Assistant Engineer/Associate Engineer

Las Virgenes Municipal Water District; Calabasas (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Las Virgenes Municipal Water District in Calabasas, CA seeks Assistant Engineer/Associate Engineer to perform planning, design, and operation of water and wastewater facilities. The role includes preparing technical reports, drawings, and CEQA documents, plus coordinating with contractors and agencies.

The position requires an engineering degree (ABET-accredited) with EIT; PE licensure is required for the Associate level. A California driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field (ABET-accredited).
• Assistant Engineer requires EIT; Associate requires PE licensure.
• California driver's license is required or maintained.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, construct, operate and evaluate water and wastewater facilities.
• Prepare reports, drawings, CEQA documents and cost estimates.
• Coordinate work with contractors, consultants and regulatory agencies.
• Prepare CIP budgets and perform cost-benefit analyses.
• Present technical topics to boards and attend meetings.

Skills

Civil Eng principles

Hydraulics

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Communication skills

Construction practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET-accredited)

Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certificate

Professional Engineer (PE) licensure

Job description

THE POSITION

Under the general supervision of the Senior Engineer or Engineering Program Manager, an Assistant Engineer/Associate Engineer performs a variety of professional engineering tasks related to the planning, design, construction, operation and evaluation of the District's water and wastewater facilities.

This is a flexibly staffed series. Employees typically enter at the Assistant Engineer level. An Assistant Engineer performs most of the duties required of an Associate Engineer, but is not expected to perform at the same skill level. Assistant Engineers exercise less independent judgment and discretion and/or have a narrower scope of responsibility. Upon meeting the performance standards of the higher level as designated by the division and the registration requirements, employees are promoted to the Associate level. Associate Engineer is the fully experienced, journey level class.

This recruitment is being conducted to establish an eligibility list to fill current and upcoming vacancies within the classification during the life of the eligibility list, up to one year. The current opening is a full-time position located in the Engineering and Facilities Department.

THE APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

This recruitment and selection process is open to the public and current district employees. The process may consist of any of the following components:

• A) Application Screening: Your application will be reviewed to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications established for the classification. Those candidates determined to meet the minimum qualifications will have their applications reviewed by the hiring supervisor. Candidates who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will be invited to the 1st round (structured) interview.
• B) 1st Round (Structured) Interview: Tentative Date Range: November 9-13, 2026
  Location: Zoom Video Conference
• C) 2nd Round (Selection) Interview: Tentative Date: November 20, 2026
  Location: Las Virgenes Municipal Water District Headquarters

The process and dates outlined above are subject to change as needs dictate. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment process via e‑mail. Review the District's Recruitment Guide for more information about this process and how to prepare.

Performs a variety of engineering studies related to the research, planning, design, and operation of facilities used for water and wastewater collection and treatment; conducts studies and prepares engineering and technical reports, correspondence, and records.

Provides technical operations assistance to plant personnel; identifies operational problems and recommends process changes; conducts pilot studies to optimize plant operations; makes recommendations regarding equipment operation/purchase and maintenance of District structures.

Identifies long term projects to improve plant operations and assure regulatory compliance and provides information and training to operating personnel on various technical topics.

Preparation of CIP budgets for capital improvement projects.

Coordinates the work among contractors, consultants, utility providers, municipal agencies and regulatory agencies; reviews RFI and submittals, checks and inspects the work of contractors and consultants; acts as liaison between contractors/consultants and District staff.

Performs calculations and prepares estimates of costs, quantities, and work for a variety of projects; provides cost-benefit analyses.

Prepares detailed layout and design drawings for District construction and maintenance projects, structures and other facilities; produce drawings, maps, or charts; reviews designs with operating personnel; prepares environmental CEQA documents for regulatory compliance.

Prepares technical specifications and contract provisions for proposed construction projects.

Represents the District with utilities, cities, engineering firms, contractors, developers, contractors, manufacturers in accomplishing assignments; coordinates District projects with other agencies. Presents complex technical topics to various audiences such as the Board of Directors.

Performs miscellaneous engineering office/field work and other related duties as assigned.

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF AND PERFORMANCE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• Civil engineering principles, practices, and methods;
• Hydraulics, hydrology, chemistry and thermodynamics;
• Mechanical equipment;
• Mechanical, electrical and control systems;
• Construction practices, trades and materials;
• Project management and coordination;
• Contract administration practices and principles;
• Methods and techniques used in design and construction for planning, design, cost estimation, construction, installation, and inspection of wastewater collection, distribution, and treatment facilities;
• Federal, State, and local laws and regulations related to CEQA, water/wastewater system design, construction, and plant operations;
• Engineering mathematics, economics, and statistical analysis;
• Safety standards and practices.

ABILITY TO:

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, other managers, the public, developers; other government agencies, consultants and contractors;
• Interpret, implement and enforce District water, REW, sewer and administrative ordinances and other state and local regulations;
• Prepare clear and concise technical reports, correspondence, and other administrative documents;
• Provide clear verbal communications and make formal group/public presentations;
• Analyze engineering and operational problems, evaluate alternatives and provide options and recommendations that demonstrates technical, administrative and political considerations;
• Use a variety of software applications related to the occupation.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Sufficient eyesight to read fine statistical reports and standard text and data on computer terminal screens;
• Ability to speak and hear at normal conversational levels in person and over the telephone;
• Manual dexterity to write legibly and to use calculators, computer terminal, and other general office machines;
• Ability to lift and carry up to approximately forty pounds of plant equipment and materials on an occasional basis; and to reach, bend, or crouch to inspect equipment;
• Ability to occasionally walk on uneven and slippery surfaces;
• Exposure to outdoors and high noise levels as created by large pumps;
• Ability to travel to different sites and locations.

EDUCATION:

Both Classes - Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field with a curriculum that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology or an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate.

EXPERIENCE:

Assistant Engineer - Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in the field of engineering, water science, construction management or project management related to water, wastewater treatment and/or sewage collection systems OR two (2) years of experience equivalent to a Junior Engineer.

Associate Engineer - Four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional engineering experience and project management related to water and/or sewage collection systems.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

Both Classes - A valid California class C driver's license must be maintained at all times.

Assistant Engineer - Engineer-in-Training certificate.

Associate Engineer - California registration as a Professional Engineer.

DESIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

Wastewater Treatment and Water Distribution or Treatment certification

ABOUT THE LAS VIRGENES MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT (LVMWD):

THE LOCATION

LVMWD headquarters is located in Calabasas, CA. Nestled in the oak dotted foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, the upscale community with small town charm features a progressive local economy, safe neighborhoods, blue ribbon schools and supports healthy lifestyles.

WHAT WE DO

Joining the team at Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) means you will be a part of a highly-skilled and well-respected professional labor force. LVMWD provides the critical service of delivering safe, reliable potable water and, along with the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District operated under a Joint Powers Authority (JPA), provides wastewater treatment, recycled water service and biosolids composting. The LVMWD service area spans 123-square miles serving the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Westlake Village, as well as the neighboring unincorporated areas of western Los Angeles County. LVMWD currently provides water service to a population of approximately 74,000 people including residential and commercial customers.

OUR VALUES

Every day, the 130 dedicated employees of LVMWD work to efficiently deliver safe, clean, dependable water and provide environmentally protective wastewater treatment services. Following the example from nature around us, LVMWD works to maximize the region’s limited water resources by “Valuing Every Drop - Bringing Water Full Circle.”

The District is committed to the values of integrity, respect, commitment, responsibility, collaboration, and leadership. We are committed to fostering and maintaining a workplace culture that promotes and supports a highly effective workforce. We seek to hire candidates whose values align with ours and who will contribute positively to the workplace culture.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical impairment, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, or age (except where a bona fide occupational qualification). The District will act to ensure equal treatment to all persons in matters affecting recruitment, hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, assignment, benefits, training, and layoff practices, and any other matters affecting employment with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. The same policy applies to all qualified Vietnam-era veterans, disabled veterans or other persons with disabilities that are capable of performing a particular job with reasonable accommodation to their disability.

ACCOMMODATIONS

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process please notify Human Resources, in writing, upon applying.

ELIGIBILITY LIST

Those candidates who pass the structured interview will be placed on an eligibility list for the classification in order of their score, ranked from the highest to the lowest score. Eligibility lists are valid for up to one year, unless a new eligibility list for the same classification is established.

SELECTION INTERVIEW

Typically, the top three ranks from the eligibility list are invited to a selection interview with the hiring supervisor and other district representatives. The hiring supervisor, with input from those who assist on the selection interview, selects a candidate for hire.

CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT

A conditional offer of employment will be provided to the prospective candidate after the selected candidate is approved by the General Manager. The conditional offer of employment is conditioned based on the candidate’s successful completion of a background check, pre‑employment physical and, depending on the position, a pre‑employment drug test.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS

The pre‑employment process consists of a background check and post‑offer pre‑employment medical examination and drug screen (if applicable). The background check will consist of verification of information provided on the job application such as education, employment history, driving status, possession of certifications, references, criminal records, and other information required and deemed necessary for the position. A pre‑employment drug test will be conducted for prospective employees who will be designated as a “covered employee” under the district’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy, pursuant to Department of Transportation Regulations, and for prospective employees assuming safety‑sensitive positions.

OFFICIAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT

After successful completion of the background check, pre‑employment medical examination and, if required for the position, pre‑employment drug test, an official written offer of employment will be provided to the candidate.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD FOR EMPLOYEES NOT DEEMED AT‑WILL

This is a for‑cause position. However, an employee hired into this classification is assigned a probationary period and is in at‑will status for the duration of their probationary period. The probationary period is part of the examination process and is used to determine whether work performance or work‑related behavior meets the required standards of the position. A probationary employee may be released at any time during the probationary period with or without cause or reason, without notice or appeal or grievance, and without any rights set forth in Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). Unless otherwise specified by Memorandums of Understanding or the district’s Hiring Policy, the probationary period for newly hired employees is 12 months of actual and continuous service. The probationary period can also be extended by the District at the discretion of the General Manager or their designee.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND OTHER INFORMATION

For information about our benefits, salaries, job descriptions, and other employment opportunities, please visit our Human Resources page: https://www.lvmwd.gov/human-resources-and-risk-management