Engineering Assistant I or II: Pharr District (San Benito Area Office)

Engineering Assistant I and II

Performs engineering work. Work involves job rotation, training and continuing education in design, construction, construction inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental and/or transportation operations-related activities with the intent to actively pursue engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams. Design activity is supervised by a licensed professional engineer who has authority for final approval of all projects. Work requires contact with local governmental representatives, engineering contractors and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

NOTE: All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the Engineering Assistant Career Development program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment.

Essential Duties: The essential duties for the Engineering Assistant I and II include:

• Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams and completion/maintenance of required documentation.
• Applies engineering principles, methods, and techniques to a wide variety of transportation-related activities.
• Collects engineering data at project sites.
• Performs construction inspection and material sampling/testing.
• Performs engineering-related calculations and drafting/design work.
• Performs engineering-related duties in the field of transportation engineering.
• Performs traffic barricade inspections, identifies problems and assists with resolution of traffic control plans.
• Reviews construction plans prepared by consultants.
• Review engineering work for calculation errors and compliance with applicable federal and state laws and industry standards and guidelines.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for all levels: Education:

Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Note: Applicants who already possess the required Bachelor's degree are eligible to apply. Applicants who are currently completing their degree may also apply if they will graduate with a qualifying Bachelor's degree no later than August 2026. If selected, proof of degree must be provided by the start date.

Acceptable Substitutions for all levels:

• Master's degree in engineering or a Master of engineering degree from an institution that offers a bachelor of science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.
• Doctoral degree in engineering or a doctor of engineering degree from an institution that offers a bachelor of science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

• Engineering Assistant I: No work experience is required. No supervisory experience required.
• Engineering Assistant II: 1 year of Engineering related experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). No supervisory experience required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid US driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Additional Certification required for Engineering Assistant II:

• Must have a Texas Engineer In Training Certificate

Competencies: The required competencies for the Engineering Assistant I include:

• Transportation engin eering terminology and fundamentals
• Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance
• Highway construction and maintenance
• Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints and maps
• Collecting, sorting and compiling data
• Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others
• Training in a classroom, office, or field environment
• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities
• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

Competencies for Engineering Assistant II include:

• Applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations specific to area of responsibility for safeguarding information and information technology related systems
• Plan review methods, processes and procedures
• Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance
• Highway construction and maintenance
• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities
• Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints and maps
• Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others
• Training in a classroom, office, or field environment
• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions for Engineering Assistant I and II:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour
• Subject to noise
• Subject to vibration
• Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
• Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device
• Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs
• Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc
• Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling
• Stooping-bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist
• Kneeling-bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee(s)
• Crouching-bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine
• Crawling-moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet
• Reaching-extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Walking-moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another
• Pushing-using upper extremities to press against object with force to move in a direction
• Pulling-using upper extremities to exert force moving objects in a sustained motion
• Lifting-raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position
• Grasping-applying pressure to an object with fingers and palm
• Feeling-determining size, shape, temperature or texture of objects
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes visual inspection of small defects/parts
• Close Visual Acuity-using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts
• Visual Acuity-operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment

Conditions of Employment:

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
• Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize medical marijuana under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
• All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the EA program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment. Failure to comply with all terms of the Program Agreement will result in reclassification.

Position Information

Launch your engineering career with a team that builds the future.

Join TxDOT's Pharr District and contribute to the design, construction, and improvement of roadways that connect communities and enhance public safety across Texas. We are seeking highly motivated Engineering Assistant I or II professionals to join our team in San Benito, Texas. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, receive industry-leading training, and work alongside experienced engineering professionals on impactful transportation projects.

If you're looking for a rewarding career with growth potential, a collaborative work environment, and the opportunity to serve the traveling public, TxDOT is the place for you!

Salary Range:

Engineering Assistant I (B20): $66,000 - $81,351/annually

$5,500 - $6,779.25/monthly

Engineering Assistant II (B21): $69,600 - $87,046/annually

$5,800 - $7,253.83/monthly

Important: The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position offered based on the applicant's work experience, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

Benefits And Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Job

Engineering/Engr Support

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Level

Non-Management

Job Posting

Jul 17, 2026, 9:30:08 AM

State Job Title/s

Engineering Specialist III/Engineering Specialist IV

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

Click on the appropriate occupational category to view the MOS codes .

Applicant Information

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Additional Applicant Information for applicants