge of hand tools, power tools, and electronic equipment used in surveying and construction environments.
• Completion of, or ability to obtain, required DOT certification classes.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, contractors, consultants, other departments, and the public.
• Excellent customer service and telephone communication skills.
• Accurate typing and data entry skills.
• Strong problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to take initiative, manage time effectively, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to perform essential job duties at designated work locations and during assigned work hours.

Supplemental Information

Interested candidates must complete the City of Urbandale's online application (through www.governmentjobs.com/careers/urbandale) by 11:59 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Qualified candidates will be notified of steps and dates in the process via governmentjobs.com email notifications. Be sure to apply using an active email address that you check frequently to stay informed throughout the recruitment process, and consider signing up for text message alerts.

The civil service testing process for this position consists of a written exam and an oral board interview.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the written exam phase. Candidates passing the written exam, and who rank in the top fifteen (15)—including ties for fifteenth place—will be invited to participate in the oral board interview phase.

Candidates passing the interview phase will be placed on the certified list of candidates eligible for hire. The certified list will be valid for up to one year from the date of certification. There is currently one (1) vacancy within the Engineering & Public Works Department for this classification. 

Written Exam Information:
The written exam for this position is timed and is designed to assess job-related skills. The exam evaluates applied problem-solving using basic math, geometry, and trigonometry relevant to the role. Candidates may be asked to perform calculations involving measurements such as cubic and square yards, grade, capacity, linear feet, slope, and distance along a survey line. Standard conversion tables will be provided during the exam, and candidates may use a basic calculator.

Tentative Timeline:
Posting Close: 11:59 PM February 8, 2026
Written Exam: Week of February 9 - February 13, 2026
Oral Interviews: Week of February 16 - February 20, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: March 23, 2026

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@urbandale.org or (515) 331-6738 prior to the application deadline.