Salary : $105,518.40 - $124,176.00 Annually
Location : Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 1810GE-0826-080 (O)
Department: OC Public Works
Opening Date: 09/02/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

CAREER DESCRIPTION

CIVIL ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

THE OPPORTUNITY
OC Public Works is seeking an experienced, non-registered civil engineering professional to perform a variety of field and office civil engineering work as a Civil Engineering Associate. Positions at this level are responsible for journey-level assignments and perform independent engineering analysis and recommendations while generally working under the project leadership of Civil Engineers. Assignments may involve complex or specialized engineering projects across roadway, active transportation, flood control, hydrology, hydraulics, and infrastructure project development.

OC Infrastructure Programs is currently recruiting for four (4) Civil Engineering Associate positions. Assignments include two positions within the Project Development Unit, one position withing the Hydrology Unit, and one position within the Flood Design Unit.

OC Development Services is currently recruiting for one (1) Civil Engineering Associate position. Assignment will be withing the Building and Safety Unit.

Responsibilities and duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Developing and evaluating infrastructure projects
• Performing and coordinating civil engineering analyses and studies
• Developing project programming and delivery documents
• Preparing, reviewing, and coordinating engineering plans, specifications, reports, studies, calculations, and other technical documents
• Managing and coordinating projects and consultants
• Conducting field investigations and site evaluations
• Reviewing plans and engineering calculations for residential and nonresidential construction projects

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
Recent experience with using computer modeling software for urban planning and/or CADD (Computer Aided Drafting & Design) systems is highly desirable, but not required.

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Project development and project management
• Roadway, bridge, bikeway, or ADA design
• Flood control and hydraulic engineering design
• Hydrology and floodplain management
• Drainage and stormwater engineering

In addition, the ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in the following core competencies:

Technical Expertise & Knowledge

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering
• Working knowledge of County of Orange regulations, standards, and details
• Preparing accurate engineering computations and performing moderate to complex mathematical calculations
• Computer literate with demonstrated knowledge of MS-Office applications and with other engineering software programs such as AES (Advanced Engineering Software), WSPGW (Water Surface Pressure Gradient for Windows), HEC RAS, AutoCAD and Civil3D

Problem Solving & Analytical Skills

• Experienced in identifying problems, solving them, acting decisively, and showing good judgment
• Isolating causes from symptoms, and compiling information and alternatives to evaluate problems or issues
• Involving others as appropriate and gathering information from a variety of sources
• Finding a balance between studying the problem and solving it

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to clearly and concisely convey technical and/or complex information to a diverse workgroup
• Ability to draft and interpret technical reports and memos
• Demonstrate a high degree of motivation and willingness to learn
• Maintain a professional perspective and objective demeanor when varied situations occur
• Review and handle complex projects involving several functional groups
• Recognize and embrace the value of safety both in the field and in the office
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with management, Orange County elected officials and representatives, external agencies, and with the public as necessary

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, is required by date of appointment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here for details on the Civil Engineering Associate classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Online Assessment (Proctored, Weighted 100%)
Applicants who meet qualifications will be invited to participate in one or more job related assessments. Applicants will be notified of their test date and access code, if applicable. Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click to review the policy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Brian Quinlan at or 714-667-9750.

01

INSTRUCTIONS: The information you provide on this questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your level of expertise during the recruitment process. Be as specific as possible and include all information requested.If you do not have the experience in an area, please answer "N/A". Statements such as "see application" or "see resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a response. All employers, education, and/or training referenced on this questionnaire must be listed in your application.Do you understand these instructions?

• Yes

02

Do you possess a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher?

• Yes
• No

03

Please select the option which best describes your experience and education as it relates to the minimum qualifications for the position. Please note the Work Experience section of your application should support your selection. A copy of your degree or unofficial transcript showing that a degree was conferred must be attached to your application. Please attach the required documents to avoid disqualification in the recruitment process.**NOTE** Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field from an accredited college along with one (1) or more years of professional work experience in the principles of Civil Engineering post college graduation
• Possession of a valid certificate as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) issued by the California state licensing board for professional engineers along with one (1) or more years of professional work experience in the principles of Civil Engineering post receipt of EIT
• Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field from an accredited college
• None of the above

04

In reference to question #3, please describe your professional experience related to civil engineering, such as reviewing of engineering technical reports for verification of design parameters and integrity, and managing the design and preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates for public works projects. In your response, please include:

• Employer
• Length of employment
• Job duties and responsibilities

05

Do you possess a valid certificate as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) issued by the California state licensing board for professional engineers?If yes, a copy of your valid certificate must be attached to your application. *Please attach the required documents to avoid disqualification in the recruitment process.*

• Yes, and I have attached a copy of my certificate
• No

06

Please select the job assignment(s) in which you have at least six (6) months of experience/education. Select all that apply.The disciplines you select must be supported by your application.

• Buildings/Facilities
• Bridge Design
• CADD/Computer Modeling Software
• Capital Projects
• Construction
• Development Support
• Environmental Engineering
• Flood Control/Design</