Assistant Engineer

Salary : $86,808.00 - $105,516.00 Annually
Location : City Hall, 8650 California Avenue, South Gate, CA
Job Type: Full Time Classified
Job Number: 202600739
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/21/2026 5:00 PM Pacific


About the Position
Description

Under direction, performs entry-level professional civil engineering work in both office and field settings in support of the planning, design, permitting, construction, and maintenance of the City's public works infrastructure. Responsibilities include engineering plan review, project coordination, technical analysis, and customer service at the Public Works Counter. The position supports the delivery of capital improvement projects, provides assistance with development review services, and contributes to the administration of the City's environmental programs, including stormwater/NPDES compliance and industrial waste permitting. This position also assists in the preparation of grant applications and related documentation. Performs related duties as assigned.
Class Characteristics

The Assistant Engineer is the entry class in the professional level engineering series. Incumbents are distinguished from the Associate Engineer in that the Assistant does not supervise staff.
Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of higher level professional engineering staff.
Supervision Exercised

Does not supervise.

Examples of Essential Functions
Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Design, Project Management & Engineering Support

Prepares and reviews engineering plans, drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and technical reports for public works infrastructure projects (e.g., streets, water, sewer, storm drains), ensuring compliance with City policies, codes, environmental regulations, and safety standards.
Assists in the delivery of capital improvement projects, including development of scopes of work, budgets, schedules, and coordination with consultants, contractors, and utilities.
Supports project managers in providing development review services for private and public projects, ensuring consistency with engineering standards and City requirements.
Conducts engineering plan checks and technical reviews for public and private development applications; verifies compliance with municipal codes and design standards.
Permitting, Public Counter & Customer Service

Staffs the Public Works Counter on a regular basis to provide front-line customer service to residents, contractors, developers, and utility companies.
Reviews and processes over-the-counter permit applications, including grading, encroachment, utility connections, and right-of-way improvements.

Issues permits, calculates and collects fees, coordinates conditions with inspectors and engineers, and ensures documentation is properly tracked in the City's permit management system.
Provides technical guidance to applicants on plan submittals, standards, and public works procedures; coordinates with other City departments (e.g., Planning, Building, Finance) to ensure efficient and consistent service delivery.
Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

Assists in the administration of the City's stormwater management and NPDES compliance programs, including inspections, data tracking, reporting, and coordination with regulators.
Supports the City's industrial waste permitting and compliance program, including permit issuance, recordkeeping, and coordination with businesses and industrial users.
Assists in implementing and monitoring environmental programs related to water quality, illicit discharge detection, source control, and public education.
Field Inspections, Analysis & Technical Tools

Performs and coordinates field inspections of capital and private development projects to ensure construction is in accordance with approved plans and specifications.
Utilizes AutoCAD, GIS, and related software tools to perform drafting, mapping, data analysis, and infrastructure modeling; supports maintenance of digital engineering records.
Prepares technical correspondence, staff reports, presentations, and inspection documentation in compliance with City policies and retention requirements.
Grants & Special Projects

Assists in the preparation of grant applications, supporting documentation, and cost estimates for transportation, stormwater, and infrastructure improvement projects.
Supports grant administration and reporting to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
Public Engagement & Issue Resolution

Investigates and resolves public inquiries, service requests, and complaints related to infrastructure, drainage, traffic, and construction activities; responds professionally and in a timely manner.

Minimum & Desirable Qualifications
Training and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field and one (1) year of civil engineering experience is required. An Engineering in Training (EIT) Certificate are highly desirable.
Possession of or ability to obtain a California Class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record is highly desirable.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: civil engineering principles and practices; public works construction methods, design and materials; engineering specifications and public works construction standards; mathematical techniques used in engineering calculations; map reading and surveying techniques; Geographic Information System (GIS), AutoCAD and other computer software applications.

Ability to: read and interpret specifications and blueprints; prepare concise accurate reports; understand and interpret legal property descriptions, engineering maps and other records; interpret and follow City and departmental policies, rules and regulations; maintain accurate filing and indexing systems; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Other Important Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderately loud when outdoors. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.


Recruitment Process

Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which:

• Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience).
• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
• Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
• Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the application or selection process must advise Human Resources and make such a request during the application process. Every effort will be made to provide a reasonable accommodation where requested.

Selection Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

1. Application Review: The first phase will be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application. This phase is for qualifying purposes only. There is no weight assigned to this phase. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to the next phase.
2. Written Examination (pass/fail): If a written exam is given, a minimum of 70% must be obtained on the written exam in order to be eligible to continue to the next phase of the selection process which will consist of an oral appraisal interview.
3. Oral Appraisal Interview (100%): A minimum of 70% must be obtained to pass the oral appraisal interview. The top 10 qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral interview phase of the selection process.
4. Employment Eligibility List: The Employment Eligibility List will be established after completion of the examination process. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months, but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Hiring Policy.

Pre-employment Process

• The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace.
• All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).
• New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.

Hiring of Relatives: Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or morale problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employee's parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and step relationships.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.

The City of South Gate
The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 79th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
Non-Sworn Employee Benefits

Effective 07/01/2024 - 06/30/2025


Approved 11/20/2024


1. Medical Insurance

• CalPERS Health Plans. City pays Kaiser HMO rates for all plans.

2 . Dental Insurance

• Principal Dental PPO and Liberty Dental Network HMO options. City pays HMO dental rates.

3. Medical & Dental Opt Out

• City contributes a percentage of premium on a bi-weekly basis towards City's deferred compensation plan.

4. Superior Vision Insurance

• City pays 100% of premium

5. Life Insurance

• $50,000 Life and AD&D

6. Vacation Leave - (Pro-rated @ hire)

• 80 hours/year (1 to 4 yrs); 120 hours/year (5 to 9 yrs); 160 hours/year (10+ yrs).
• Maximum accrual of 350 hours
• Vacation Buyout up to 40 hours/yr by written request

7. Sick Leave - (Pro-rated @ hire)

• 120 hours/yr.
• Sick Payout
  • If hired after 1/1/93, refer to MOU
  • If hired after 7/31/22, no sick leave payout.

8. Personal Business

• Up to 50 hours per calendar year, deducted from sick leave bank.

9. Administrative Leave for Exempt Employees - Pro-rated @ hire

• 60 hours/yr. - Exempt Employees Only
• Maximum accrual of 100 hours.
• Administrative Leave Buyout up to 40 hours/year by written request.

10. Holidays

• 130 hours/yr., includes days between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day

11. Longevity Pay

• 1.5% for 5th through 10th Yrs; 2.0% for 10th+ through 15th Yrs; 2.5% for 15th+ through 19th Yrs; 3.0% for 20th+ Yrs.

12. Bilingual Pay for qualified employees in eligible positions

• Employees in positions eligible for bilingual pay must pass an exam.
• Verbal bilingual skills: $75/month (MEA Employees) / $100/month (PMMA Employees)
• Verbal, reading and writing Skills: $100/month (MEA Employees) / $125/month (PMMA Employees)
• Excellent verbal, reading, and writing skills with the ability to act as a Translator: $175/month (MEA Employees) / $200/month (PMMA Employees)

13. Communication Allowance for eligible Exempt Employees

• $100/month for use of personal cellular phone for City business in lieu of City issued phone.

14. Education Incentive Premium for PMMA Employees

• If not required by job classification
  • $50/month for BA/BS degree
  • $100/month for post-graduate degree

15. Equipment Mechanics Tool Allowance

• $600 per fiscal year for Equipment Mechanics

16. Deferred Compensation

• Voluntary Enrollment - Nationwide Retirement Solutions.
• Employer match of employee deferral up to $100/month.

17. Retirement CalPERS

• Classic Members - 2.7% at age 55 (5 year vesting period)
  • Employee contributes 8.0% of Employee's Share of Normal Cost
• PEPRA Members - 2.0% at age 62 (5 year vesting period)

18. Retiree Medical Insurance

• $300/month stipend plus CalPERS fee, at retirement with 20 years of qualifying City service & continued CalPERS medical enrollment.

19. Educational Reimbursement

• $2,500 annual per individual. $3,000 for private university.

01


Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?

• Yes
• No

02


Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field? Please attach a copy of your bachelor's degree and/or official or unofficial transcripts to your application as verification of this educational requirement. Failure to provide the required documentation may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.

• Yes
• No

03


If you selected "Yes" to Question #2, please list the school you attended and indicate the area of study. if you answered, "No" to Question #2, please indicate N/A.
04


Do you currently possess a minimum of one (1) year of civil engineering experience?

• Yes
• No

05


If you answered "Yes" to Question #4, please list your previous and current experience. Please include name of employer(s), position(s) held, duration of employment, and duties assigned. If you answered "No" to Question #4, please indicate N/A.
06


Do you currently possess a valid California Class C Driver's License? If Yes, please make sure to include this information in the General Information section of your application.

• Yes
• No

07


Do you currently possess a valid Engineering in Training (EIT) Certificate? If so, please make sure to attach a copy of your certificate with your application. Failure to attach a copy may lead to disqualification from the position.

• Yes
• No

08


I understand it is required to work entirely in person, and any form of remote work is not an option for the position I am applying for. Please answer Yes or No if you understand/do not understand and agree/do not agree to this type of work schedule.

• Yes
• No

09


Do you claim Veteran's Preference? Note: to establish eligibility for Veteran's Preference, applicants must attach a copy of their discharge from service form (e.g. DD214) with a status of Honorable discharge on the form at time of application. Failure to attach this documentation may result in disqualification from the position.

• Yes
• No

10


Are you a CalPERS retired annuitant?

• Yes
• No

11


I understand that an incomplete application may lead to disqualification from the recruitment process, and I have supplied all the applicable information in my application. Examples of incomplete/inaccurate information leading to disqualification include, but are not limited to noting incorrect department, leaving dates of employment blank, not attaching requested copies of certificates, leaving duties blank or noting "See Resume," etc.

• Yes
• No

Required Question