Job Interview

Question 1

Questions at the end of the interview (3)

Answer 1

Can you explain more about the seperation between construction and design. I noticed their would be field work, how is that integrated into the design phase as a PW designer?

Question 1

List of All Situations (8) w/ (1) Positive

Answer 1

Lost Hills-Wingwall Layout line
Pump Station Emergency Flooding
DWR Concrete Channel Consideration
Morro Bay Retaining Wall Top of pile elevations
Morro Bay Rock Encountered
Rip Rap on Emergency Project
Lost Hills Girder Collapse
Lou Conflict resolution
What Went Well: Deck pour (First lead inspecting opportunity)

Question 2

Conflict Resolution Skills (6)

Answer 2

Active Listening
Remain Calm and Professional
Seek to Understand, asking clarifying questions to grasp the situation fully.
Collaborate on solutions with all parties involved.
Compromise if not all needs can be met
Document the process.

Question 2

5 dysfunctions of a team

Answer 2

4. Fear of conflict
5. lack of trust

Question 3

Strengths and Weaknesses

Answer 3

Strengths–>
Problem Solving: Creative thinking
Critical Thinking
Analytical Thinking
Technical Knowledge (Practical Knowledge)

Weaknesses–>

Fear of Conflict
Limited experience
Public Speaking

Question 4

Why should we hire you?

Question 5

How do you handle stress and pressure?

Question 6

How do you handle conflict with coworkers?

Question 7

How do you keep your skills current?

Question 8

Tell me about a time when you had to initiate a project with multiple stakeholders who had conflicting interests. How did you handle it?

Question 9

Describe a situation where you had to adjust a project plan due to unexpected budget constraints. What was your approach?

Question 10

Tell me about a time when you identified a potential risk early in a project. How did you address it?

Question 11

Can you give an example of when you had to work with outdated or incomplete data to initiate a project? How did you overcome this challenge?

Question 12

Tell me about a time when you had to gain buy-in for a project from resistant team members or stakeholders. What was your strategy?

Question 13

Describe a situation where you had to balance environmental concerns with project goals. How did you approach this?

Question 14

• Tell me about a time when you had to coordinate with multiple government agencies to get a project off the ground. How did you manage this?

Question 15

• Describe a situation where you had to revise the scope of a project after the initial planning phase. How did you handle this change?

Question 16

Can you give an example of how you’ve used data analysis to inform decision-making in the early stages of a project?

Question 17

• Tell me about a time when you had to secure funding for a project. What was your approach?

Question 18

“Can you describe a complex civil engineering project where you had to coordinate with multiple stakeholders? What was your approach to keeping the project moving forward?”

Answer 18

Your Caltrans experience coordinating with various stakeholders would be relevant here

Question 19

“How do you ensure compliance with specifications and standards while reviewing engineering plans? Walk us through your process.”

Answer 19

Your experience with Caltrans standards and specifications would translate well

Question 20

“The position may require obtaining QSD/QSP certification within a year. What experience do you have with stormwater management and BMP implementation?”

Answer 20

Your experience with stormwater management systems and pump stations would be valuable

Question 21

“Tell us about a time when you had to maintain objectivity during a challenging situation with contractors or stakeholders.”

Answer 21

Your experience as an Assistant Structure Representative dealing with various parties would be relevant

Question 22

“How do you approach learning new regulations or standards when moving between different jurisdictions?”

Answer 22

This is particularly relevant given your transition from Caltrans to County work

Question 23

“Describe your experience working in both office and field environments. How do you balance these different aspects of civil engineering work?”

Answer 23

Your combined design and field inspection experience makes you well-suited to answer this

Question 24

“What methods do you use to track multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring quality and timeline compliance?”

Answer 24

• Break down each project into key milestones, deadlines and dependencies.
• I inlcude clear owners for each task
• I begin the day and week with a review of important upcoming events and prioritize my day, week, and months accordingly.

Question 25

“How would you handle a situation where you discover a design that meets code requirements but might not be the most efficient solution for the county?”

Question 26

QSD/QSP Certification

Answer 26

Qualified SWPPP Developer/Practitioner

SWPPP lays out all potentials for stormwater pollution along with the mitigation of risk of erosion and pollution of construction activities.

Question 27

How to maintain professionalism while under pressure?

Answer 27

Stay Calm
break the problem into steps
Anticipate problems occurring and know that this is apart of the project sometimes
Seek help When I need it

Question 28

Bridge Design Duties

Answer 28

• Designs various elements
  o Barrier rails
  o Bridge overhangs
  o Expansion joint replacements
  o Seismic retrofit analysis
  o Ground anchors
• References manuals
• Drafts Plans using AutoCAD Civil 3d and MicroStation
• Acts as checker and designer during design phase in calculations
• Utilizes proprietary software
• Collaborates with various stake holders
• Methacrylate rehab and polyester overlay

Question 29

ASR Duties

Answer 29

• QA of bridge elements Total Amount inspected is $25 Million worth of state assets
  o Approach slabs
  o New bridge constructions
  o Foundations
  o Piles
  o Decks
  o Retaining walls
  o Pump stations
• Managed General contractor to ensure compliance
• Enforces standard specifications, standard plans, contract plans special provisions and permits to ensure contract compliance
• Assists in submittal review
• Performs arithmetic and geometric calculations for layout and quantities
• PUMP STATION INSPECTION
• Collaboration with other stake holders to ensure permits acceptance