PORT ASSOCIATE ENGINEER (CIVIL WORK)

Salary: $14,000.00 - $17,338.00 Monthly
Location : Various, Oakland, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026A-021
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 10/16/2026
Closing Date: 11/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Job Description

Under general supervision, a Port Associate Engineer (Civil Work) performs with competence any engineering task assigned and supervises assigned subordinate engineers and technicians. The scope of the work includes definitive job knowledge and, also, an understanding of most of the department's operating policies. A Port Associate Engineer (Civil Work) resolves many technical problems independently; major technical problems may be discussed with a supervisor. Performs related work as required.
Examples of Duties
Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed. Incumbent may perform other related duties at the equivalent level.

• Participates and performs in advance planning, preliminary and final design, right of way engineering and construction engineering work on a variety of public works projects including those of a complex nature.
• Acts as "Engineer-in-Charge" of civil engineering design for Port projects; develops design procedures; interprets application of design criteria; coordinates designs with Electrical/Mechanical and Environmental staff; prepares project budgets, cost estimates, and project schedules; schedules work within time limits set by supervisors; makes difficult engineering computations.
• Participates and performs in the preparation of plans and specifications for public works projects including those of a complex nature.
• Performs field inspections to guide design efforts and to support projects currently in construction; evaluates site conditions; investigates complaints regarding existing conditions of all Port facilities.
• Operates computers to perform engineering and cost calculations and computer-aided designs and to prepare project schedules.
• Manages design of Port public works and facilities projects by Port staff and by consultants; participates in soliciting, evaluating, and selecting consultants; administers professional service agreements with a variety of engineering and other professional consultants.
• Examines plans, calculations, and specifications of complex projects submitted by engineers, architects, and others for compliance with municipal regulatory codes, Port and Engineering Division policies and standards, and with other planned Capital Improvement Projects.
• Coordinates technical permit and business needs aspects of the work with other Port departments involved with assigned projects and with other agencies having work in assigned project areas.
• Acts as resident engineer on large and complex maritime, aviation, and other public works construction projects: oversees or administers construction contracts; coordinates capital improvement projects with contractors, utility companies, and other agencies; performs field inspections; checks plans and specifications for accuracy of design and completeness.
• Provides lead, technical direction and training to assigned personnel on construction sites; may conduct performance evaluations.
• Prepares correspondence and reports dealing with complex subjects; when assigned to field duties, prepares all correspondence and reports on assigned projects .
• Meets with citizen groups, tenants, and outside agencies on routine matters; may make presentations to outside agencies to help secure permits.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

This position requires a combination of education and experience reflecting possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

A typical combination would include graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering plus three years of progressively responsible engineering experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES

To perform the typical task and duties of the position successfully, the knowledge, skills and/or abilities listed below are required.

Knowledge of:

• Civil engineering principles and practices as applied to municipal, maritime and aviation civil engineering, including hydraulics, street design, railroads, pavements, runways and taxiways, earth fills and embankments, pile foundations, construction, structures, surveying and dredging.
• Methods and materials; methods of inspection and testing of materials used for public works projects, such as asphalt, concrete, etc.
• Principles and practices of engineering project management.
• Principles and practices of basic leadership and supervision.

Ability to:

• Perform computations as applied to civil engineering work.
• Interpret, prepare and utilize civil engineering plans, maps and specifications.
• Use calculators and available electronic computer equipment to solve engineering problems.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and in making public presentations.
• Operate and be understood on a two-way radio.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties and to work as a team.

THE SELECTION PROCESS
Stage I: Application, PE Registration and Supplemental Questionnaire Evaluation (Pass/Fail) - The first stage in the selection process will consist of an application, PE registration, and supplemental questionnaire appraisal review (pass/fail). Applications submitted without an attached PE registration and completed supplemental questionnaire will not be given further consideration. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement to the next stage. Only the most suitably qualified candidates will be invited to Stage II.

Stage II: Assessment Examination (Weighted 100%) - The second stage of the selection process may consist of a combination of job-related situational project exercises and an oral panel interview designed to assess technical knowledge and any additional other KSAs. Job-related situational project exercises may consist of written exercises, performance exercises or other situational exercises that would assess the KSAs. The Assessment Examination is designed to test your overall aptitude for the position.
Candidates must achieve a scale score of 70 or more on this examination to be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. The Port of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.
Additional Requirements
Possession of registration as a professional civil engineer issued by the State of California.

Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license at the time and for the duration of appointment. Incumbents in the position are expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties.

The incumbent is subject to call back in emergency situations or to ensure the continued operation of the Port.

Incumbents in this classification may be assigned either to the Airport or Harbor work location. In order to comply with the security requirements of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for incumbents assigned to the airport and U.S. Customs for individuals who have unescorted access to secured areas of the harbor, each incumbent is required to successfully complete a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check, which will include a fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) and a Security Threat Assessment (STA), prior to being considered for this position.

The incumbent assigned to the airport may be required to complete and pass a U.S. Customs Airport Security Program Check (19CFR122.182). This status must be maintained for the duration of employment at the Airport.
The Port of Oakland's benefit program ranks among the best in the region for public jurisdictions and is designed to reward performance and promote a balanced lifestyle, both at the workplace and away from the workplace, for its employees and their families. The Port is committed to the health and well-being of its employees and has been recognized as a FIT-Friendly Employer by the American Heart Association.

• The Port is part of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS is a defined pension provided to regular full-time employees that work for the Port. The CalPERS defined pension is based on predetermined formula that factors in an employee's earnings history, tenure of service and age. The retirement formula for new hires is 2% at 62 years of age or 2.5% at 55 for with other CalPERS service and/or reciprocity.
• The Port offers retiree medical benefits for employees and dependents after 10 years of CalPERS service (including 5 years at the Port).
• The Port pays 100% of the premium cost for employees and dependent health insurance coverage not to exceed the Kaiser-HMO Family Plan; cash in lieu of medical benefit is also available.
• The Port pays 100% of the premium cost for dental and vision coverage.
• The Port pays 100% of the premium cost for Long Term Disability (LTD) coverage and reimburses employees for the State Disability Insurance.
• The Port pays 100% of the premium cost for life insurance at one-time annual salary with certain limits.
• The Port offers a Deferred Compensation Plan allowing employees to save and invest money for retirement with tax benefits.

Time Away from Work

• From 2 to 5 weeks of vacation depending on years of employment at the Port.
• 10 days of management leave for employees exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• 1 paid Floating Holiday per year.
• 12 days of sick leave per year after three months of employment which includes 4 days of personal leave.
• 13 paid holidays as well as the second half of the shift on December 24 and December 31.

01

The purpose of this Supplemental Questionnaire is to assess your qualifications, training and experience in specific job relevant areas. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine if you move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses (such as N/A or see application), false statements, omissions, or partial information may disqualify you from the selection process. Therefore, please answer all of the questions thoroughly and truthfully. Your answers to these questions, along with your completed application, will be used to select the most qualified candidates to advance in the selection process.Please indicate that you have read and understand the instructions listed above.

• Yes
• No

02

Describe the most technically complex engineering project on which you have worked. Include the following information:a) The problem or objective to be achieved.b) Your role and responsibilities for the project activities, including the length of time working on the project, and overall project life.c) The difficulties, constraints, and challenges of the project and the approach you have taken to address the situation.
03

Ports are fast-paced environments where active operations, sudden weather events, or unforeseen subsurface conditions can instantly disrupt a site plan. Give an example of an unexpected challenge that forced you to pivot your approach on short notice. How did you adapt and keep the project moving?
04

In a 24/7/365 port or airport environment, anticipating the needs of terminal operators, tenants, or the flying public is essential to keep operations moving. Please share an example of a time where you proactively navigated complex operational constraints in a project to ensure zero disruption to live operations.
Required Question