Civil Engineering Assistant

City of San Carlos; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Carlos is seeking a Civil Engineering Assistant to join the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department. You will perform basic civil engineering tasks in the field and office, supporting design, drafting and project coordination.

The role requires knowledge of civil engineering principles, ability to coordinate with consultants and contractors, and proficiency with CAD and office software. A strong teamwork focus and attention to safety are essential.

Qualifications

• Sufficient education: degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college.
• Experience at Engineering Intern level or higher.
• Engineer-In-Training certification highly desirable.
• Ability to work both independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, assist or manage specs, plans, estimates and reports for Public Works projects.
• Design and draft plans for street, sewer, storm drain, and traffic projects.
• Coordinate with design consultants, contractors and outside agencies.
• Regularly track project schedules, contracts and budgets.
• Provide field inspections of improvements for compliance with City standards.
• Maintain Public Works records, maps, databases and GIS base map.
• Assist in traffic and transportation design and review activities.

Skills

Civil engineering knowledge

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Customer service

Education

Civil Engineering degree (accredited)

Tools

CAD software

Microsoft Office

Job description

The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the City.

Final filing date: Before 5:00pm, Friday, October 16, 2026

Tentative 1st Interview Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Tentative 2nd Interview Date: Week of November 9, 2026

Appointment to this position is contingent upon:

• Reference check
• Employment and education verification
• Department of Justice fingerprinting criminal history records check

About the Position

The City of San Carlos is seeking an energetic, results-oriented Civil Engineering Assistant to join the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department. Under the supervision of the City Engineer and/or Principal Engineer, the Civil Engineering Assistant is responsible for performing basic civil engineering tasks both in the field and in the office.

• Prepare, assist or manage the preparation of specifications, plans, estimates and reports pertaining to the construction, maintenance and operation of a variety of engineering projects.
• Perform design and drafting duties in connection with street, sewer, storm drain, traffic, facilities and other Public Works projects.
• Coordinate, collaborate and communicate with design consultants, contractors and outside agencies to deliver a variety of engineering projects.
• Regularly track project schedules, contracts and budgets.
• Provide field inspection of public/private improvements in the public right of way for compliance with established City standards and procedures.
• Provide information regarding existing infrastructure to satisfy inquiries from staff, developers and citizens.
• Plan check parcel maps, tract maps and private/public agency development plans.
• Provide technical advice and counsel to developers and others inthe interpretation of City Ordinances and established City policies related to land development.
• Review and process all Public Works permits.
• Compute appropriate fees for engineering permits, plan checks and related functions.
• Disseminate, modify, and maintain all Public Works records, maps, files, databases and associated GIS base map.
• Provide backup and support to other divisions.
• Independently plan work details for technical determinations.
• Assist in traffic and transportation design and review related activities.

Job-Related and Essential Qualifications

Knowledge of: principles and practices of civil engineering as related to the design of a wide variety of public works projects; surveys principles and practices; street, highway, sewer and storm drainage construction and practices, methods and techniques; approved standards of safety as related to structural projects; environmental engineering principles and low impact development designs.

Ability to: understand and comply with the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit including tracking deadlines for implementation, inspection, and reporting, and integrating permit requirements with capital projects; analyze data and a variety of problems by determining options with the use of engineering methodology; work effectively as part of a group or team; secure the cooperation of construction contractors and developers; prepare reports and maintain records, logs and databases; make mathematical calculations and accurate engineering computations and drawings; make oral and written presentations for professional meetings with consultants, contractors, staff and project teams; deal tactfully and effectively with others to provide excellent customer service to the public, and other City employees; and operate standard office equipment including typewriter, photocopier, facsimile machine and personal computer; knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and computer aided drafting software.

Skills to: adapt approved engineering methods and standards to the design and construction of a variety of public works project; travel to various and remote sites within the city; follow complex written or verbal instructions and procedures; ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with others; operate a motor vehicle or motorized equipment; and communicate over telephone or two-way radio and work occasional overtime and irregular hours.

Education and Training

Sufficient education and experience to satisfactorily perform the duties of this classification. A typical qualifying background would be graduation from an accredited engineering college with major work in Civil Engineering, and professional or paraprofessional engineering work experience at the level of Engineering Intern or higher.

Licenses/Certifications

Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record. Possession of an Engineer-In-Training certificate is highly desirable.

Special Requirements

Position requires prolonged sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, jump; physical mobility to negotiate difficult construction terrain; mental alertness and comprehension to learn and retain technical and administrative information, terminology, equipment, policies, procedures and safety practices. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required. Ability to maintain cooperative working relationship with all those contacted in the course of work.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Incumbent generally works in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate to quiet. On occasion, incumbents may work in outside weather conditions and be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.