Assistant Engineer

City of Chula Vista • Chula Vista, CA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This entry-level position assists with engineering work on various projects, performing specific and limited portions of broader projects typically assigned to journey-level engineers. The role begins under immediate supervision and allows increasing independent action as experience is gained and procedures are learned. The current vacancy is in the Construction Inspection Division, which oversees and manages public works construction projects to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, and City standards. The recruitment may also be used for future vacancies in the Engineering & Capital Projects Department. The position receives general supervision from an assigned supervisor and may receive technical or functional guidance from an Associate Engineer.

The Assistant Engineer supports the preparation and review of engineering plans, specifications, analyses, estimates, maps, and related documents for public works and development projects. The role also involves engineering calculations, studies, public and stakeholder communications, records management, and occasional field inspections. Work is performed primarily in an indoor office environment, with some movement between offices and exposure to outdoor conditions during meetings or field inspections. Work may be interrupted by in-person and telephone inquiries.

Requirements

• A qualifying combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• Typical qualification: a bachelor's degree from an accredited college with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field; or an Engineer-in-Training Certificate in California; or a Registered Professional Civil Engineer license in California.
• Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of computer equipment and software applications related to the assignment.
• Ability to learn basic principles, practices, and facilities used in civil or structural engineering, soils engineering, municipal engineering, design, construction and maintenance, and topographical construction surveying.
• Ability to learn state laws and local ordinances relating to engineering projects.
• Ability to assist with preparing plans and specifications and reviewing estimates.
• Ability to prepare reports and learn to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
• Ability to learn and interpret laws, ordinances, and related documents, and to learn to interpret maps and blueprints.
• Ability to operate computer equipment and software applications related to the assignment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, and to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to work tactfully and effectively with people from various cultural and ethnic groups.
• Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including prolonged periods at a desk, intermittent walking, standing, bending, squatting, twisting, reaching, simple grasping and fine manipulation, keyboard and telephone use, reviewing information, entering and retrieving data, reading computer-screen characters, and lifting light weight.
• Normal-range vision and hearing, with or without correction.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing preliminary and final engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates for construction or improvement of storm drains, streets, sanitary sewers, and related structures.
• Perform engineering calculations involving hydrology, hydraulic structures, land surveys, and highway and street alignments.
• Assist in preparing or reviewing legal descriptions and grant deeds for easements and street rights-of-way; may participate in right-of-way negotiations and acquisitions.
• Assist in investigating and checking tentative and final subdivision maps for accuracy, design, completeness, and conformance with local subdivision ordinances and the State Subdivision Map Act.
• Assist in preparing or reviewing improvement plans, site development plans, and grading plans for composition, conformance, and accuracy with the City of Chula Vista Subdivision Manual.
• Assist in preparing or reviewing hydraulic and hydrologic analyses and Storm Water Quality Management Plans for composition, accuracy, and conformance with the City of Chula Vista Best Management Practices Design Manual.
• Assist in preparing or reviewing preliminary and final cost estimates.
• Provide written and oral information on related issues to the public, contractors, developers, and other engineers as directed.
• Attend meetings and may make simple presentations to committees, commissions, professional groups, and community groups.
• Draft written reports and correspondence, including Council agenda statements, resolutions, tentative map conditions, supplemental subdivision improvement agreements, and subdivision improvement agreements.
• Assist in conducting studies related to planning public works facilities.
• Maintain organized files and records.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other City employees, and the public using good customer service principles.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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