Civil Engineering Assistant

Job Summary

DEFINITION
Performs professional engineering assignments with instructions and receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems in the planning, plan checking, field inspecting, designing and managing the construction of public works projects.

SUPERVISION
Works under the general supervision of the Principal Civil Engineer, Supervising Civil Engineer, or designee. Exercises technical supervision over assigned staff.

Note: Current vacancies are in the Engineering and Water Resources divisions of the Public Works Department. The eligible list that will be established as a result of this recruitment will be used to fill vacancies that occur in the City during the life of the list.

Representative Duties

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Gathers and organizes data and prepares designs, maps, estimates, reports, plans and specifications for the construction, alteration, and maintenance of a variety of civil engineering projects.

Prepares and reviews computations, design plans, and “as-built” drawings; prepares quantity estimates and project schedules for storm drains, water mains, sewers, site improvements, streets, sidewalks, ADA ramps, utilities, and various structures.

Ascertains drainage areas and computes run-off velocity and quantity of flow.

Analyzes bids and conducts field investigations and feasibility studies.

Performs public works plan checks for off-site improvements, utilities, and urban runoff associated with single family, multifamily, commercial, and industrial permit applications and development agreements.

Provides assistance at the public counter by issuing permits, processing payments, answering phones, responding to questions, and reviewing plan check comments.

Reviews water meter applications and makes recommendations for new meters.

Consults with other governing agencies to obtain required permits and approvals for construction of City capital projects.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Theory, principles, and practices of civil, structural, and traffic engineering
Drafting and survey methods
Design, construction, and maintenance requirements of public works facilities, including buildings, streets, water distribution and drainage systems and sanitary sewers
Mathematics and surveying applicable to civil and traffic engineering
Strengths, properties, and uses of materials of construction
Construction plans and specifications
Principles of customer service

Ability to:

Apply civil engineering principles to the solution of specific problems involving structural, hydrologic, and hydraulic analysis design; mathematics; construction methods; design esthetics; and space planning
Read, interpret, prepare, and check professional engineering, legal descriptions, survey notes, and streets and traffic signal plans
Utilize computer programs to perform calculations and have proficiency in computer aided drafting software
Review, process, and issue permits
Read, interpret, and implement provisions of applicable codes and standards
Establish and maintain cooperative professional and effective working relationships with other City employees and the public
Work independently with minimal supervision

Skill in:

Using personal computers and applicable software
Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing
Preparing and presenting clear and concise oral and written reports and recommendations
Drafting reports quickly and concisely
Public relations

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, construction technology, construction management, design and drafting or a closely related field.

Experience: One year of recent, paid, progressively responsible experience in civil engineering. Successfully passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam administered by National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying or possession of the Engineer-in-Training certification provided by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers may substitute for the one year of the required experience.

License and Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is regularly performed indoors in an office environment and occasionally outdoors in climatic weather conditions to perform site inspections. Work outdoors may require use of some safety gear and the taking of necessary precautions in the presence of construction machinery, vehicular traffic, and attendant potential physical hazards. Work outdoors may include such factors as noise, dust, and slippery surfaces.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

You must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being disqualified.

Selection Process:

All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of any of the following: evaluation of qualifications, written exam, oral interview, or any combination of these.

Background Investigation:

Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 7/9/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

City of Santa Monica

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