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The City of Los Angeles is seeking a Field Engineering Aide to perform sub-professional land surveying work in support of engineering teams. The role may involve climbing fences, working in confined spaces and handling surveying equipment across varied terrain.
Training may cover Data Collectors and GPS receivers to aid field operations. Qualifications include high school or college-level algebra/geometry/trigonometry coursework and a CAD drafting course, or one year of survey party experience.
$96,089 to $119,391
The salary in the Department of Water and Power is $100,871 to $125,300
Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.
For information regarding reciprocity between the City of Los Angeles departments and LADWP, go to https://personnel.lacity.gov/Reciprocity_CityDepts_and_DWP.pdf.
A Field Engineering Aide performs sub-professional land surveying work or works with engineering personnel. A Field Engineering Aide may be required to climb fences, work in confined spaces, work with and around hot asphalt, and carry surveying equipment long distances over various types of terrain; also may be trained to operate Data Collectors, and to set up and operate Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers.
Successful completion of high school or college-level courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and 3 semester or 4 quarter units in plane surveying, and one course in the following: drafting or computer aided drafting; or
One year of full-time paid experience as a member of a survey party.
As a condition of employment, a valid Class C driver’s license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required at the time of appointment. Applicants will be disqualified or deemed ineligible for hire if their DMV record reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation within the last 36 months in any state or jurisdiction. The City of Los Angeles reserves the right to issue a notice of disqualification or ineligibility at any time before a final job offer is extended.
Applicants qualifying under Requirement #1 above must list course titles, number of units, school, and date completed in the Supplemental Questions section of the application. Applicants who fail to provide this information on their application at the time of filling will not be considered further in this examination and their applications will not be processed.
Please note that qualifying coursework must be from a school accredited by a City of Los Angeles recognized agency. A list of approved accrediting agencies can be found at https://personnel.lacity.gov/Accredited%20Institutions%2008-21-08.pdf.
Candidates completing the examination process may be contacted by the Personnel Department to provide proof of qualifying coursework. Applicants who wish to expedite this process may attach a copy of their qualifying coursework or transcripts to their on-line application at the time of filing in the Attachments section.
Applications must be received by THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026.
The examination will consist entirely of a weighted multiple-choice test administered and proctored on-line. In the on-line multiple-choice test, candidates may be examined for the following competencies: Mathematics, including knowledge of: algebra, geometry, trigonometry and basic arithmetic, and reading and converting decimal units; Learning Ability; Attention To Detail; Safety Focus including knowledge of: proper use of digging and cutting tools and Personal Protective Equipment, and Work Area Traffic Control Handbook (WATCH) guidelines; Job Knowledge including knowledge of: survey procedures and practices; surveying rods; distance and level measuring tools; surveying materials, supplies, tools, and equipment; numerical and/or descriptive terminology; and satellite survey systems and electronic/optical instruments; Interpersonal Skills; and other necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Additional job analysis information can be obtained by going to https://personnel.lacity.gov/jobs/job-analyses.cfm and clicking on Competencies under Field Engineering Aide.
Candidates may use a hand-held, non-programmable, non-qwerty, self-contained scientific calculator during the multiple-choice test. A cellular phone with calculator functions will not be allowed. Additional instructions will be sent via e-mail. Candidates who fail to follow the calculator instructions will be disqualified and not considered further in the examination.
An information sheet has been developed to assist candidates in determining the type of calculators that will be allowed during the multiple-choice test. The information sheet is available on-line at https://personnel.lacity.gov/doc.cfm?get=7228ExamCalculatorGuidelines.
Candidates will be notified later by e-mail of the time and location of the multiple-choice test. The multiple-choice test will be administered on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2026 in Los Angeles. Additional test dates may be added as needed.
This examination is based on a validation study, and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the multiple-choice test will not be subject to candidate inspection.
As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at https://personnel.lacity.gov/exams/verify_disability.pdf.
Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.
Based on City Policy, you may be required to undergo mandatory drug and alcohol testing prior to and during employment in this class.
A final average score of 70% is required to be placed on the eligible list.
In accordance with Civil Service Rule, Sec. 4.24, review periods may be combined. Candidates in the examination process may file protests as provided in Sec. 4.20, 4.22 and 4.23 as applicable and within the required time frame; however, the Personnel Department may respond to and resolve protests prior to the establishment of the eligible list.
Notice: If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.
The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.