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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
CIVIL ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE
SALARY INFORMATION
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Information Civil Engineering Associate vacancies within OC Public Works. This recruitment may be used to fill similar and/or lower-level classifications within the occupational series throughout the County of Orange.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Online applications will be accepted through Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM (PT) .
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.
OC PUBLIC WORKS
OC Public Works provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, to cities, and to other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through efficient delivery and maintenance of public works infrastructure, planning, and development services. OC Public Works core values are integrity, accountability, service, and trust.
OC CONSTRUCTION
OC Construction provides project management and construction management services for projects on OC Public Works' Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Maintenance Improvement Program (MIP) as well as OC Parks and other County department projects. OC Construction focuses on horizontal projects such as roads, bridges, bikeways, and flood control channels.
OC INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS
OC Infrastructure Programs provides engineering services for roadways in unincorporated areas and regional flood control programs throughout Orange County. This includes programming, design, legislation tracking, project management, traffic safety, and development coordination services.
For more information on OC Public Works click here .
For more information on the County of Orange click here .
THE OPPORTUNITY
OC Construction and OC Infrastructure Programs are seeking an experienced, non-registered civil engineering professional to perform a variety of field and office civil engineering work as a Civil Engineering Associate. Positions at this level are responsible for journey-level assignments and will perform independent engineering analysis and recommendations. Incumbents generally work under the project leadership of Civil Engineers and are assigned complex or specialized assignments.
The OC Construction Civil Engineering Associate position is responsible for managing 3 - 5 projects per year from the Department’s 7-Year Capital Improvement Program valued at over $1B. This position participates in engineering studies, as well as reviewing, planning, designing, and/or managing capital improvement projects.
The primary job duties of the OC Construction Civil Engineering Associate include, but are not limited to, the following:- Develop and manage requests for proposals to procure design consultant services
- Review and evaluate plans and proposals from design consultants and negotiate contracts
- Manage the design and preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates for public works projects
- Develop and manage requests for qualifications, requests for proposals, and notice inviting bids to procure construction contractors
- Provide engineering oversight and field inspections during construction of public works projects.
- Ensure deliverables meet client's preference, Engineering Department's standards, regulatory compliance, and permitting requirements
- Coordinate and communicate effectively with management, Orange County elected officials and representatives, external agencies, and with the public as necessary
- Ability to adapt when emergency or short turnaround projects arise as needed
The OC Infrastructure Programs Civil Engineering Associate position is dedicated to the review of encroachment permits for Road and Orange County Flood Control District (OCFCD) right of way. This position is also involved in processing 292 Flood Encroachment Permits.
The primary job duties of the OC Infrastructure Programs Civil Engineering Associate include, but are not limited to, the following:- Perform County Property Permit (CPP) reviews relate to County roadways and Orange County Flood Control District (OCFCD) facilities for meeting County/OCFCD standards and requirements, ensuring the proposed designs would meet public safety and have no impact to private or public facilities
- Perform reviews for private developers and builders’ project submittals in possible future County right-of-way including street improvements, grading plans, drainage plans with other County departments or divisions including Watersheds, Flood Programs, Design/Bridge, Traffic, Operations and Maintenance
- Perform review of engineering technical reports for verification of design parameters and integrity.
- Review cooperation agreements with for conformance with required engineering features
- Research County road and flood record drawings and right-of-way
- Ability to adapt when emergency or short turnaround projects arise as needed
This recruitment may also be used to fill additional Civil Engineering Associate positions related to other civil engineering disciplines.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related degree, or an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) designation; and one (1) year of professional work experience in the principles of Civil Engineering post college graduation or post receipt of an EIT certificate. A Master’s degree can substitute for one year of practical experience. Recent experience with using computer modeling software for urban planning is highly desirable but not required.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following knowledges and core competencies:
Technical Expertise and Knowledge- Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering
- Working knowledge of County of Orange regulations, standards, and details
- Preparing accurate engineering computations and performing moderate to complex mathematical calculations
- Computer literate with demonstrated knowledge of MS-Office applications and with other engineering software programs such as AES (Advanced Engineering Software) or WSPGW (Water Surface Pressure Gradient for Windows)
Problem Solving & Analytical Skills- Experienced in identifying problems, solving them, acting decisively, and showing good judgment
- Isolating causes from symptoms, and compiling information and alternatives to evaluate problems or issues
- Involving others as appropriate and gathering information from a variety of sources
- Finding a balance between studying the problem and solving it
Communication & Interpersonal Skills- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to clearly and concisely convey technical and/or complex information to a diverse workgroup
- Ability to draft and interpret technical reports and memos
- Demonstrate a high degree of motivation and willingness to learn
- Maintain a professional perspective and objective demeanor when varied situations occur
- Review and handle complex projects involving several functional groups
- Recognize and embrace the value of safety both in the field and in the office
- Coordinate and communicate effectively with management, Orange County elected officials and representatives, external agencies, and with the public as necessary
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to view the complete classification description for Civil Engineering Associate, with examples of duties, physical and mental requirements, and environmental conditions.
NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.) .
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
The position requires possession of a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher.
THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Application Screening | (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those candidates meeting the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)Candidates will be interviewed and rated by job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.
Eligible List
Once the assessments have been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Cherry Ward at (714) 667-9609 or cherry.ward@ocpw.ocgov.com.
EEO INFORMATION
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer,
encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 8/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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