National War College Alumni Association

Come and make a difference at Solid Waste!

The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), Solid Waste Management Program, is seeking an Engineering Technician III.

DPWES is a diverse, nationally accredited and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia. Join our team to help us protect the environment and serve the people of Fairfax County by creating and preserving a sustainable community that is an ideal place to live, work, and play for everyone.

Fairfax County Government is committed to our employees, and offers comprehensive benefits, including a defined-benefit retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Through our LiveWell Program and the County Benefits Division, we endeavor to cultivate a culture of wellbeing that empowers, educates and engages employees and retirees to make life-long choices that promote a holistic approach to their physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual and financial wellness. Please review our awesome benefits:

• Benefit
• Retirement

DPWES provides award-winning solid waste collection services for approximately 45,000 homes, operates a transfer station and landfill, regulates solid waste services, and leads sustainability initiatives to promote zero waste goals for Fairfax County. DPWES Solid Waste is a diverse work force of approximately 300 merit and 50 non-merit employees and has an annual operating budget of more than $100M. Our nationally recognized team of professionals are working together towards a singular goal: providing environmentally responsible and cost-effective management of municipal solid waste, keeping Fairfax County safe, green, healthy, and clean.

This advertisement will be used to fill a vacancy at the following location:

• I-66 Transfer Station: 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030

Under limited supervision, this position performs engineering technical support work in plan and permit review and acceptance, and other engineering technical support programs for regulatory compliance and industry requirements. This position is responsible for leading, supervising, and mentoring the Engineering Technician group to support monitoring, cleaning, maintenance, rehabilitation, and repair of the Solid Waste Management Program’s complex methane gas systems, H2S systems, leachate pump stations, and stormwater systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervises the scope of work and coordinate with staff and vendors to ensure completion of projects in a timely manner, to include, evaluating and inspecting the job sites, scheduling, coordinating with other jurisdictions and environmental agencies for necessary permits, monitoring and evaluating work crew production.
• Ensures that all stormwater, wastewater, and environmental compliance regulations are followed, and best management practices are implemented.
• Responsible for project management oversight in relationship to landfill gas systems, soil erosion prevention, MS4 compliance and SPCC (Spill Prevention, Control Countermeasure) regulatory compliance, and Environmental Project Management.
• Inspects job sites to determine the scope of work and actions taken are in accordance with compliance and/or approved written plans.
• Performs leadership, supervisory, and administrative duties related to the Engineering Technician and compliance groups.
• Coordinates with other jurisdictions and environmental agencies for necessary permits.
• Overall responsibility for 24/7 monitoring system alarms associated with the complex methane gas, leachate, and H2S system.
• Provides supervision and scheduling for 24/7 on-call staff.
• Provides overall support for after hour system alarms and on-call reporting and scheduling.
• Assists complex Assistant Superintendents with the management of other waste, mulch, and grinding operational needs.
• Serves in lead position during snow removal and all other weather-related and departmental emergencies.
• Performs leadership, supervisory and administrative duties related to meeting with and responding to the Board of Supervisor s staff and general citizenry for the resolution of complaints and service requests related to waste management.
• Supports, encourages and engages staff in safe working practices and complies with Solid Waste and DPWES safety programs and guidelines.
• Ensures that staff follow all safety policies and practices and are operating as trained and instructed.

Note: Holiday, weekend and overtime work may be required. Position is designated as "Essential Emergency Services Personnel".  Essential employees are required to report to duty/shift no matter in what capacity Fairfax County is operating (open/closed).

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

• Performs advanced engineering technical support work in plan and permit review and acceptance and other engineering technical support programs for compliance and industry requirements under limited supervision;
• Reviews and marks-up plans and plats through various preliminary and pre-final submissions from design and project managers, using both electronic and manual mark-up methods;
• Performs quality control and assurance review of technical programs to triage common errors and to ensure compliance;
• Independently develops and presents recommended course of actions to resolve project issues, non-compliance and mediates sensitive complaints;
• Responds to citizen inquiries and requests for work through site investigation, review of records and plans, research of prior complaints to determine program levels of service and recommends agency actions;
• Provides project support to include: assisting engineering staff with topographic survey, utility designation and coordination, submitting and coordinating permit applications for maintenance projects;
• Performs advanced engineering technical support work conducting inspections to ensure requirements are met;
• Conducts field inspections of various stormwater management facilities to include: dry and wet ponds, low impact development facilities, proprietary for non-proprietary manufactured best management practices to identify repairs in accordance with county and industry standards;
• Troubleshoots, maintains and assists with the construction of facilities and equipment;
• Troubleshoots asset management system issues and makes corrections;
• Provides data management, data analysis, and maintenance and operation support to asset management initiatives including: inventory management, work order management, work order planning, emergency call center monitoring, and preventive maintenance planning and management;
• Troubleshoots asset management system operation processes and technical problems for system users;
• Utilizes the asset management system to create and prioritize work orders;
• Refers work order to other work groups for appropriate repair, maintenance or rehabilitation actions;
• Procures, installs and operates new equipment;
• Evaluates building systems and components to determine alterations required to meet code;
• Schedules the work of external contractors;
• Surveys and conducts inventory assessment of facility and equipment assets for replacement and maintenance;
• Drafts plans, develops estimates and specifications for design;
• Selects, plans, designs, constructs, and maintains equipment and systems;
• Investigates problems or malfunctions, and recommends solutions or corrective actions;
• Writes detailed maintenance or operations procedures;
• Participates in contract administration and negotiation;
• Responds to questions about bid documents which requires knowledge of all the technical sections of the specifications;
• Processes partial releases from banks and mortgage companies related to acquisition of land rights from property owners;
• Prepares contract award package and ensures timely execution of the contract in accordance to Fairfax County purchasing regulations and department policy;
• Reviews and approves contractor proposals and cost estimates;
• Ensures contractor work is completed correctly and on schedule;
• Reviews consultant and contractor invoices of work performed and completes the necessary documentation and paperwork for approval;
• Scales plans using architect or engineering scale or planimeter for highly complex or irregular structures to determine square footage for fee calculations;
• Determines the use group of the structure, type of construction and whether related equipment permits are required;
• Examines Surety Value Estimate for accuracy and performs mathematical calculations to determine amount of bond reductions;
• Uses computer programs to evaluate structural systems and components;
• Scales site-related plans and calculates disturbed and impervious areas to ensure if projects are eligible for waivers and/or exceptions;
• Ensures specifications, plans and reports comply with permits and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for landfill gas collection system, the stormwater management system, the leachate pumping system, and the groundwater management system;
• Ensures that equipment and systems supporting environmental compliance is properly maintained to include landfill gas flares, landfill gas wells, groundwater wells and leachate collection pumps and other control system;
• Actively monitors, troubleshoots and maintains existing Flood Warning System equipment;
• Maintains data communications at Flood Warning System sites which include ALERT and SCADA and analyzes recorded data in Contrail and SCADA systems;
• Identifies storm sewer system asset defects, classifying the type of repair, maintenance or rehabilitation that must be performed;
• Engages in safe working practices and complies with safety programs and guidelines;
• Reports unsafe working conditions;
• Complies with safety competencies.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Thorough knowledge in the practical application of engineering science and technology to include applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design, maintenance, or production of approved plans, permits or construction and maintenance of structures, facilities or equipment;
• Thorough knowledge in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus and/or statistic and their applications for project completion and/or problem solving;
• Thorough knowledge of county, state and federal laws, codes and regulations pertaining to the appropriate technical field;
• Thorough knowledge of the methods and equipment used in engineering construction and inspection methods;
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and applicable safety practices;
• Ability to comprehend and comply to safety practices;
• Ability to perform duties requiring manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude;
• Ability to prepare accurate drawings and maps;
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems;
• Ability to process information by compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating or verifying information and data accurately to document field notes;
• Ability to use relevant information and judgment to evaluate whether plans, specifications, permits or inspection results are in compliance with standards or meet specification requirements;
• Ability to estimate technical and/ or resource requirements for development of projects;
• Ability to review and interpret technical documents such as maps, plans or schematics to plan work;
• Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose and correct abnormalities and malfunctions in equipment and technical processes;
• Ability to design, analyze and effectively use systems, components and methods within the framework of quality control and continuous improvement;
• Ability to enter and maintain information utilizing software or adaptive devices;
• Ability to create graphical representations;
• Ability to select, utilize and maintain tools and technology, including adaptive tools and new technology to facilitate work or a process;
• Ability to collect, compile, and interpret research data;
• Ability to respond to sensitive complaints, provide detailed technical explanations and resolve sensitive complaints;
• Ability to maintain effective work relationships and work in a team environment;
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to high school graduation or a GED issued by a state department of education; plus, four years of engineering technical support work.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• A valid driver's license.
• Class II Waste Management Facility Operators License within 18 months of hire.
• OSHA-Approved Confined Space Training (16 hour course) within 6 months of hire.
• Aerial Lift and Fall Restraint Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Forklift Safety Training Certificate within 3 months of hire.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Erosion & Sediment Control (E&S) License.
• Class II Facility Operators License.
• Class B CDL with tanker endorsement.
• Purchasing experience (PO, PR, etc.).
• Three years Solid Waste experience.
• Two years of pump station and methane gas experience.
• Two years managing construction projects.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to input, access, and retrieve information from a computer. Visual acuity to review detailed drawings, plans and documents. Ability to stand, stoop, bend, stretch, walk, climb, sit, kneel, crouch, reach, crawl, and lift when performing tasks. Ability to use standard office equipment in an office environment. Able to lift 25 lbs. without assistance and 25 to 50 lbs. with or without assistance. Able to work in adverse weather conditions and temperatures. Able to work in an environment where raw waste exists. Must be able to drive a vehicle and operate non-commercial motor vehicles. Physical strength and manual dexterity needed to operate equipment and handle materials. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY. 

About Fairfax County Government

Fairfax County is a great place to work, with a variety of jobs in different fields, great benefits, and an enjoyable working environment. We serve over one million residents in one of the largest counties in the country. Our talented employees have established Fairfax County as a leader in nearly every facet of public service and have won national recognition as innovators in local government.

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