Engineering Assistant (Public Works)

City of Arcadia; Arcadia (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Engineering Assistant to join their Public Works Services Department. This role involves providing technical support, coordinating engineering plans, and ensuring compliance with city standards. Ideal candidates will be detail-oriented problem solvers with excellent communication skills, ready to contribute to a community-focused environment. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan and tuition reimbursement, making it a great opportunity for those looking to grow in the engineering field while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Benefits

CalPERS Retirement Plan

Monthly Benefit Allowance up to $1,800

City Paid Vision Plan

City Paid Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Bilingual Pay

Qualifications

• One year of experience in technical engineering support work.
• Equivalent to an Associate's degree in civil engineering.

Responsibilities

• Inspect City construction projects and analyze problems.
• Prepare and review engineering reports and documents.
• Coordinate plan submittals and maintain records.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Creative Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Associate's Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Computer Software for Engineering

Job description

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ABOUT ARCADIA

Nestled along the rolling foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located only 13 miles east from downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro Gold Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping, and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods. Arcadia is an award-winning community having been twice named as the Best City in California in which to Raise Kids and the 2017 Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County. With the conveniences and amenities of a full-service, mid-size city, Arcadia’s “Community of Homes” provides a quality of life that will go Above & Beyond your expectations.

About Us

The City of Arcadia is seeking an Engineering Assistant to join the Engineering Division of the Public Works Services Department. The ideal candidate will be attentive, organized, a creative problem solver, an effective communicator, and a dedicated team player. The candidate should possess the necessary skills to successfully inspect City construction and repair projects, conduct field checks and surveys, receive and review bids, prepare and review reports, and resolve problems relevant to their area of assignment. In Arcadia, we focus on our core value of working Better Together to improve the quality of life for our residents. Come join our team of passionate and talented professionals who keep our City running 24/7!

Desired Qualities

• Attentive and detail-oriented
• Creative problem solver
• Stellar communication skills
• Dedicated and a team player

What We Offer

• CalPERS retirement plan
• Three tier monthly benefit allowance of up to $1,800
• City paid Vision Plan for employee and family
• City paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability
• Expected salary increases of:
• 6% effective 07/01/2025
• 5% effective 07/01/2026
• Tuition reimbursement/advancement upon the completion of probationary period
• Bilingual pay

Recruitment Process and Important Dates

Application Filing Deadline: Submit a detailed, thorough online application by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Qualifications Appraisal Interviews (100%): Week of June 9, 2025 (Tentative)

Definition

Under immediate supervision, to provide technical support to engineering staff; to coordinate plan submittals; to maintain plan files and records; and to issue permits.

Examples of Duties

• Tag and log submitted engineering plans, maps, and related documents for plan check; route documents to consultants or developers for plan review; track status of plan checks and original documents; advise parties of revisions; contact inspectors following plan approval to initiate construction observation.
• Compute fees and issue and file encroachment permits; record, distribute, copy, and file grading permits, transportation permits, and weed abatement permits; update data for permits and records.
• Inspect City construction projects, repair projects, and new utility installation projects; analyze problems that may arise; recommend contract change orders as necessary.
• Respond to requests for information or advise other departments, governmental agencies, consultants, and the public of City engineering policies and standards.
• Check engineering plans for City projects prepared by consultants for conformance with City standards and specifications.
• Review bids for conformance with State Contract Code and specifications.
• Prepare cost estimates and reports for public works projects.
• Make field checks, surveys, investigations, and inspections on projects.
• Prepare and interpret legal descriptions.
• Prepare a variety of reports, records, documents, and related engineering records.
• Retrieve grading permits, soils reports, and engineering plans to respond to grading information requests from the public.
• Coordinate and distribute received bid documents and specifications for projects.
• Perform design drafting in the preparation of plans for public works engineering and water utility projects and improvements.
• Assist in engineering design by preparing plans, performing drafting and detailing, and estimating quantities of materials needed.
• Check, analyze, reduce, and use survey and other field data; adapt the transferring of data to maps, profiles, cross sections, schematics, graphs, or other compilation forms.
• Perform title searches; research right-of-way and easements based on legal description.
• Prepare and interpret legal descriptions.
• Prepare a variety of reports, records, documents, billing, and related engineering records necessary for department operations.
• Prepare cost estimates for water line installation and scheduling.
• Answer basic questions regarding general fees and project review procedures at the public counter and by telephone.
• Maintain and update department records and files of engineering plans.

Other Job Related Duties

Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge Of

• Basic mathematical principles
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment
• Principles and procedures of record keeping
• Safe driving principles and practices

Skills To

• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment
• Operate a motor vehicle safely

Ability To

• Learn engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures
• Learn to read and interpret engineering plan specifications
• Learn pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including administrative and department policies and procedures
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Experience

Minimum Qualifications: One year of experience performing technical engineering support work.

Training

Equivalent to an Associate's degree supplemented by specialized training or coursework in civil engineering plan review and permit issuance procedures.

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements: Ability to work in a standard office environment; ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, and lift 25 lbs; ability to travel to different sites and locations.

A fully completed online application is required to be submitted. Incomplete, late, emailed, faxed, and hard copy applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required online employment application. All certificates, resumes, cover letters, and other documents requested by the City for the position advertised, must be uploaded with your online application.

The Selection Process: All applications will be reviewed and evaluated. Those candidates who are determined to be best qualified based upon the information presented on the application materials will be invited to continue in the selection process which may include a qualifying written or performance evaluation and will include an interview weighted 100%. The City reserves the right to limit the number of interviews conducted. Candidates will be notified via e-mail or telephone if they qualify to move to the next step in the selection process. The interview score will determine ranking on the eligibility list and will remain in effect for one year. Pre-employment background and medical examinations are additional requirements for hire. Failure on any part of the selection process will result in removal from the recruitment process. Please Note: If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in the selection process, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.