Assistant Engineer - Civil Level I/II

County of Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Sacramento seeks an Assistant Engineer – Civil (Level I/II) to support design, surveying, testing of materials, and construction of public works projects including roads, bridges, drainage, water systems, and airports in Sacramento County. Levels I/II differ in complexity and independence; progression is expected with training.

Level I is trainee, Level II is journey level requiring 1+ year paraprofessional experience; a Master’s may substitute for experience.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited civil engineering degree or equivalent.
• Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by the California State Board must be obtained.
• Valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, required prior to appointment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design, surveying, testing of materials and construction of public works projects.
• Public works projects include roads, bridges, traffic control, drainage, water and wastewater systems, airports, buildings.

Skills

Civil engineering knowledge

Topographic surveying

Hydraulics

Drafting methods

Field notes

Education

ABET-accredited civil engineering degree

Engineer-in-Training Certificate

Job description

This is a continuous filing exam. The next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

1/5/2026, 4/6/26, 7/6/26, 10/5/26, 1/4/27.

Level I - $7,269.72 - $8,014.42/month Level II - $8,747.00 - $11,162.10/month

The Assistant Engineer - Civil Level I/II are responsible for a variety of civil engineering work in connection with the design, surveying, testing of materials and construction of public works projects. Public works projects include, but are not limited to roads and bridges; traffic control system design; drainage, water and wastewater collection, distribution and treatment; airports; new building construction and remodels; and other structures and projects.

Assistant Engineer – Civil (Level I)

is the trainee level class in the professional civil engineering series. Incumbents perform field and office assignments of a less complex nature in connection with the planning, design, construction and maintenance of a wide variety of civil engineering projects. Incumbents are expected to demonstrate increased proficiency during the training period, and, upon completion thereof, promote to the Assistant Engineer – Civil (Level II). Incumbents are gradually given more difficult and responsible assignments and may assist experienced engineers in charge of more difficult civil engineering projects.

Assistant Engineer – Civil (Level II)

is the journey level class in the professional civil engineering series. Under general supervision, incumbents are responsible for routine office or field projects of average difficulty and are expected to direct them to completion. Incumbents assigned to Level II generally have, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications for the class, at least one year of paraprofessional engineering experience equivalent to one of the following classes in Sacramento County service: an Assistant Engineer – Civil (Level I), Senior Engineering Technician or higher. A Master's Degree in Civil Engineering may be substituted for the experience. An Assistant Engineer – Civil (Level II) may serve as a resident engineer on smaller, less complex construction projects. Civil engineering work of this type is generally supervised and reviewed by positions in the next higher class, Associate Civil Engineer, which is assigned the function of squad or project leader. Assistant Engineers – Civil (Level II) have no supervisory responsibility, but may provide technical direction to subordinate engineering and paraprofessional engineering personnel engaged in design and construction of such work.

The duties, knowledge and abilities of the Level I and the Level II are the same except the work is originally done under close supervision; as experience is gained, greater independence of action is increased and less detailed supervision is received until the incumbent is functioning at the first working level.

Knowledge of

• Principles of physics and mathematics used in civil engineering and their application to engineering problems
• Topographic and construction surveying, stress analysis, mechanics and properties of materials
• Common methods and equipment in engineering construction and of inspection methods used in reviewing such work
• Real property descriptions
• Hydraulics and pumps
• Civil engineering design and drafting methods and equipment

Ability to

• Make accurate computations and neat and accurate field notes
• Prepare reports
• Maintain effective working relationships with fellow workers and the public

Minimum Qualifications

Either:

• Graduation from a curriculum in civil engineering accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Note: To verify if your degree program is ABET accredited, visit www.abet.org

Or:

• Current Engineer-in-Training Certificate, issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.

General Qualifications

Driver's License: A valid Driver's License, Class C or higher, is required prior to appointment to this class. Failure to maintain the appropriate California Driver's License may constitute cause for termination from this class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Certificates/licenses: Per Health and Safety Code, Sections 18949.25 – 18949.31, incumbents may be required to obtain a certification from a recognized state, national, or international association, as determined by the County, within two years of date of hire or assignment.

Some positions in this class series require incumbents to complete one year of verifiable experience in the appropriate field and, within one year thereafter, to obtain certification from a recognized state, national, or international association, as determined by the County.

Any person currently and continuously employed by the County as an inspector, plans examiner or building official, for not less than two years prior to January 1, 1996, is exempt from the certification requirements as outlined above.

In addition, persons appointed to this class might be required to complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education every three years. The County may determine appropriate providers of continuing education such as community colleges or organizations affiliated with code enforcement.

Note: Failure to meet the required certification requirements may constitute cause for termination from this class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4.

Physical Abilities:

• Sit for extended periods, frequently stand and walk
• Have manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination needed to use a variety of office equipment such as computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and drafting equipment
• Have corrected vision in order to perform drafting, review maps and legal descriptions, and perform other essential functions of the job
• Occasionally walk on uneven terrain at construction sites, etc.

Individuals who are unable to pass some of the physical requirements due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Working Conditions: May be required to work in excess of 40 hours a week and/or work irregular hours, particularly during emergency situations.

Background/Criminal History: The County may access criminal history information on candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment within this class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and Procedure, and applicable federal and state law. The County shall not consider for employment any applicant who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the applicant's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.

Special Access: Some incumbents in this class must acquire and maintain an airport security badge allowing access to secure County airport locations.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.

Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at [e-mail] or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711. For more information, visit: Reasonable Accommodation Requests - Job Applicant Instructions