Engineer I/II

Salary: $9,581.00 - $14,514.00 Monthly
Location : 75515 Hovley Lane East, Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Engineering
Division: Sanitation/Non-Potable Water/Electrical
Opening Date: 10/20/2026
Closing Date: 11/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Summary
THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A 3.6% COST OF LIVING INCREASE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2027
Engineers possessing a valid license as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering in the State of California will receive an additional pay of 5% to their current base salary.
TITLE: Engineer I/II (2 Positions)
SRN A45: $9,518 - $13,320, Monthly, Exempt
SRN A49: $10,497 - $14,514, Monthly, Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Teamsters 1932
DEPARTMENT: Engineering
Division: Sanitation
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Supervises the following positions: N/A

Promotional opportunity procedures will include the following:

Review of minimum qualifications

Review of personnel files, including but not limited to: attendance history, disciplinary history, and performance evaluations

Testing/Assessments

Oral Interview(s)
DEFINITION
Under general supervision (Engineer I) to direction (Engineer II), performs professional civil or electrical engineering work related to the design and construction of District infrastructure and facilities; prepares, and reviews designs, plans, and specifications for District projects; serves in a project lead or manager capacity on assigned projects to ensure compliance with District contracted services, specifications and quality; coordinates projects with contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders; and performs related work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Engineer I: This is the entry-level classification in the Engineer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine engineering duties. 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 Engineer II 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.
Engineer II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Engineer. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Engineer I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Engineer class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Engineer II level are normally filled by advancement from the Engineer I level; progression to the Engineer II level is dependent (i) management affirmation that the employee is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance and attendance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications, and District assessment testing requirements; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Engineer II level.
Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Researches, prepares, and reviews designs, plans, and specifications for the construction and installation of District infrastructure and facilities; coordinates the construction and installation of new facilities within the District, and reports the progress to management personnel in meetings and/or written reports.
• Prepares and performs contract administration on District construction projects; prepares bid documents, Board authorizations, contract summaries, and, within scope of authority, negotiates changes of contract scope; monitors design costs and overall project budget; resolves claims, disputes, and outstanding issues; prepares concise and accurate scopes of work for identified District projects in the Capital Improvement Program.
• Serves as a project lead or project manager on District construction projects; maintains quality assurance of consultant's design, drawings, and specifications to District requirements; ensures inspection and quality assurance is performed on construction sites, and projects are completed within budget and schedule; prepares accurate estimates of costs, time frames, personnel resources, and related activities.
• Identifies deficiencies in District facilities based on research, site inspections, and communications with District personnel; prepares reports and technical memoranda describing the deficiencies with corrective actions; prepares studies for planning of new facilities.
• Civil engineer conducts hydraulic model simulations and completes system capacity assessment and facility evaluations for capital improvement projects and new developments; monitors water use and water loss reports and makes suggestions for operational adjustments.
• Electrical engineer conducts electrical system studies, control systems, load calculations, PLC, HMI and SCADA system designs and evaluations for capital improvement projects and new developments; monitors district wide power usage and makes suggestions for operational adjustments.
• Maintains documentation for both contract administration and project management that includes correspondence, meeting minutes, requests for information, submittal reviews, permit applications, and other activities on the construction project.
• Coordinates and negotiates project activities with developers, contractors, consultants, public agencies, engineers, public utilities, local groups, cities, and individuals to successfully complete projects.
• Coordinates District projects with other departments and management staff, meets with developers and outside engineers to discuss concepts and general requirements for new projects; reviews proposed subdivision applications to determine conditions to be imposed by planning agencies.
• Assists with the preparation project budgets for assigned projects.
• Provides professional staff assistance to management staff; researches, prepares, and presents comprehensive reports, and other correspondence.
• Observes and complies with District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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Minimum Qualifications

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: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

• Engineer I - Two (2) years of experience providing professional support to an engineering program in assigned engineering area.
• Engineer II - Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience performing professional engineering duties in assigned engineering program area, two (2) of which should be in a project lead or project management capacity.

Licenses and Certifications:
Engineer I/II

• Possession of a valid California Driver's license, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Engineers possessing a valid license as a Professional Engineer in Civil or Electrical Engineering in the State of California will receive an additional pay of 5% to their current base salary.

Engineer I

• Possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training Certificate issued by the State of California, to be maintained throughout employment.

Engineer II

• Possess, or obtain within two years of appointment, a valid certificate of registration as a Certified Construction Manager (CCM). To be maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles and practices of civil or electrical engineering design and construction as it relates to water, wastewater, and irrigation infrastructure and facilities.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Methods and techniques of negotiating and administering contracts.
• Principles and practices of construction management, including engineering, surveying and inspection methods and materials.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Project documentation and development techniques including mapping, drafting, drawings and specifications.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Hydraulic system analysis, calculations, and simulation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of project budget administration and monitoring.
• Methods and techniques of applying advanced mathematics principles to engineering work.
• Recent developments and trends in the field of engineering and construction management.
• District 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 District 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.

Ability to:

• Perform a diverse range of engineering tasks in support of the District's capital improvement projects and operations.
• Prepare and/or review engineering estimates, plans, and specifications for proposed District projects.
• Perform engineering work in the design and construction of District infrastructure and associated facilities.
• Research and evaluate engineering methods and techniques for assigned project work.
• Prepare accurate estimates of costs, schedules, materials, and staffing resources required for assigned projects.
• Prepare detailed analysis and comprehensive technical engineering reports and recommendations.
• Serve as a project lead or project manager on assigned projects and oversee the work of contracted service providers.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize and present technical and administrative information and data in an effective manner.
• Read and interpret maps, plans, sketches, schematics, diagrams and blueprints.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the District in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• 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.

The Coachella Valley Water District provides a comprehensive, balanced, and competitive benefits package ensuring employees have many options to meet their healthcare, wellness and/or retirement savings goals. Providing employees with flexibility and support for all the different stages of life. Employees may pay some portion of their benefit premium costs based on the provisions of their labor-negotiated Memorandums of Understanding (MOU's) and the level of coverage they select. Additional information regarding CVWD employee benefits is available at
01

Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid "C" class California Driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a valid license as Professional Engineer in the State of California?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a valid Engineer in Training Certificate issued by the State of California?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a valid certificate of registration as a Certified Construction Manager (CCM)?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have two (2) years of experience providing professional support to an engineering program in assigned engineering area?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience performing professional engineering duties in assigned engineering program area, two (2) of which should be in a project lead or project management capacity?

• Yes
• No

Required Question