Assistant Engineer

Job Description:

Assistant Engineer

Description

Description


The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community. Performs a variety of field and office professional civil engineering work. The eligibility list established from this recruitment will be used to fill the current and/or additional vacancies throughout the City. Currently, there are several vacancies in the Water Resources Division.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

• Performs professional and technical civil engineering duties in the field or office, as assigned within the Public Works Agency's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Engineering Section, Development Engineering Section, Traffic and Transportation Engineering Section, or Water Resources Division.
• Depending on assigned section or division, performs plan checking and reviews of permit applications and land development proposals.
• Prepares preliminary and final designs and environmental documents for projects.
• Studies the financial implications of various designs for major projects.
• Reviews plans for conformance with applicable federal, state, and local agency codes and regulations.
• Prepares bid specifications, requests for proposals for professional services, contract documents, project schedules, and budget and cost estimates; reviews bids or proposals submitted and makes recommendations.
• Drafts technical reports, memos, and various types of correspondence for City Council approval.
• Participates in project design meetings.
• Coordinates workflow and prepares and maintains technical documentation.
• Sets up necessary funding and accounting.
• Reviews change orders, progress payments, or other disbursements.
• Closes-out projects upon completion.
• Prepares and submits grant applications and/or other required documents to state and local agencies for state or federal discretionary and entitlement funds.
• Monitors contract activity and prepares reports to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Assists with overseeing the City’s infrastructure management program.
• Resolves issues related to project financing or contractor compliance.
• Performs construction inspection duties to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Investigates and responds to inquiries or complaints from the public.
• Serves as the City liaison in coordinating the engineering design and approval process with other state, federal, or local agencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Depending on assignment, additional essential functions include, but are not limited to:
If assigned to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Engineering Section:

• Prepares plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Reviews environmental documents and technical reports for a variety of projects, including streets, storm drains, landscaping, irrigation systems, facilities, parks, and other public works projects.
• Reviews plans for consistency with standards.
• Assists in constructability reviews.
• Performs construction administration, ensures construction proceeds in a safe manner, controls construction, and ensures contractors adhere to the contract.
• Maintains and reviews daily construction activity reports, reviews progress reports and invoices, and develops and recommends shop drawings, as necessary.

If assigned to the Development Engineering Section:

• Checks legal descriptions, subdivision maps, and street and grading plans.
• Analyzes development projects for consistency with City code and the Subdivision Map Act.
• Issues permits and interacts with developers, their representatives, and the general public at the public counter.

If assigned to the Traffic and Transportation Engineering Section:

• Prepares plans, specifications, and cost estimates for a variety of projects in relation to traffic signals, the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), streetlights, channelization, and traffic control.
• Assists in operating and maintaining the City’s traffic signal system, including Traffic Management Center, Advance Traffic Management System (ATMS), Traffic Signal Synchronization, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), and Fiber Optic communication network.
• Provides transportation support, including assisting with traffic study reviews, development project reviews, City Active Transportation Programs, and grants.
• Analyzes and responds to neighborhood traffic and school safety and parking needs.

If assigned to the Water Resources Division:

• Prepares plans, specifications, cost estimates, and reports pertaining to water and sewer projects, including pumping facilities and water and sewer main lines.
• Updates maps and records of infrastructure.
• Assists in project oversight and interfaces with other governmental agencies and contractors.
• Collaborates with water distribution and treatment operators to make decisions regarding distribution and treatment system settings, parameters, and general operation.

Minimum Qualifications

Some professional engineering experience If assigned to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Land Development, or Traffic and Transportation Engineering Sections: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and with major course work in Civil Engineering; or possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate. If assigned to the Water Resources Division: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and with major course work in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering; or possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate. Minimum qualifications may be met via an equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions. Experience and education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to plan checking and the review of street improvement, design, and construction of public works projects; surveying; and street, highway, storm drain, irrigation, public building, water supply, and sewer design and construction practices.
• Skill in: Personal computers and standard software applications, including computer-aided design (CAD) software, word processing, and spreadsheets; the utilization of computer databases to maintain and update records and files; and the maintenance of accurate records and files.
• Ability to: Express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing; work effectively with and secure the cooperation of fellow employees, consultants, and other governmental and non-governmental representatives; deal tactfully with the general public; and maintain cooperative working relationships.

If assigned to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Engineering Section: Knowledge of the American Public Works Association Standard Plans, Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction, and State of California Department of Transportation Standard Specifications and Highway Design Manual; and Public Works construction cost data. If assigned to the Land Development Engineering Section: Knowledge of the Subdivision Map Act and California Environmental Quality Act. If assigned to the Traffic and Transportation Engineering Section: Knowledge of principles and practices of traffic engineering and control; traffic laws and regulations; California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; Highway Capacity Manual; Institute of Transportation Engineers - Trip Generation Manual and Handbook; and California Department of Transportation - Highway Design Manual. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession and retention of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License is a condition of continued employment in this classification.
• Must be willing and able to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed

If assigned to the Water Resources Division: Possession and retention of a valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Distribution Operator Certificate - Grade D1 and Water Treatment Operator Certificate - Grade T1 are required by the end of the probationary period and are a condition of continued employment in this job classification.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receives general supervision from the Senior Civil Engineer or other management staff.
• This is a non-supervisory position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in standard office, field, and construction settings. Frequent travel to different sites is required. Work on various types of surfaces, including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Work involves extensive public contact. Incumbents are exposed to airborne particles, chemicals, electricity, excessive heat and cold, fumes, gases, noisy conditions, smoke, treated water, untreated water, dirt, dust, and variable weather conditions.
• Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in office, field, and constructing settings; operate vehicles; climb stairs and ladders; occasionally reach, bend, stoop, crouch, squat, kneel, twist, run, jump, and climb; frequently stand and walk; continuously sit; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including the use of a computer keyboard and/or hand tools; utilize sight, hearing, speaking, reading, writing, and math ability to exchange information; and lift, carry, push, and pull up to thirty-five (35) pounds.

Selection Process

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include: Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026) : (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list. Based on the number of applications received, the Human Resources Department may waive the oral interview examination and evaluate those applicants who meet the requirements described above through an examination of record. The examination will be based on a review of the application materials submitted and will include an assessment of training, experience and performance with the City of Santa Ana. Applicants must pass this review in order to be placed on the eligible list.

Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

Summary of Benefits

(under SEIU)

NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.

Closing Date/Time: 2/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$97,836.00 - $131,244.00 Annually