Salary : $105,288.00 - $139,032.00 Annually
Location : Oceanside, CA, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-102
Department: Development Services
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
Closing Date: 6/26/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Associate Engineer which will perform Building Plan Check Engineer duties. This position will support the Building Division in Development Services and will be dedicated to plan check and structural engineering support.
Examples of Duties
Prepares preliminary cost estimates of major public works projects; prepares specifications, reports, correspondence, plans, plats, petitions, diagrams, profiles, cross-sections, and material and cost estimates for engineering projects; coordinates activities with regulatory branches of state and federal government; prepares budget for engineering projects; administers construction contracts; prepares, solicits, assembles and evaluates requests for proposals; ensures proper inspection of public works construction projects; designs elements for landscape and streetscape projects; obtains necessary data to make accurate and complete compilation of critical design information; conducts studies to determine proper grade, drainage, and potential traffic requirements; develops methods needed for analysis and application of standard design and similar engineering techniques; coordinates and oversees acquisition of streets, parks, parking lots, box culverts, catch basins, traffic signals, medians, water systems, water reservoirs, storm drains, and sanitary sewer systems including preparation of construction plans and specifications; serves as project engineer on major engineering assignments and construction projects; may lead the work of other engineering staff and environmental compliance officers.

When Assigned to the Building Division
The Associate Engineer examines plans and specifications to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances including: structural drawings and calculations, electrical, mechanical and plumbing plans, septic and sewage disposal systems, state energy conservation and handicapped accessibility standards, special construction requirements.

Interprets code and design requirements with building inspectors, planners, owners, contractors, engineers, architects, environmental health officers, and resolves any compliance problems which may arise; prepares and maintains records and reports; attends training meetings and seminars to maintain current knowledge of building codes and ordinances; prepares a variety of records and reports. Explain disapprovals or modification recommendations to applicants for permits. Coordinate with other departments on project requirements. Prepare reports and makes recommendations on solutions. Develops informational handouts/checklists related to plan check requirements for public distribution. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, other City employees, and the public, using principles of good customer service; assists in training and coordinating the work of others; and performs related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Substantial knowledge and expertise in two or more of the following: grading, plumbing, mechanical or electrical systems; structural engineering; building inspection; or state building regulations.
• Land Development.
• Building codes and related state and local regulations; principles of structural engineering relating to residential and commercial buildings; building materials and construction methods.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances enforceable by the City, including electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes.
• Procedures and techniques of plan review.
• Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics.
• Research methods and sources of information related to building code enforcement.
• Principles and techniques of building plan examination work.
• Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.

Ability to:

• Accurately read and interpret building plans and drawings; make accurate structural calculations; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with contractors, architects, owners, and the public; tactfully, courteously and firmly ensure that all code requirements are met; prepare and maintain accurate calculations, records and reports; maintain current knowledge of applicable codes and regulations.
• Understand, interpret and explain department and program policies, procedures, rules, codes, laws and operational procedures.
• Analyze, evaluate and solve building and code problems/issues taking appropriate course of action.
• Remember various building and construction rules and codes.
• Apply City codes and policies regarding building and zoning.
• Locate, read and interpret building plans, maps, engineering calculations, soil reports, project specifications and industrial blue prints.
• Maintain and update accurate records and files.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Work independently and efficiently to carry out assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Experience and Training
Experience: Four years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering.
Four years of progressively responsible experience reviewing and checking building plans for code compliance is preferred.
Training: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or a related field.

License/Certificate:

• Possession of current plans examiner certifications issued by the International Code Council (ICC) or International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is preferred.
• Possession of an Engineer-In-Training Certificate from the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Note: Registration by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers (PE) is highly desirable.
Working Conditions and Selection Process
Environmental Conditions: Office and field environment; extensive public contact.
Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time; speaking and hearing to exchange information; visual acuity to read and interpret specifications and drawings.

Selection Process: All properly completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral exam, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligible list for a period of six months.

RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.

CITY OF OCEANSIDE

Western Council of Engineers
Benefit Summary

The following is a highlight of benefits
Retirement
Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)

• Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) in regard to retirement benefits. Each individual's benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
• Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
• Survivor Continuation option

Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options

• Buy additional Service Retirement Credit
• Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
• Buy additional Military Service Credit

Health Insurance

Medical:

• Kaiser HMO
• Blue Shield HMO
• Blue Shield PPO

Dental:

• Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
• Delta Care USA (DHMO)

Vision:

• Vision Service Plan (VSP)

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.

• Available to all members of your household
• 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
• Self-service support online or by phone

Disability and Life Insurances

The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Lincoln Financial premiums are paid for by City.
Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:

• First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
• Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
• All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used

Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability

Life and AD&D Insurance:

• 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life & AD&D

Voluntary Benefits

Benefits are employee paid.
Supplemental Life Insurance through Lincoln:

• Premiums are determined by age
• Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
• Spousal coverage up to half the employee amount
• Dependent coverage up to $10,000

Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:

• Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
• Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $3,400
• Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $7,500

Deferred Compensation - 457 through Empower:

• 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $24,500 for 2026; over age 50 may contribute an additional $8,000

Metlife Legal

• Telephone and office consultations are available for an unlimited number for personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.

GotZoom Student Loan Relief

• Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.

ScholarShare 529

• An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.

Leave Benefits

Vacation:
All accruals are based on 80 hours in a paid status
1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours

6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours
11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours

16 + years: 8.19 hours
Maximum accrual:

• 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
• 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after

Holidays:

• New Years' Day
• Martin Luther King Jr Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year

Sick Leave:

• 12 days per year

Max accrual: Unlimited
Annual Sick Leave Pay Off:

Each calendar year an employee may elect to receive a 50% payment in lieu of sick leave provided such employee has used 32 hours or less of sick leave during the calendar year.
Sick Leave pay off at separation:

Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates
Bereavement Leave:

• Three days for death of employee's immediate family member
• Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval

Tuition Reimbursement
$2,000 per fiscal year

Certification Pay

Provides certification pay of $2.00 per hour for employees utilizing designated certifications in the performance of their duties.
Professional Association Membership:

The City will pay for one professional association membership per employee if it provides a benefit to the member and the City.

Professional License or Registration

Upon obtaining a AICP or PTP certification, the City will reimburse employees for the cost of the certification or renewal of the certification.

Safety Shoes

The City will provide reimbursement up to $200 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.
Bilingual and Notary Pay
$1.73 per hour bilingual pay for eligible employees

$.58 per hour notary pay for eligible employees

Term of Memorandum of Understanding

Effective July 1 2024 - June 30, 2026
This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understand