Associate Civil Engineer

Salary : $83,811.24 - $98,259.24 Annually
Location : Compton, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 24-25:64
Department: Public Works/Engineering
Opening Date: 07/30/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general supervision, performs technical engineering work in the design and completion of construction, engineering, drainage/flood control, and other civil engineering infrastructure; and performs other related duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED
Works under the general supervision of the Assistant City Engineer; does not exercise supervisory responsibility.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the full journey level in the Civil Engineer job series. This class is distinguished from the lower level Assistant Civil Engineer class in that the latter performs less complex technical engineering functions and does not require registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.).
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Assumes the technical responsibility for coordinating/preparing/reviewing complete projects, including engineering reports, calculations, plans and special provisions in accordance with City standards and codes.
• Performs drafting and computing work; gathers, compiles, reviews and validates calculations and field data for the design, layout and construction of roadway, flood control, traffic control, infrastructure and related projects.
• Monitors assigned projects, resolves discrepancies between field conditions and design plans, and recommends methods of resolving complex problems.
• Makes structural and technical engineering analysis of proposed projects; evaluates need for design changes and makes appropriate recommendations; reviews plans for conformity to uniform codes, local ordinances, and state and Federal regulations.
• Makes field tests and takes samples for laboratory test of materials; inspects jobsites to assure work quality and assure that jobsites and work activities are in compliance with all laws, regulations, policies and safety standards.
• Responds to questions from citizens and agencies on engineering projects and plans.
• Maintains records and files associated with engineering projects.
• Interprets and explains technical specifications, and federal and state rules and regulations.
• Writes technical and analytical reports, and makes technical estimates of a specialized nature in connection with civil engineering projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, and three (3) years of experience in civil engineering projects or closely related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Registration as an Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) by the California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is required.

Required Knowledge of:
• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• Fundamental principles, practices and techniques of civil engineering.
• Civil engineering methods and practices for project planning, designs, technical plans, specifications, estimates, and reports.
• Principles of design, construction and maintenance of public works projects.
• Stages in the construction process when defects can be detected, and the types of tests performed on construction materials and components.
• Federal, state, city and county safety and zoning rules and regulations.
• Federal state and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards, protocols, specifications and guidelines for public works construction.

Required Skill in:
• Analyzing issues, evaluating alternatives, and making logical recommendations based on findings.
• Interpreting and applying engineering standards and procedures, federal and state rules and regulations, and city policies and procedures.
• Reading and interpreting engineering plans and specifications, plats and other related documents.
• Analyzing and evaluating technical engineering data and construction documentation.
• Checking designs, details, estimates, plans, and specifications of engineering projects.
• Reviewing and verifying mathematical calculations.
• Making accurate drawings and maps and keeping accurate field notes.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing complex engineering software applications, including AutoCAD.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with City employees, officials, and representatives from other local, state and Federal agencies.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:
• Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment.
• Work may be performed outdoors with time spent in moderate to high temperatures (above 90 degrees).
• Work requires light lifting, carrying, driving and on occasion climbing (up to 4 feet).
• Moderate finger dexterity and near vision is required.
Work may involve exposure to wet surfaces, moving traffic, construction equipment, occasional loud noise and dust when performing inspections at construction sites.
Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered.

EXAMINATION
The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.
Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process.

Phase one (1) is an oral examination (weighted 100%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for the oral exam is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via mail or e-mail.

The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.

ELIGIBLE LISTS
Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).

PLEASE NOTE:
All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.

Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department manager's recommendation for employment is subject to the City Manager's approval.

EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE
A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).

EXAMINATION RECORDS
All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans' credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.

FRINGE BENEFITS
The City's comprehensive fringe benefits program includes: retirement (Public Employees' Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.
01

Please indicate your high level of education obtained.

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• A.S. or A.A. Degree
• B.S. or B.A. Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

Registration as an Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) by the California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is required. Proof of registration must be attached to the application submitted. Have you attached your proof of registration?

• Yes
• No

03

Please indicate how many years of experience you have in civil engineering projects, or closely related experience.(Note: Your application must reflect the required experience clearly)

• Less than 1 year of relevant experience
• 1 to 2 years of relevant experience
• 3 to 4 years of relevant experience
• 5 to 6 years of relevant experience
• 7 or more years of relevant experience

04

Do you possess a valid California Class C Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you a current City of Compton employee?

• Yes, I am a current employee on a 6 or 12-month probationary period.
• Yes, I am a current employee and am not on a 6 or 12-month probationary period.
• No, I am not a current employee.

06

Do you have any relatives employed by the City of Compton? If you have any relatives that work fo