Assistant or Associate Engineer - Water Resources

San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District; San Bernardino (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading water management organization as an Assistant or Associate Engineer. This role offers the opportunity to design, plan, and manage water resource projects, providing a dynamic environment for both new and experienced engineers. You will engage in engineering tasks, collaborate with a skilled team, and contribute to innovative water management solutions. If you are passionate about water resources and eager to advance your career, apply now!

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid California class 'C' driver’s license upon hire.
• Knowledge of engineering design and project management principles.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex calculations and develop plans for water resource projects.
• Collaborate with a skilled team on innovative water management projects.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

SCADA

Job description

ELEVATE YOUR CAREER WITH SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY!Join our team as either an Assistant or Associate Engineer

SALARY STARTING AT:

Assistant Engineer: $110,388*

Associate Engineer: $125,748*

(Annual Starting Salary as of July 1, 2024)

San Bernardino Valley is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as an Assistant/Associate Engineer. This is a unique opportunity to advance your engineering career in a dynamic and supportive environment where you will play a critical role in designing, planning, and managing water resource projects. Whether you are just starting your engineering journey or bringing proven experience, we offer flexibility to hire at either the Assistant or Associate level, based on your qualifications.

As an Assistant/Associate Engineer, you will engage in a wide range of engineering and planning tasks, including performing complex calculations, developing plans, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. You will collaborate with a skilled team on innovative water management and conservation projects, leveraging your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and technical expertise. Our ideal candidate is an eager learner, a creative problem-solver, and a strong communicator who thrives in a collaborative team setting.

If you are driven, adaptable, and passionate about making a difference in water resources management, we want to hear from you! Join San Bernardino Valley and take the next step in your engineering career.

A first review of applications will occur on Tuesday May 27, 2025for all applications received prior to this date. Please submit your application for one or both levels as soon as possible for first review consideration. The recruitment may close at any time once a sufficient number of highly qualified applications are received.

Appointment to Assistant or Associate Engineer level will depend on qualifications and you must apply for the level or levels for which you want to be considered.

WORKING AT SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY

Review San Bernardino Valley's Strategic Plan: Our Foundations andGoals & Objectives.

Who is San Bernardino Valley - What We Do

See what San Bernardino Valley is up to:

• Check out our Podcast - Watershed Moments with Heather Dyer
• View some of our projects here, hereand here
• And some of our other activities hereand here

Depending on your experience level, you will engage in a variety of professional engineering tasks, including conducting calculations, performing technical analyses, supporting water resource planning, and collaborating with other water agencies. This role offers the opportunity to work on projects related to groundwater, surface water, imported water, recycled water, and water conservation, providing valuable hands-on experience in a dynamic field.

We are hiring at either the Assistant or Associate level, with the position’s complexity and independence determined by your qualifications. As an Assistant Engineer, you will focus on routine and foundational engineering tasks, gaining experience and developing your skills. As an Associate Engineer, you will take on more complex engineering challenges, managing projects with greater independence and applying advanced technical knowledge. Both levels offer a pathway for growth and advancement within the series, allowing you to build a rewarding career with San Bernardino Valley.

* View the full job description for Assistant Engineer HERE
* View the full job description for Associate EngineerHERE

Supplemental Information:

• FLSA Exempt (Not Overtime Eligible)
• Incumbent is At-Will
• May be required to work weekends, evenings, and/or holidays as required to accommodate the business needs of San Bernardino Valley, in addition to responding as a Disaster Emergency Services Worker.
• Travel within the region is required.
• Successful candidate will be required to pass a background check and medical screening, including drug test.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from being performed by this position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this role.

Duties vary depending on the area of assignment:

1. Performs a variety of professional-level civil engineering work in the research, design and construction of water infrastructure improvement, maintenance and construction projects; prepares correspondence, including Board reports and related documents; prepares presentation materials and graphic displays to groups involved in the project.
2. Participates in planning and reporting activities for imported water, surface water, groundwater and recycled water supplies, reliability and demand within San Bernardino Valley’s service region; conducts computer modeling and analyses; drafts short-and long-term planning reports and technical documents; compiles, analyses and reports on water production, water level, water diversions, water quality, and water usage data.
3. Serves as project manager for assigned projects and programs; may oversee consultant contracts and reviews output for compliance with Agency standards; reviews and responds to request for information and change orders; prepares project status reports and reviews with leadership.
4. Assists in coordination of the Santa Ana River and Western-San Bernardino Watermaster-related activities, preparation of Watermaster reports, and coordination and management of delivery of State Water Project and local water, along with drought contingency and other water resources planning.
5. Provides cross-division assistance on engineering issues and projects; coordinates project activities with outside agencies.
6. Performs standard calculations and prepares engineering estimates of time/material costs; prepares and reviews project reports, budgets, plans, specifications and other documents; advises and provides recommendations to leadership and the Board of Directors.
7. Represents San Bernardino Valley at meetings as necessary.
8. Administers State and Federal grants and loans; prepares allocations ,reports, agreements and other documents.
9. Interprets applicable laws, regulations, policies and engineering standards.
10. Prepares requests for proposals for work by outside consultants and contractors; participates in the selection of consultants and contractors for assigned projects; coordinates and reviews the work of outside consultants and contractors.
11. Performs contract administration for assigned projects; conducts site reconnaissance and inspection; develops and administers lease, rental and purchase agreements; coordinates required insurance and bond documents.
12. Coordinate and facilitate productive and effective meetings for projects with consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, utilities, local/state/federal agencies, internal staff, and/or relevant entity.
13. Administers and coordinates the acquisition and disposition of San Bernardino Valley’s real property assets; prepare reports concerning property related issues; maintain inventory of District-owned property.
14. Participates in District Emergency Planning and Preparedness functions.
15. Other duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, along with the specific licenses/certifications. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:

Licenses:

• Must possess a valid California class “C” driver’s license upon hire and maintain throughout the duration of employment with San Bernardino Valley.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of engineering design, construction, contract administration and project management.
• Knowledge of principles of physics, mathematics, hydrology, hydraulics, geology, and geographic information systems applicable to assigned engineering discipline.
• Knowledge of methods, techniques and equipment used in the design, construction and maintenance of water infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of safe work practices.
• Knowledge of information technology and computer capabilities applicable to the assigned engineering functions, including AutoCAD, SCADA and GIS.
• Knowledge of Construction and installation of public water and drainage facilities.
• Knowledge of federal, state and municipal codes and regulations governing water and drainage facilities and construction.
• Principles of drafting and specification preparation; engineering maps and records; surveying methods and documents and legal property descriptions.
• Methods and techniques of engineering cost estimating, report writing, presentation software (PowerPoint etc.) and record keeping.
• A highly motivated professional who is a self-starter, resourceful and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service and communication skills both verbally and in writing, with the ability to cultivate professional business partnerships and inspire team collaboration.
• Remain current on modern developments, current literature and sources of information regarding assigned area.

Ability to:

• Prepare and evaluate engineer studies for projects.
• Perform technical research and analyze engineering and mathematical problems, evaluating alternatives and recommending effective courses of action.
• Maintain and grow relationships with all levels of staff; solve disagreements; develop win-win solutions; and perform work as part of a team.
• Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, orally and in writing, using appropriate and proper structure and content of the English language, including meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.
• Clearly articulate options to management and policy makers, inspire and influence with high level of energy, enthusiasm, and creativity coupled with a positive attitude.
• Perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines on multiple concurrent tasks.
• Organize work, set priorities and exercise sound independent judgment within assigned area(s).
• Attention to detail; must thoroughly review work for accuracy and be able to identify and fix mistakes.
• Consistently meets deadlines and delivers results. Use resources appropriately. Organize and set priorities and complete multiple projects and assignments, ensuring work is completed within guidelines.
• Actively listen to understand.
• Think creatively and seek alternative solutions to produce results and add value; openness to new ideas on how to perform work and have a solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
• Make appropriate decisions in a timely manner based upon a mixture of analysis, experience and professional judgment; know where to look for easy to find and hard to find information; utilize relevant information in decision making and through the recommendation process; and make informed recommendations and independent conclusions in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, policies and guidelines.
• Research, review, understand, and prepare complex reports.
• Provide a high level of customer service; establish and maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external customers, including water district, City, and other government officials, community groups, and the public; using patience, tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealing with the public and employees.
• Provide transparent, high quality, and fiscally responsible services while meeting the needs of San Bernardino Valley and its customers.
• Learn from and adjust to feedback received. Open to learning and development.
• Be agile in performance of duties; able to adjust course based on business needs, collaborate with others to find solutions, be disciplined in reaching targeted goals, and engage in continuous learning.
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply applicable regulations, laws, codes, and accounting principles.
• Represent San Bernardino Valley effectively in dealings with employees internal and external partners.
• Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively.
• Use modern equipment and communication tools for project and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to the work performed.
• Analyze and make sound recommendations on complex management and administrative issues.
• Define and explain key processes and business requirements within the department.

Physical Demands AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting; some travel may be required. Duties are typically performed at a desk, using standard computer and related equipment; subject to noise related to office equipment operation; frequent interruptions and contact in person, via telephone, and via web conferencing with District staff, business contacts and the public.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Mental: Primary functions require use of written and oral communication skills; read interpret complex data, information and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; use math/mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work changing or intensive deadlines, and on multiple concurrent tasks; work with frequent interruptions, and interaction with District management, staff, elected officials, contractors, vendors, external agencies, members of the public and others encountered in the course of work.

Vision: See in the normal range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.