Engineering Assistant-Transportation/Utilities

Date Opened: Friday, June 06, 2025 12:00 AM

Close Date: Friday, June 20, 2025 12:00 AM

Department: Transportation Department

Engineering

Salary: $54,944.73 - $68,680.91 Commensurate with Experience

SUMMARY

The Engineering Assistant position is based in the Right-of-Way Section of the Charlotte Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Development Services Division. This role is responsible for reviewing utility permitting plans and coordinating utility installations within the City’s Right-of-Way. It involves a combination of office and field work focused on the investigation, planning, and inspection of utility projects. The position requires strong coordination skills, attention to safety and regulatory compliance, and the ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in both technical and planning decisions.

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review and approve utility installation plans and activities within the City Right-of-Way for compliance with Utility Standards and Provisions. This includes cabinet placement, pole replacements, conflict coordination, fiber location, and providing field consultation prior to plan submittal.
• Coordinate closely with Right-of-Way construction inspectors on all utility-related issues.
• Manage and process utility permit applications using the Cityworks permitting system.
• Facilitate coordination of utility permits with utility companies, private developers, and City special projects.
• Identify and coordinate joint venture opportunities with other utility providers to reduce public disruption and optimize Right-of-Way space usage.
• Conduct field investigations related to the placement of utility infrastructure (both above and below ground) within the Right-of-Way.
• Ensure construction activities permitted in the Right-of-Way are properly coordinated to prevent conflicts with pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
• Resolve scheduling and logistical conflicts related to special events or City-led projects.
• Provide consultation on utility relocations for private development projects.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrate success in managing utility projects, including knowledge of basic surveying, engineering and construction standards, procedures, and project inspection practices.
• Experience in Right-of-Way permit review and/or inspection.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to interact courteously and professionally with the public.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritize, and complete assignments within deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat, and GIS software at an intermediate level.
• Demonstrate ability to apply conflict resolution techniques and develop positive, practical solutions.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and a clean driving record; ability to obtain and maintain a City Driving Permit and provide a reliable passenger vehicle for work-related travel.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED with at least three (3) years of work experience in utility permitting or relevant work experience.
• Associated degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related field, with one (1) year of experience in utility permitting or relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or related field.
• Direct experience in utility right-of-way permit review, inspection, and utility construction.

2 Year College Degree and One Year of Experience

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a can