Assistant Engineer

Salary: $8,581.99 - $10,431.44 Monthly
Location : Chula Vista, CA
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Engineering - Capital Projects
Division: Construction Inspection
Opening Date: 10/19/2026
Closing Date: 10/30/2026 12:00 PM Pacific

Description and Essential Functions

This recruitment will be used to fill a current vacancy in the Construction Inspection Division and may be used for future vacancies in the Engineering & Capital Projects Department.

Position Description: To assist in the performance of engineering work on various projects; perform specific and limited portions of broader projects typically assigned to journey level engineers. As experience is gained, there is a greater allowance of independent actions within established guidelines and to perform other duties as assigned.
The Construction Inspection Division is responsible for overseeing and managing public works construction projects to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, and City standards.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the entry-level class in the Engineer series. Positions in this class typically have limited work experience and work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. The Assistant Engineer is distinguished from the Associate Engineer level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Associate level. Incumbent works under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives general supervision from the assigned supervisor. May receive technical or functional guidance from an Associate Engineer.

Essential Functions: Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: assist in the preparation of preliminary and final engineering plans, specifications and cost estimates for the construction and/or improvement of storm drains, streets, sanitary sewers and related structures; perform engineering calculations for hydrology and hydraulic structures, land surveys and highway and street alignments; assist in the preparation and/or review of legal descriptions and grant deeds for easements and street right-of-way; may participate in right-of-way negotiations and acquisitions; assist in the investigation and checking of tentative and final subdivision maps for accuracy, design, completeness and conformance to local subdivision ordinance and the State Subdivision Map Act; assist in the preparation and/or review of improvement plans, site development plans, and grading plans for composition, conformance, and accuracy with the City of Chula Vista Subdivision Manual; assist in the preparation and/or review of hydraulic/hydrologic analyses and Storm Water Quality Management Plans for composition, accuracy, and conformance with the City of Chula Vista Best Management Practices (BMP) Design Manual; assist in the preparation and/or review of preliminary and final cost estimates; provide written and oral information to the public, contractors, developers and other engineers on related issues as directed; attend meetings and may make simple presentations to various committees, commissions, professional and community groups; draft written reports and correspondence including, but not limited to, 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 co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service; perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education and/or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with major course work in civil engineering or related field; or possession of an Engineer-in-Training Certificate in the State of California; or possession of a Registered Professional Civil Engineer license in the State of California.

Note: All Assistant Engineers, Associate Engineers, Assistant and Associate Land Surveyors, or Plan Check Engineers who become registered by the State of California as a Professional Civil Engineer, Professional Traffic Engineer, Land Surveyor or Licensed Architect when registration is not a requirement of the position held, shall receive five percent (5%) additional compensation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; computer equipment and software applications related to 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; learn State laws and local ordinances relating to engineering projects; assist in the preparation of plans and specifications; assist in the review of estimates; prepare reports; learn to collect, analyze and interpret data; learn and interpret laws, ordinances and other related documents; learn to interpret maps and blue prints; operate computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
On an intermittent basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist and reach while retrieving and/or returning files; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and use a keyboard to communicate through written means; review information and enter/retrieve data; see and read characters on computer screen; and lift light weight. See in the normal vision range with or without correction; hear in the normal range with or without correction. Work is performed indoors in a carpeted and air-conditioned office environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise level. Some movement is required from office to office and there is exposure to the external environment when going to outlying offices, meeting, or performing field inspections. Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquires.

Additional Information
Recruitment No. 26601510
To be considered, applicants must submit a City Application by 12:00 p.m. on the closing date listed. Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. All notices will be sent via e-mail.

Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration. The examination materials for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted and/or inappropriate for review. The eligibility list established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of six (6) months, unless otherwise extended.
WCE Benefit Summary: Click
01

The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your response to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications.

• I have read and acknowledge the instructions stated above.

02

Education
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed?

• Master's Degree in Civil Engineering
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
• Associate's Degree in Civil Engineering
• High School Diploma / GED
• None of the above; degree in other field

03

If you responded "None of the above; degree in other field" to Question 2, please indicate your highest degree completed and major field of study below.
04

Engineering or Engineering-Support Experience
Do you have experience performing engineering or engineering-support work on various projects?

• Yes
• No

05

If you answered yes to the above question, identify each experience you would like us to consider and provide the following information.
All employers listed below must also be listed on your application. Treat each change in employer or position separately. The information for each employer should include:

A. Name of employer;
B. Your position title;
C. Length of experience (years/months);
D. Brief description of the major job duties you performed, if any, in each of the following areas (identify the area and major duties).

• General civil engineering
• Construction inspection
• Design
• Land development
• Environmental
• Transportation
• Wastewater

If you do not have experience, please indicate "no experience" below.

06

Which of the following best describes your experience performing Engineering tasks? (Mark all that apply)
Note: During the interview or any succeeding selection processes, you may be asked to demonstrate any stated skills.

• Reviewing plans related to storm drain, wastewater and water resource engineering
• Reviewing land development and grading plans
• Reviewing contractor bids
• Preparing Engineering and Traffic Surveys
• Reviewing design and construction plans
• Preparing estimates for payments to contractors and consultants
• Performing engineering calculations and analysis
• Conducting engineering studies
• Reviewing preliminary and final plans
• None of the above/No experience

07

Licenses/Certifications
Please select from any of the following licenses/certifications for which you possess a valid certificate of registration. (Mark all that apply and attach copies to your application)

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT)
• CA Professional Civil Engineer
• CA Professional Traffic Engineer
• Professional Civil Engineer (other state)
• Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE)
• Other relevant licenses/certifications
• None of the above

08

If you responded "Other relevant licenses/certifications" to Question 7, please indicate other relevant licenses/certifications you possess below.If you responded "None of the above", please indicate "N/A".
09

Which of the following engineering sections align best with your interests? (Mark all that apply)

• CIP Design
• Traffic Engineering
• Wastewater Engineering
• Inspection Services and Building Construction
• None of the above

10

APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)
The City of Chula Vista's Human Resources Department uses electronic mail (e-mail) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, you are hereby advised of the following:

1. Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share email addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our emails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails, i.e., for the non-delivery of email or if you fail to check your email-box on a timely basis, etc.

2. Read any notices we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep a hard copy of our notices for your records.

• I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

Required Question