Engineer in Training/Design Engineer

Job Summary: the EIT is responsible for the design and drafting of civil engineering drawings for all phases of design including concept, schematic, design development and construction documents. The EIT will provide storm drainage analysis using a variety of modeling programs, and provide engineering assistance to licensed professional engineers as required.

Duties and Responsibilities
This section describes the activities expected to be performed in this position. The duties and responsibilities listed below are not meant to be exhaustive; other duties may be added as required. 

• Research and clearly document project specific and jurisdictional requirements using internet, phone, and in-person visits.
• Assist with the preparation of technical studies and reports, including but not limited to drainage reports/Technical Information Reports, feasibility studies, existing conditions reports, variance requests, and technical memorandums.
• Under the supervision of a licensed engineer, assist in the design of various civil site design elements including site grading, hydrology studies, storm drain, water distribution, and sanitary sewer systems, as well as road/right-of-way improvements.
• Conduct and provide clear documentation of upstream and downstream storm drainage analyses. Conduct site visits and clearly document findings in writing and with photos. If site visits turn up any unexpected circumstances or existing conditions, communicate them to the project manager as soon as possible.
• Create and use/analyze stormwater models using Western Washington Hydrology Model (WWHM), MGS Flood, etc. Interpret and communicate the results clearly and concisely to project managers and clients verbally and in writing.
• Assist with the preparation of project specifications and cost estimates. Coordinate with outside consultants for preparation of earthwork calculations.
• Provide construction observation; coordinate with project manager to answer contract questions, respond to RFIs and change orders, and review submittals.
• Provide CAD drafting as needed including redline revisions, as well as coordinating with CAD staff to complete plan submittals prior to project deadlines.
• Communicate and coordinate both in written and verbal correspondence effectively with colleagues, clients, subcontractors, agency staff, consultants, and co-workers. All correspondence shall be respectful, clearly and appropriate to the audience.
• Research, understand, monitor and communicate to staff project schedules and submittals, including the dates and requirements (e.g. no. of copies; size(s); document types [reports, drawings, permit applications, etc.]). Oversee production and delivery of submittals. Document schedule and requirements information and distribute to staff at least 1 week prior to submittal.
• Provide permitting assistance, including completing forms, coordinating signatures and requirements, tracking etc.
• Maintain permit comment response forms – following up with Project managers as appropriate.
• Maintain project files and logs including notebooks, file folders, and drawings.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Performance Expectations
This section describes the skills and attributes required to be a successful in this position and as an employee of LPD Engineering.

• Have thorough knowledge and applied understanding commensurate with education and work experience in engineering design, and of LPD, client, and agency requirements. Have thorough knowledge and expertise in the use of AutoCAD software. Be a contributing member of the project team to produce accurate, clear and well-presented design drawings, reports, exhibits, etc.
• Possess a strong focus on outcomes, deadlines, budget and schedule. Manage and prioritize time effectively by verifying project requirements with PM; inform PM when schedule delays, additional hours, etc. may be needed.
• Become familiar with scope and fee estimates for each project. When starting a project, understand the portion of the scope we are contracted to perform. If requested to perform a task that appears to be outside the scope, immediately inform the project manager.
• Demonstrate initiative – self starter, for example:
  • Work to effectively manage time and set priorities with PM or Principal.
  • Seek out work and tasks beneficial to professional growth and to LPD Engineering when workload is slow (after checking with senior staff to verify that no project work is needed).
  • Immediately inform PM of potential design issues that may be identified through research, communication with client and/or agencies, site visits, or modeling and analysis, etc.
  • Proactively seek and suggest solutions to challenges that may arise during design and communicate the challenges to the project manager as soon as they are discovered. Seek out guidance as needed. Document issues and solutions in writing.
• Demonstrate motivation and ability to increase understanding and implementation of engineering principles, internal and external standards, and requirements. Ask questions to the senior staff if encountering something unfamiliar. Be involved in organization or group outside LPD to enhance understanding of applicable engineering principles.
• Provide superior customer service with the ability to communicate conscientiously and effectively to clients, both internal and external. Understand when written or verbal communication is the best approach and communicate in manner appropriate to the audience (coworkers, clients, agencies, etc.)
• Be accountable: recognize when something needs to be brought to a supervisor’s attention, acknowledge the problem, accept responsibility, and work toward a solution.
• Demonstrate understanding of and commitment to LPD Engineering, its mission, values and vision.
• Be an inspired contributing member within a project-based and team-based environment by sharing insights, knowledge, suggestions, as well as by asking questions. Collaborate well with co-workers, clients, agencies and design team members by maintaining a positive, professional and constructive outlook.