Assistant Engineer

Job Description

This recruitment is to fill one vacancy within the Public Works - Engineering Division and create an eligibility list.

Salary placement upon hire: Employees may expect to be placed on the salary range between steps A - G

Union: This position is covered by the United Public Employees of California (UPEC) labor group.

Definition / Distinguishing Characteristics

Under general supervision, performs responsible engineering work in the design, investigation, and construction of public works and facilities; performs professional work in support of the City’s capital improvement, traffic, and land development engineering programs; performs technical review of plans ensuring plans are in compliance with codes and regulations; undertakes civil and traffic engineering studies; and performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Class Characteristics

This is the entry-level classification in the professional Engineering series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine professional and technical engineering work. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Associate Engineer level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Job Description

Examples of Typical Job Functions (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Prepares plans and specifications for the construction of street, storm drain, sewer line, and transportation facilities; coordinates and participates in the review and processing of plans for private developments affecting public works facilities and infrastructure; ensures plans meet all City imposed requirements.
• Researches project design requirements performs complex calculations and prepare estimates of time and material costs.
• Generates topography plans, designs plans, and organizes plans utilizing AutoCAD; reviews civil engineering plans and tentative maps; performs plan checking functions.
• Organizes and schedules task deadlines and collaborates with contractors to ensure project goals are met in a timely manner.
• Organizes bridge inspection reports, compiles bridge investment credit requests, and submits to Caltrans.
• Assigns routine investigation, design, and drafting tasks to technical subordinates; reviews completed work.
• Researches publications and industry information sources.
• Develops revised design and construction standards for public works structures and appurtenances as required.
• Prepares and revises plans and specifications for traffic related projects; prepares special studies and reports; coordinates traffic and transportation major projects.
• Investigates field problems affecting property owners, contractors, and maintenance operations.
• Prepares estimates and feasibility reports for construction projects.
• Coordinates public works activities with other City departments, divisions, and sections, and with outside agencies.
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Civil engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures as applied to public works infrastructure projects or traffic engineering functions;
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works projects;
• Modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding engineering;
• Principles and practices of traffic and transportation engineering;
• Land development principles and associated documentation such as property legal descriptions and subdivision maps;
• City procedures for steering land improvement or development projects from inception to approval;
• General design, layout, and construction practices for public improvements such as streets, storm drains, grading, and landscaping;
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in planning, design, construction, maintenance, operation, and rehabilitation of a variety of public works facilities and systems;
• Caltrans standard specifications;
• Subdivision engineering, plan review, mapping, and construction practices;
• Engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures;
• Basic principles and practices of capital improvement program development, cost estimation, funding, project management, and contract administration;
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work;
• Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations;
• AutoCAD computer programs;
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation;
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols;
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff;
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed;
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Make complex engineering computations and to check, design, and supervise the preparation of engineering plans and studies;
• Prepare, understand, and interpret a diverse range of engineering drawings, plans, specifications, and other contract documents;
• Conduct engineering studies and prepare reports with recommendations;
• Perform responsible engineering work in the design, investigation, and construction of public works and facilities;
• Use and care for engineering and drafting instruments and equipment;
• Conduct field reviews;
• Review completed work;
• Perform traffic signal and associated control device modifications and adjustments;
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, technical written material, and City engineering policies and procedures;
• Work within budgetary constraints of assigned projects;
• Perform mathematical and engineering computations with precision;
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed;
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals;
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines;
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments;
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax;
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education :

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field. (Possession of a valid certificate as an Engineer-in- Training issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors or issued by another authority and accepted by the California Board in lieu of the first division of the examination as an engineer may be substituted for the required education.)

• One (1) year of experience in professional civil engineering, or two (2) years of experience equivalent to an Engineering Technician for the City of Chico.

• Possession of a valid California Driver License, to be maintained throughout employment.

Additional Information

Physical Demands

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Environmental Conditions

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

The City of Chico offers a wide range of employee benefits. Benefits are subject to negotiations with employee organizations and may vary with individual bargaining units. For a summary of benefits, please visit the City of Chico website at: City of Chico - Employee Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 10/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific