Assistant Engineer I/II Civil (PE Not Required)

Santa Clara Valley Water District • San Jose, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Ready to help deliver the next generation of water infrastructure? Join Valley Water and play a key role in the planning, design, and construction of major capital improvement projects. The Assistant Engineer I/II will support higher level engineers in the delivery of capital projects in the unit, such as the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant Reliability Improvement Project Phase 3-6. Under direct supervision, the Assistant Engineer I/II will perform a variety of civil engineering duties to execute and manage Valley Water treatment plants and other capital projects. This position requires the application of sound engineering judgement, knowledge of civil engineering principles, and effective coordination and communication with internal departments, contractors, consultants, and external agencies.

We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

Valley Water’s mission is to provide Santa Clara County with safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy. The FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget of $1.284 billion supports approximately 876 employees. W ith headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Requirements

• Level I: No experience is required.
• Level II: Two (2) years of professional engineering experience, ideally with planning, design and construction of capital projects including water treatment facilities and water infrastructure.
• Level I: Apply engineering principles, practices, concepts, and standards to engineering problems.
• Prepare, understand, and interpret construction plans, specifications, drawings, and other engineering documents.
• Perform engineering calculations.
• Learn, interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, and Valley Water engineering policies and procedures.
• Learn to conduct engineering research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical reports.
• Use office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software application programs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively represent the unit and the Valley Water in meetings with contractors, engineers, a variety of outside agencies, and the public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines, and best engineering practices.
• Level II - in addition to qualifications for the Assistant Engineer I: Independently conduct comprehensive engineering studies, investigations, and analyses.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, and Valley Water engineering policies and procedures.
• Conduct engineering research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical reports.
• Level I: Knowledge of water treatment, environmental engineering, water quality, fluid mechanics, hydraulic engineering, soils and geotechnical engineering, and construction management.
• Knowledge of water resources engineering.
• Level II - in addition to qualification for the Assistant Engineer I: Principles and practices of project budgeting, cost estimation, funding, project management, and contract administration.
• Recent and on-going engineering related developments, including information technology, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of assigned areas of responsibility.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil or mechanical engineering.
• OR Possession of a valid California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate with two (2) years of associated paraprofessional engineering experience.

Nice To Haves

• Qualities of an ideal candidate include hard working, willing to learn, a positive attitude, patient, and a team player.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of professional civil engineering duties in the planning, design and construction of water treatment plants and other capital projects.
• Conduct engineering studies, analyses, and field investigations; prepare reports, such as design technical memorandums and planning study reports.
• Assist in the preparation of engineering drawings and specifications; review drawings, plan and review other work submitted by external consultants for conformance with Valley Water standards.
• Perform engineering calculations and prepare cost estimates.
• Providing engineering support to ongoing construction projects such as assisting with design changes, submittal reviews, requests for information (RFIs) and assistance with change orders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level