Assistant Engineer

Assistant Engineer

Come join our team! The City of Novato is recruiting for Assistant Engineer. Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

The City of Novato is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our Public Works team as an Assistant Engineer. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an aspiring civil engineer to gain hands-on experience supporting the planning, design, permitting, and construction of a wide range of capital improvement and private development projects that directly serve the Novato community.

Working under the general supervision of the Deputy Public Works Director or other engineering leadership, the Assistant Engineer performs professional engineering work of increasing complexity while developing a strong understanding of City standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements. This position is actively involved in all phases of project delivery, from initial planning and design support through construction and completion, while also assisting with engineering studies, cost estimates, and technical analyses.

The Assistant Engineer contributes to both public infrastructure and private development efforts, including plan review, permit processing, field inspections, and coordination with developers, contractors, consultants, and other City departments. The role also includes responding to inquiries from the public and outside agencies, helping ensure projects are processed efficiently, accurately, and in alignment with applicable codes, regulations, and City standards.

In addition to technical responsibilities, this position offers meaningful exposure to project coordination, report preparation, and fieldwork, along with opportunities to develop strong professional communication and problem-solving skills. The Assistant Engineer is expected to build effective working relationships, support team objectives, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality, fiscally responsible public services.

If you are eager to begin your career in civil engineering, enjoy applying technical knowledge to real-world infrastructure and development projects, and thrive in a collaborative, service-oriented environment, we encourage you to apply. The City of Novato values innovation, professional growth, and a commitment to excellence in serving our community.

Benefits:

• 9/80 work schedule - every other Friday off
• Potential for hybrid scheduling available upon completion of probation
• Up to $3,039 contributed monthly towards health benefits, dependent upon enrollment level
• Accrue 80 hours of vacation to start
• Provided with 40 hours of sick leave upon hire
• 14 paid holidays per year
• Ability to earn professional leave
• Free parking on site
• Office is within walking distance of terrific restaurants, shopping, and the Downtown SMART Station

Definition: To perform a variety of professional engineering work involving the planning, permitting, design, and construction of a variety of capital improvement projects and/or private development projects, from conception to completion; to assists with professional engineering studies; and to receive, research and respond to inquiries from the public and outside agencies.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the entry level class in the professional Engineer series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience and work under general supervision while learning job tasks. The Assistant Engineer class is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Associate Civil Engineer. Additionally, the Associate Civil Engineer requires registration as a Professional Engineer.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives general supervision from the Deputy Public Works Director or other assigned supervisor or manager.

Example of Duties

Essential and Marginal Function Statements - Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare the more routine plans and specifications for the design, construction, and maintenance/operation of a variety of public works facilities and projects; learns to provide estimates in connection with the construction or maintenance of a variety of engineering projects to include street lighting, street resurfacing, general street improvements, drainage and other capital improvement and public works projects as assigned; and ensure conformance to City standards and practices.
• Research project design requirements and perform related calculations; learn to conduct plan checks to ensure contractor compliance with City and various environmental regulatory standards; prepare time and material cost estimates.
• Assist with the review and processing of private development plans for subdivisions, commercial, and residential projects.
• Assist with the preparation of engineering studies and reports; participate in coordinating public works-related activities with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies, citizens, consultants, and developers.
• Review and assist with land development plans, construction documents and encroachment permit applications as assigned.
• Receive, research and respond to the more routine questions and inquiries from residents, contractors, and developers regarding City procedures, property information and project status.
• Assist with the preparation of bid documents including Request for Proposals, technical specifications, bid advertisements and draft contracts.
• Assist with the development of engineering plans, charts, diagrams, graphs, tables, sketches, exhibits and staff reports for the Planning Commission, City Council and other uses.
• Conduct field inspections and ensure project related information is received by appropriate staff, the public or agency in a timely manner.
• Investigate field problems and issues affecting property owners, contractors and maintenance operations; develop and recommend solutions.
• Perform and provide technical and professional engineering support for a variety of special project and studies.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Typical Qualifications

Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

• General principles and practices of professional engineering as applied to a variety of public works, building/facilities construction, traffic, and/or private development projects.
• Basic methods, materials, and techniques used in the design, construction, and maintenance/operation of public works programs and activities.
• Basic surveying, drafting, computer-aided design and modeling techniques and technology.
• Pertinent local, State, Federal rules, regulations and laws related to area of engineering assignment.
• Basic legal parameters of land development such as Subdivision Map Act.
• Current developments and trends related to professional public works engineering.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Techniques and principles of effective interpersonal communication.
• Principles and practices of safety management.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment, including use and application of word processing, spreadsheet, database programs and specialized engineering applications.
• English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Ability to:

• Perform professional engineering computations and learn to check, design, and prepare engineering plans, studies, profiles, and maps.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
• Learn and understand City standards and regulations and engineering policies and procedures.
• Learn applicable laws and regulations related to area of assignment.
• Learn to prepare accurate cost estimates and make related recommendations.
• Learn to analyze and prepare technical reports.
• Learn to obtain information through interview, to handle multiple assignments, to work with interruption, and to deal firmly and courteously with citizens, developers, consultants, and contractors.
• Read, understand, analyze, and use blueprints, construction plans, technical drawings, engineering plans and specifications and reports; reduce, interpret and apply field notes.
• Learn terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in the design, construction, installation, safety, upgrade and maintenance of general civil engineering, transportation, traffic management and studies, pavement management and drainage operations.
• Learn to perform engineering and mathematic calculations with speed and accuracy; perform other engineering duties; and write technical reports as assigned.
• Learn design, construction, installation, upgrade and maintenance of traffic engineering and transportation projects, including signals, signs, striping, etc.
• Learn to use specialized software relevant to assigned duties.
• Learn to use and care for electronic and mechanical instruments, equipment and tools used in assigned area of work.
• Learn to project and analyze costs; research and write grant drafts; understand and assist with negotiation of contracts.
• Attend public meetings in the evening to perform the requirements of the job.
• Investigate, analyze and resolve engineering field conditions and issues.
• Prepare clear, complete,