Engineering and Design Technologist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering and Design Technologist

Company: City of Kitchener

Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Temporary Full-Time

Category: Civil Engineering Design / Municipal Infrastructure Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-10T00:00:00

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

• Collaborate with survey and design teams to produce precise preliminary and detailed engineering drawings for critical municipal infrastructure projects, including road reconstruction.
• Conduct essential research and data collection activities to inform the design process and ensure accuracy in project specifications.
• Prepare comprehensive contract documents, including technical drawings, tender forms, and detailed specifications for capital construction works.
• Develop accurate and detailed cost estimates for municipal infrastructure projects to support budgeting and project planning.
• Provide crucial engineering support and information to a diverse range of stakeholders, including consultants, contractors, and the general public, addressing inquiries and providing technical guidance.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Research and compile technical data necessary for the preparation of detailed engineering designs for capital construction projects, utilizing specialized design software.
• Utilize Autodesk Civil 3D to create complex and precise engineering drawings, ensuring adherence to project requirements and municipal standards.
• Perform hydrological and hydraulic calculations to determine drainage areas and design flows, recommending appropriate pipe sizing and layout for municipal sewer and water systems.
• Gather and analyze base information, including utility locations, property boundaries, and existing infrastructure data ("plan and profiles"), to inform and support the design drawing process.
• Develop and prepare comprehensive contract documents, encompassing detailed contract drawings, Form of Tender, and technical Specifications, for municipal construction tenders.
• Generate detailed and accurate cost estimates for proposed capital works projects, contributing to project feasibility and budget management.
• Create clear and informative graphics and presentations to communicate engineering concepts and project details to various internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as an engineering resource, providing technical support and information to consultants, contractors, real estate agents, and the public, addressing inquiries and resolving technical issues.
• Provide Engineering representation within the Customer Service Center on a rotational basis, assisting the public with inquiries related to municipal infrastructure.
• Attend and participate in public meetings to effectively communicate details of infrastructure replacement projects to residents and address community concerns.
• Prepare and maintain accurate "as-recorded" drawings and associated data for the City's records, ensuring a comprehensive historical database of municipal infrastructure.
• Manage and maintain plotters and scanners, ensuring operational readiness by ordering necessary supplies and coordinating servicing and maintenance activities.
• Perform administrative duties, including the organization and maintenance of engineering drawing files and the tracking of as-built drawing submissions from contractors.
• Participate in committees and working groups as required, contributing technical expertise and practical experience to inform decision-making processes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall objectives of the Engineering division and Development Services department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A 3-year diploma or degree in Civil Engineering Technology or a closely related technical field is required. This educational background provides the fundamental knowledge in civil engineering principles and practices necessary for municipal infrastructure design.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in the design of sanitary and storm sewers, drinking water systems, and road geometry is essential. Experience should demonstrate practical application of design principles in a municipal or similar civil engineering environment. While a traditional design portfolio isn't explicitly requested, demonstrating a portfolio of completed design projects or detailed drawings during the interview process could be highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Civil Engineering Technology principles and applications, specifically as they relate to municipal infrastructure design.
• Highly developed skills in engineering graphics tools and related software applications, with a strong emphasis on Autodesk Civil 3D for creating detailed engineering drawings.
• Proven knowledge of surveying, design, and inspection procedures relevant to municipal infrastructure projects, including understanding of technical terms, design methods, and construction practices.
• Experience in the development and preparation of detailed engineering drawings, preferably for the construction of municipal infrastructure projects such as roads, sewers, and watermains.
• Applied knowledge and understanding of legal survey data and its application in engineering design and drawing preparation.
• Strong mathematical skills for performing complex calculations, interpreting survey data, and analyzing design parameters.
• Advanced understanding of coordinate geometry and its use in engineering design and spatial data management.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities with a keen attention to detail in design and documentation processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Registration as a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technologists and Technicians (O.A.C.E.T.T.) or an equivalent provincial association. This certification indicates a recognized level of competence and professionalism in the field.
• Satisfactory completion of recognized courses in Geometric Road Design, Sewer and Watermain Design, and Construction Inspection. These courses demonstrate specialized knowledge in key areas of municipal infrastructure design and construction.
• Previous experience working within a municipal government setting or on municipal infrastructure projects, understanding the specific requirements and processes involved.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials: While a traditional design portfolio focused on visual aesthetics is not the primary requirement, candidates should be prepared to showcase their technical design capabilities. A portfolio of work for this role would ideally include:

• Examples of detailed engineering drawings created in Autodesk Civil 3D, demonstrating proficiency in civil design elements (e.g., plan and profile sheets, cross-sections, grading plans).
• Case studies or project examples highlighting the design process for municipal infrastructure projects, focusing on the technical challenges, design solutions, and adherence to standards.
• Visual representations of calculations and data analysis used to inform design decisions, such as drainage area calculations or hydraulic modeling results.
• Examples of technical documentation or contract documents prepared, showcasing attention to detail and understanding of engineering specifications.

Process Documentation: For this role, documenting the technical design process is crucial. Be prepared to discuss:

• The research and data collection methods used to gather base information for design projects.
• The ideation and iteration process for developing engineering designs, considering various technical constraints and requirements.
• The methods used for validating designs, such as checking calculations, reviewing against standards, and collaborating with senior engineers.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $74,334 to $92,918 Annually. This range is explicitly provided in the job description. This salary range aligns with publicly available data for Engineering Design Technologist positions in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, considering the required experience level and the nature of municipal government roles in Ontario.

Benefits: Specific benefits are not detailed in the provided text. However, typical benefits for full-time municipal employees in Ontario often include:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance coverage for employees and their dependents.
• Participation in a pension plan (e.g., OMERS - Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System).
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and potentially personal days.
• Access to employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
• Opportunities for professional development and training related to civil engineering and municipal operations.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this full-time temporary position are 35 hours per week. While municipal roles often have set hours, there may be occasional requirements for flexibility to attend public meetings or address urgent project needs, which is typical in civil engineering support roles.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Government Administration. The City of Kitchener operates within the public sector, focusing on providing essential services and infrastructure to its residents. This context means design work is heavily influenced by public needs, safety standards, regulatory requirements, and long-term community planning.

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (LinkedIn data). As a large municipal organization, the City of Kitchener has established departments and processes. For design professionals, this means working within a structured environment with defined procedures, collaboration with various departments (e.g., planning, operations), and opportunities to contribute to large-scale public projects.

Founded: 1912 (LinkedIn data). With over a century of history, the City of Kitchener has a long-standing commitment to community development and infrastructure. This historical context influences current infrastructure projects and design standards, often requiring consideration of existing systems and long-term urban planning goals.

Team Structure: The role sits within the Development Services department, specifically in the Engineering division.

• The design team likely consists of other technologists, engineers, and potentially support staff, collaborating on various municipal projects.
• Reporting structure would typically be to a Senior Technologist, Engineer, or Engineering Manager within the division.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working closely with survey teams, construction inspectors, planning department staff, and other relevant municipal divisions.

Methodology: The design methodology in a municipal engineering context is highly process-driven and regulated.

• Research and discovery involve collecting extensive data on existing infrastructure, property information, environmental factors, and regulatory requirements.
• Ideation and design thinking focus on developing practical, cost-effective, and compliant solutions for infrastructure needs, adhering to engineering standards and best practices.
• Testing and validation primarily involve rigorous review of designs by senior engineers, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and compliance with all relevant codes and standards before proceeding to construction.

Company Website: http://www.kitchener.ca

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role appears to be at a solid intermediate level for an Engineering Design Technologist. The requirement for a diploma/degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, combined with the technical responsibilities listed, positions this role beyond entry-level but likely below a senior or lead technologist position. The scope involves executing detailed design work under guidance, contributing to project documentation, and interacting with external stakeholders.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a more senior technologist or a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) within the Engineering division. This structure indicates opportunities for mentorship, technical guidance, and learning from experienced professionals in the field of municipal engineering.

Design Impact: The design work in this role has a direct and tangible impact on the community. By designing essential municipal infrastructure like roads, sewers, and water systems, the technologist contributes to the safety, functionality, and quality of life for the residents of Kitchener. The accuracy and quality of the design drawings and documentation are critical to successful construction projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a Senior Engineering Design Technologist role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior staff, and potentially leading design aspects of larger initiatives.
• Specialization in specific areas of municipal design, such as stormwater management, transportation design, or water distribution systems, through further training and experience.
• Pursuing further education or professional development to potentially become a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), opening doors to broader engineering roles and project management responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Office Environment, specifically Kitchener City Hall. This indicates a professional office setting where design and engineering work are conducted. The environment is likely structured and collaborative, facilitating interaction with colleagues across different engineering and municipal departments.

Office Location(s): The initial location is Kitchener City Hall. This central location suggests accessibility via public transit and likely provides a professional workspace conducive to technical design work and team collaboration.

Design Workspace Context:

• Workspaces are likely equipped with necessary technical tools, including powerful computers, multiple monitors, and access to plotters and scanners, essential for producing and managing engineering drawings.
• Collaboration spaces may include meeting rooms for design reviews, project discussions, and cross-functional team interactions.
• Proximity to other engineering staff facilitates easy consultation, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving on design challenges.

Work Schedule: The position is temporary full-time with a standard work week of 35 hours. This typically implies a regular daytime schedule, likely Monday to Friday. Some flexibility may be required for attending public meetings which can occur in the evenings. This regular schedule supports a consistent workflow for design and documentation tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process: While the specific interview process is not detailed, a typical process for a technical role like this within a municipal government might include:

• An initial screening interview (potentially virtual) to assess basic qualifications, experience, and fit for the role. Be prepared to discuss your technical background and experience with relevant projects.
• A technical interview with hiring managers and potentially senior team members. This phase will likely involve in-depth questions about your experience with Autodesk Civil 3D, municipal design standards, calculations, and problem-solving approaches. Be ready to walk through examples of your technical work.
• A practical assessment or design challenge might be included to evaluate your technical skills and ability to apply design software to real-world scenarios. Practice using Civil 3D to complete typical tasks related to the role.
• A final interview focusing on behavioral questions, teamwork, communication skills, and cultural fit within a municipal organization. Be prepared to discuss your ability to collaborate effectively and interact with various stakeholders, including the public.

Portfolio Review Tips: Prepare a curated selection of your most relevant technical design work.

• Focus on projects that demonstrate your experience with sanitary and storm sewers, water systems, and road geometry design in Autodesk Civil 3D.
• For each project, provide a concise case study outlining the project scope, your specific contributions, the technical challenges encountered, and the design solutions implemented. Include screenshots or excerpts of the detailed drawings.
• Highlight your process for data collection, analysis, and how it informed your design decisions.
• Be prepared to explain your technical rationale for design choices and demonstrate your proficiency in using Civil 3D features relevant to municipal design.

Challenge Preparation: If a technical challenge is part of the process, it will likely involve a practical task using Autodesk Civil 3D.

• Familiarize yourself with common municipal design tasks in Civil 3D, such as creating alignments, profiles, corridors, and pipe networks.
• Practice working with survey data and incorporating it into designs.
• Be prepared to explain your workflow and decision-making process while completing the challenge. Time management and clear communication will be key.

ATS Keywords: To optimize your resume and application, include relevant keywords such as:

• Design Skills: Civil Engineering Design, Municipal Infrastructure Design, Road Reconstruction, Sewer Design, Watermain Design, Drainage Design, Geometric Road Design, Design Calculations, Technical Drawing, Engineering Graphics, Cost Estimation, Contract Documents, Specifications.
• Tools: Autodesk Civil 3D, AutoCAD, CAD, Surveying Equipment, Plotters, Scanners.
• Methodologies: Design Procedures, Construction Methods, Construction Practices, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Problem-Solving, Time Management, Attention to Detail.
• Soft Skills: Customer Service, Team Collaboration, Communication Skills, Public Engagement, Interpersonal Skills.
• Industry Terms: Civil Engineering Technology, Municipal Infrastructure, Capital Construction Projects, Sanitary Sewers, Storm Sewers, Drinking Water Systems, Road Geometry, Plan and Profile, As-Recorded Drawings, Legal Survey Data, Coordinate Geometry, O.A.C.E.T.T., C.E.T.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Autodesk Civil 3D: Essential tool for creating, analyzing, and documenting civil engineering designs. Proficiency is required for tasks such as site design, road layout, and utility planning. Skill level expectation is high, involving complex surface modeling, alignment creation, and pipe network design. Team collaboration features within Civil 3D or associated platforms may be used for project sharing and version control.
• AutoCAD: Fundamental CAD software underlying Civil 3D. Proficiency in core AutoCAD drafting and editing commands is necessary for creating and modifying drawings.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• While specific tools aren't mentioned, municipal environments often use platforms for document management and project collaboration to share design files and specifications internally and with external consultants and contractors.
• Handoff to construction teams involves providing detailed design drawings, specifications, and potentially digital models from Civil 3D.
• Documentation tools may include standard office software for preparing reports, specifications, and presentations.

Research & Testing:

• Research tools would involve accessing municipal archives, GIS data, property records, and potentially online databases for infrastructure information.
• Testing in this context refers to design validation through calculations, adherence to engineering standards, and potentially peer review.
• Analytics might involve reviewing data related to infrastructure performance or maintenance needs to inform design decisions for replacement projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values: Based on the City of Kitchener's stated values (from LinkedIn description: well-managed, progressive, customer-driven, learning, collaboration, discovery, creativity, inclusivity, safety, wellbeing, community stewards), the design values likely include:

• Technical Excellence and Accuracy: A strong emphasis on producing precise and reliable engineering designs that meet high technical standards and regulatory requirements.
• Community Focus: Designing infrastructure solutions that directly benefit the residents, prioritizing safety, functionality, and long-term sustainability.
• Collaboration and Communication: Working effectively with internal teams (survey, construction, planning) and external stakeholders (consultants, contractors, public) to ensure successful project delivery.
• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning and adapting to new technologies, standards, and best practices in civil engineering design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, working closely with survey teams to obtain accurate base data and with construction teams to address design questions during implementation.
• Design critique and feedback exchange within the engineering team are likely standard practice to ensure design quality and identify potential issues.
• Knowledge sharing regarding design standards, software techniques, and project lessons learned would be encouraged within the division.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Balancing technical design requirements with budget constraints and project timelines, requiring efficient workflow and prioritization skills.
• Working with potentially incomplete or historical infrastructure data, requiring investigative skills and adaptation of design approaches.
• Communicating complex technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders, including the public during consultation meetings.
• Staying updated with evolving engineering standards, design software capabilities, and best practices in municipal infrastructure design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Opportunities to attend workshops and training sessions focused on advanced features of Autodesk Civil 3D or other relevant engineering software.
• Support for pursuing additional certifications (e.g., further O.A.C.E.T.T. designations) or specialized courses in areas like stormwater management or transportation design.
• Potential for mentorship from experienced Professional Engineers and senior technologists within the City's Engineering division.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Describe your typical process for developing a detailed engineering design for a road reconstruction project. Be specific about the steps you take from data collection to final drawing preparation in Civil 3D. Provide examples from your past projects.
• How do you ensure the accuracy of your design calculations and drawings, especially when working with various data sources? Discuss your quality control procedures.
• Explain your approach to designing sanitary or storm sewer systems, including how you calculate drainage areas and determine pipe sizing. Reference relevant standards or guidelines you use.

Company Culture Questions:

• How do you approach collaboration with other technical teams, such as survey and construction, during the design and implementation phases of a project? Provide examples of successful collaboration.
• Describe your experience interacting with the public or other non-technical stakeholders to explain technical design concepts. How do you ensure clear and effective communication?
• What interests you about working for a municipal government like the City of Kitchener, and how do you see your skills contributing to community development through infrastructure design?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your relevant experience in municipal infrastructure design using Civil 3D.
• For each project, briefly introduce the scope and your role. Then, walk through your design process, highlighting the technical challenges and your solutions.
• Present clear visuals of your Civil 3D drawings, explaining key design elements and decisions. Be prepared to discuss the specific tools and features you utilized.
• Conclude each project overview by summarizing the outcome and the impact of your design work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link.
• Customize your resume to highlight your experience with Autodesk Civil 3D, municipal infrastructure design (sewers, watermains, roads), and relevant technical skills using the ATS keywords provided.
• Prepare a tailored cover letter that specifically addresses your interest in working for the City of Kitchener and how your technical background and experience align with the requirements of the Engineering and Design Technologist role.
• Curate a selection of relevant technical drawings and project documentation to be ready to present during the interview process as a demonstration of your technical portfolio.
• Research the City of Kitchener's recent infrastructure projects and strategic priorities to demonstrate your understanding of the local context and your potential contributions.