Designer I, II, III - Sewer Design

Job Description:

Designer I, II, III - Sewer Design

Description

JOB POSTING

NOTICE OF JOB OPPORTUNITY
POSTING #BR-227-25E

DESIGNER I, II, III - SEWER DESIGN

LOCATION:
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, SEWER DESIGN SECTION, JOINT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, WHITTIER

NOTE:
The list of eligible candidates resulting from this posting may be used to fill future vacancies that may occur in the next six (6) months.

Join our Sewer Design Section as a Designer and play a key role in shaping essential infrastructure that serves millions of residents. This position offers the opportunity to apply your expertise in CAD, GIS, and 3D/BIM technology to develop innovative conceptual layouts, detailed construction plans, and engineering-related drawings. Working under the guidance of experienced Designers and Engineers, you will contribute to projects that require both technical precision and creative problem-solving, from preparing and updating design standards to conducting research, analyzing data, and ensuring code compliance. If you’re looking to grow your career in a collaborative environment where your technical skills directly impact public health and sustainability, this is your chance to make a meaningful difference while advancing professionally.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
To use Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology and/or a Geographical Information System (GIS) to perform increasingly difficult conceptual design layouts and to prepare and maintain construction plans and engineering-related drawings, GIS and relational databases, 3D laser scan extractions, 3D/BIM models, and sketches in the discipline of Sewer Design.

JOB SUMMARY:

The major job responsibilities are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description.

Under the general supervision of a Supervising Designer and the technical direction of Project Designers and Engineers, the incumbent will:

• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and final drawings from various notes, sketches, descriptions or other sources using CAD systems or GIS
  
• Modify drawings to incorporate design changes
  
• Perform GIS illustration development
  
• Perform technical and statistical calculations including grades and alignment
  
• Prepare and update design standards
  
• Conduct research and data collection, and present technical data and findings
  
• Review design work to ensure conformance with codes, standards, presentation, and organization of drawings
  

DESIGNER I: This is the entry level class of the series. Incumbents learn to perform basic skills in the procedures, operations, techniques and equipment appropriate to the assigned discipline; work assignments are routine in nature, requiring limited judgement and decision making; specific detailed guidelines covering all aspects of the assignment are provided; work is generally in strict adherence to the standards and deviations must be authorized.

DESIGNER II: This is the intermediate level class of the series. This class differs from the Designer I class by the greater proficiency and knowledge required to independently perform more complex design projects. Incumbents apply basic skills in the procedures, operations, techniques and equipment appropriate to the assigned discipline; the candidate mostly uses established procedures and standards for doing the work, but is expected to be able to use independent judgement to select and implement minor deviations to the standards; the work generally consists of duties that involve related steps, processes, or methods, and may comprise a complete project of smaller size/complexity or a segment of a more complex project.

DESIGNER III: This is the journey level class of the series. This class differs from the Designer II class by the greater complexity, size and specialized nature of assignments, the greater technical knowledge required to perform complex design projects, and the greater independence of action. Incumbents in this position apply the full range of specialized skills and job knowledge in their assigned discipline. Incumbents adapt procedures, techniques, and equipment to meet the needs of their area of specialization; uses judgement in interpreting and adapting guidelines such as precedents and work directions for application to specific cases or problems; the decision on what and how to proceed depends upon the incumbent’s analysis of the subject or issue involved in each assignment, and the chosen course of action; the work involves treating a variety of conventional problems, questions, or situations in conformance with established criteria.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must possess:

• A valid California Class C driver license
  

-AND-

DESIGNER I:

• One (1) year of experience performing CAD and/or GIS related work
  

-OR-

• Completion of two (2) related courses (at least 6 semester units) from an accredited college or university in Engineering Design Drafting or GIS may be substituted for the required experience
  

DESIGNER II:

• Three (3) years of experience performing duties equivalent to a Designer I
  
• Completion of related courses from an accredited college or university in Engineering Design Drafting or GIS may be substituted for some of the required experience where 12 semester units is equivalent to one (1) year of experience and a maximum of 18 semester units may be substituted for 1.5 years of experience
  

DESIGNER III:

• Two (2) years of Districts' experience performing the duties of a Designer II
  

-OR-

• Five (5) years of outside experience performing advanced level design work
  

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Capable of effectively communicating and collaborating within a group environment
  
• Knowledge of:
  
  • MicroStation software suite
    
  • GIS mapping software
    
  • Plan and profile drafting
    
  • Interpretation of utility and right-of-way drawings
    
  • Survey principles
    

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The competitive selection process may cover:

Knowledge of :

• Drafting principles: understanding of foundational drafting concepts and techniques
  
• Advanced techniques, methods and equipment used in specialized design and layout
  
• Structural and piping systems
  
• Engineering principles and calculations used in the applicable discipline
  
• Construction practices and materials related to sewer construction and rehabilitation
  

Ability to :

• Design and layout a segment of a complex engineering project
  
• Perform complex mapping, moderately difficult initial concept, and detailed design work
  
• Analyze field engineering data
  
• Demonstrate effective communication skills when interacting with team members or conveying drafting requirements
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SELECTION PROCESS:

• All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.
• The selection process will consist of a written test weighted at 50%, and an interview weighted at 50% and will be the same for all qualified applicants.
• Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process.
• The written exam is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, October 2nd.

NOTE:
In accordance with the Districts' policy on retaking employment tests, scores received on the written exam will be used for all Designer I, II, III applications submitted within the next 3 months. Conversely, any scores received on a Designer I, II, III written exam taken on or after July 4, 2025 will be applied to this recruitment.

TO APPLY:
Please apply online at governmentjobs.com within this application period. By using the online application system, you will receive confirmation via e-mail that your application was received for this position. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment Application or online application. Check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications may be sent via e-mail. Please verify that your registered email address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery, add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list.

NOTE:
The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a job-related reference check, DMV report, and a drug test.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Brandi Reyes at BrandiReyes@lacsd.org .

As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts converts waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources .

RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 24/25 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.

• DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.

COMPENSATION

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2025, the Districts contribute $2,305.28 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.

• DENTAL: Districts paid. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage for a prepaid dental program which provides for most routine dental care through a panel of contracting dentists with no deductibles. Employees are eligible to enroll in an indemnity plan if requested within thirty days after completion of three years of employment (sooner for some bargaining units), or during subsequent open enrollment periods.

• VISION: Employee paid.

• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.

• SICK LEAVE : Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.

• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.

• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for each birth, foster placement and/or adoption (regardless of the number of children involved) as determined by the parental leave policy.

HOLIDAYS
13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
For some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.

More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits

NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated December 26, 2024

Closing Date/Time: 9/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$7,796.00 - $10,849.00 Monthly