Assistant Engineer

City of Chula Vista; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chula Vista is seeking an entry-level Assistant Engineer to support a range of public works projects. Under supervision, you will assist with plans, specs, cost estimates, and analysis for storm drains, streets, and related structures.

The role emphasizes learning, performing tasks under guidance, and developing professional engineering skills in a municipal setting. Ideal for candidates pursuing licensure in California.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or Engineer-in-Training certificate or PE license in California.
• Strong communication and written skills are essential.
• Ability to learn basic principles, practices and facilities used in civil engineering and local ordinances.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing preliminary and final engineering plans, specifications and cost estimates for public works projects.
• Perform hydrology and hydraulic calculations and site/land surveying tasks.
• Assist in reviewing subdivision maps and improvement plans for compliance.
• Draft reports, correspondence, and Council agenda statements as directed.
• Maintain organized files and positive working relationships with staff and the public.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate

Professional Civil Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Position Description

To assist in the performance of engineering work on various projects; perform specific and limited portions of broader projects typically assigned to journey level engineers. As experience is gained, there is a greater allowance of independent actions within established guidelines and to perform other duties as assigned.

The Construction Inspection Division is responsible for overseeing and managing public works construction projects to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, and City standards.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry-level class in the Engineer series. Positions in this class typically have limited work experience and work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. The Assistant Engineer is distinguished from the Associate Engineer level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Associate level. Incumbent works under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general supervision from the assigned supervisor. May receive technical or functional guidance from an Associate Engineer.

Essential Functions

Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: assist in the preparation of preliminary and final engineering plans, specifications and cost estimates for the construction and/or improvement of storm drains, streets, sanitary sewers and related structures; perform engineering calculations for hydrology and hydraulic structures, land surveys and highway and street alignments; assist in the preparation and/or review of legal descriptions and grant deeds for easements and street right-of-way; may participate in right-of-way negotiations and acquisitions; assist in the investigation and checking of tentative and final subdivision maps for accuracy, design, completeness and conformance to local subdivision ordinance and the State Subdivision Map Act; assist in the preparation and/or review of improvement plans, site development plans, and grading plans for composition, conformance, and accuracy with the City of Chula Vista Subdivision Manual; assist in the preparation and/or review of hydraulic/hydrologic analyses and Storm Water Quality Management Plans for composition, accuracy, and conformance with the City of Chula Vista Best Management Practices (BMP) Design Manual; assist in the preparation and/or review of preliminary and final cost estimates; provide written and oral information to the public, contractors, developers and other engineers on related issues as directed; attend meetings and may make simple presentations to various committees, commissions, professional and community groups; draft written reports and correspondence including, but not limited to, Council agenda statements, resolutions, tentative map conditions, supplemental subdivision improvement agreements, and subdivision improvement agreements; assist in conducting studies related to planning public works facilities; maintain organized files and records; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service; perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and/or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with major course work in civil engineering or related field; or possession of an Engineer-in-Training Certificate in the State of California; or possession of a Registered Professional Civil Engineer license in the State of California.

Note

All Assistant Engineers, Associate Engineers, Assistant and Associate Land Surveyors, or Plan Check Engineers who become registered by the State of California as a Professional Civil Engineer, Professional Traffic Engineer, Land Surveyor or Licensed Architect when registration is not a requirement of the position held, shall receive five percent (5%) additional compensation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment.

Ability to: learn basic principles, practices and facilities used in civil or structural engineering, soils engineering, municipal engineering, design, construction and maintenance and topographical construction surveying; learn State laws and local ordinances relating to engineering projects; assist in the preparation of plans and specifications; assist in the review of estimates; prepare reports; learn to collect, analyze and interpret data; learn and interpret laws, ordinances and other related documents; learn to interpret maps and blue prints; operate computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

On an intermittent basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist and reach while retrieving and/or returning files; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and use a keyboard to communicate through written means; review information and enter/retrieve data; see and read characters on computer screen; and lift light weight. See in the normal vision range with or without correction; hear in the normal range with or without correction. Work is performed indoors in a carpeted and air-conditioned office environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise level. Some movement is required from office to office and there is exposure to the external environment when going to outlying offices, meeting, or performing field inspections. Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquires.