Assistant Engineer

City of South Gate; South Gate (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of South Gate is seeking an entry-level Assistant Engineer to assist in planning, design, permitting, construction, and maintenance of public works infrastructure. You will support capital projects, conduct plan reviews, and provide front-line counter service to residents and developers.

Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering; 0–1 year of civil engineering experience is preferred, with EIT strongly desired. A valid CA driver’s license is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering required.
• 0–1 year civil engineering experience preferred.
• EIT certification is highly desirable.
• California driver’s license desirable.

Responsibilities

• Review engineering plans, drawings, specs, and cost estimates for public works projects.
• Assist in capital improvement project delivery including scopes, budgets, and schedules.
• Provide development review support and ensure compliance with standards.
• Conduct plan checks and technical reviews for development applications.
• Staff the public works counter and provide front-line customer service.
• Coordinate with Planning, Building, and Finance to ensure service efficiency.
• Support stormwater/NPDES compliance programs and environmental initiatives.
• Utilize AutoCAD and GIS for drafting, mapping, and data analysis.
• Assist in grant applications and related documentation.

Skills

Civil engineering principles

Reading plans & specs

Communication skills

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

Job description

Description

Under direction, performs entry-level professional civil engineering work in both office and field settings in support of the planning, design, permitting, construction, and maintenance of the City’s public works infrastructure. Responsibilities include engineering plan review, project coordination, technical analysis, and customer service at the Public Works Counter. The position supports the delivery of capital improvement projects, provides assistance with development review services, and contributes to the administration of the City’s environmental programs, including stormwater/NPDES compliance and industrial waste permitting. This position also assists in the preparation of grant applications and related documentation. Performs related duties as assigned.

Class Characteristics

The Assistant Engineer is the entry class in the professional level engineering series. Incumbents are distinguished from the Associate Engineer in that the Assistant does not supervise staff.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of higher level professional engineering staff.

Supervision Exercised

Does not supervise.

Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Design, Project Management & Engineering Support

Prepares and reviews engineering plans, drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and technical reports for public works infrastructure projects (e.g., streets, water, sewer, storm drains), ensuring compliance with City policies, codes, environmental regulations, and safety standards.

Assists in the delivery of capital improvement projects, including development of scopes of work, budgets, schedules, and coordination with consultants, contractors, and utilities.

Supports project managers in providing development review services for private and public projects, ensuring consistency with engineering standards and City requirements.

Conducts engineering plan checks and technical reviews for public and private development applications; verifies compliance with municipal codes and design standards.

Permitting, Public Counter & Customer Service

Staffs the Public Works Counter on a regular basis to provide front-line customer service to residents, contractors, developers, and utility companies.

Reviews and processes over-the-counter permit applications, including grading, encroachment, utility connections, and right-of-way improvements.

Issues permits, calculates and collects fees, coordinates conditions with inspectors and engineers, and ensures documentation is properly tracked in the City’s permit management system.

Provides technical guidance to applicants on plan submittals, standards, and public works procedures; coordinates with other City departments (e.g., Planning, Building, Finance) to ensure efficient and consistent service delivery.

Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

Assists in the administration of the City’s stormwater management and NPDES compliance programs, including inspections, data tracking, reporting, and coordination with regulators.

Supports the City’s industrial waste permitting and compliance program, including permit issuance, recordkeeping, and coordination with businesses and industrial users.

Assists in implementing and monitoring environmental programs related to water quality, illicit discharge detection, source control, and public education.

Field Inspections, Analysis & Technical Tools

Performs and coordinates field inspections of capital and private development projects to ensure construction is in accordance with approved plans and specifications.

Utilizes AutoCAD, GIS, and related software tools to perform drafting, mapping, data analysis, and infrastructure modeling; supports maintenance of digital engineering records.

Prepares technical correspondence, staff reports, presentations, and inspection documentation in compliance with City policies and retention requirements.

Grants & Special Projects

Assists in the preparation of grant applications, supporting documentation, and cost estimates for transportation, stormwater, and infrastructure improvement projects.

Supports grant administration and reporting to ensure compliance with funding requirements.

Public Engagement & Issue Resolution

Investigates and resolves public inquiries, service requests, and complaints related to infrastructure, drainage, traffic, and construction activities; responds professionally and in a timely manner.

Training and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field and one (1) year of civil engineering experience is required. An Engineering in Training (EIT) Certificate are highly desirable.

Possession of or ability to obtain a California Class C driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: civil engineering principles and practices; public works construction methods, design and materials; engineering specifications and public works construction standards; mathematical techniques used in engineering calculations; map reading and surveying techniques; Geographic Information System (GIS), AutoCAD and other computer software applications.

Ability to: read and interpret specifications and blueprints; prepare concise accurate reports; understand and interpret legal property descriptions, engineering maps and other records; interpret and follow City and departmental policies, rules and regulations; maintain accurate filing and indexing systems; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderately loud when outdoors. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Pre-employment Process

• The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace.
• All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).
• New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.

Hiring of Relatives

Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or morale problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employee's parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and step relationships.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.

The City of South Gate

The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 79th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.