Associate Engineer / Project Manager

TO APPLY

Please visit where you can view the position flyer and job descriptions. Please submit a cover letter and current resumé to: .

All candidates should make sure to read the following job description and information carefully before applying.

This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with interviews anticipated to begin the week of September 28, 2026.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, the Associate Engineer/Project Manager performs professional field and office engineering work associated with recycled water and wastewater systems. This role is responsible for project management, contract administration, regulatory permit compliance, and the design and construction of capital improvement projects. The Associate Engineer/Project Manager prepares technical studies, drafts monthly management reports, and ensures public facilities operate efficiently and safely.

SEJPA employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109)

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

No supervision is exercised.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The duties listed below illustrate the types of work that may be performed. Specific duties will depend on the needs of SEJPA.

• Engineering Design & Analysis

  Perform engineering design, calculations, technical investigations, and process evaluations; prepare drawings, specifications, cost estimates, feasibility studies, and recommendations for SEJPA facilities and infrastructure.

  
  

• Project & Construction Management

  Manage capital and maintenance projects from planning through construction and closeout, including scope, schedule, budget, procurement, consultant and contractor coordination, field inspection, RFIs, change orders, progress payments, testing, startup, and commissioning.

  
  

• Procurement & Contracting

  Prepare scopes of work, RFPs, RFBs, and contract documents; evaluate proposals and bids and support contract negotiation and award.

  
  

• Regulatory Compliance

  Monitor applicable water/wastewater regulations and permits and prepare technical and compliance reports for regulatory agencies.

  
  

• Programs & Procedures

  Develop and implement SOPs, safety protocols, asset management practices, and other technical or operational improvements.

  
  

• Agency & Stakeholder Coordination

  Prepare reports, memoranda, and presentations for management and the Board of Directors; represent SEJPA in coordination with public agencies, consultants, contractors, vendors, and the public.

  
  

SPECIFIC TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THESE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Engineering, Operations & Planning: Knowledge of civil engineering principles and related mechanical, electrical, structural, and control systems; water/wastewater operations, public works construction, facility planning, and optimization.

• Asset Management: Knowledge of asset management and lifecycle planning; ability to administer CMMS systems and support related technology implementation and upgrades.

• Health & Safety: Knowledge of water/wastewater hazards, safety practices, and regulatory requirements; ability to identify unsafe conditions and develop and follow appropriate safety procedures.

• Contract & Construction Administration: Knowledge of public agency procurement and contract administration; ability to prepare scopes, agreements, specifications, and bid documents and administer consultant and construction contracts, including schedules, deliverables, change orders, inspections, and closeout

• Regulatory Compliance: Ability to research, interpret, and apply applicable regulations, codes, permits, and standards and prepare required compliance documentation.

• Analysis & Problem Solving: Ability to evaluate complex engineering problems, analyze technical and operational data, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.

• Technical Communication: Ability to prepare and present clear engineering reports, specifications, procedures, correspondence, and other technical documents.

• Collaboration & Representation: Ability to work effectively with staff, consultants, contractors, vendors, agencies, and the public and represent SEJPA in professional and regulatory settings.

• Software & Organization: Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Bluebeam; AutoCAD experience desirable. Ability to maintain organized project records, logs, and files.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

A Bachelor of Science Degree in the field of Civil Engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university. A Master's Degree is desirable.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Typically requires 4+ years of experience in the water or wastewater industry including at least 2+ years of project management experience.

Experience with field work and public works construction is highly desirable.

Attained advanced knowledge through a combination of work experience and intellectual instruction. Experience, as part of college coursework, may qualify.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and insured in accordance with at least minimum coverage and liability standards established by the State of California. Failure to maintain a valid Driver's License, liability insurance, and the ability to be insured under the SEJPA's automobile insurance carrier constitutes possible cause for termination.

Professional Licensure and Career Progression

Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is preferred; EIT certification or other relevant credentials may be considered based on qualifications and experience.

Advancement and compensation progression may consider performance, experience, responsibilities, and professional licensure. PE licensure is encouraged and may be an important consideration for higher-level roles, promotions, and progression within the compensation range.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, an employee is regularly required to walk; talk, or hear by telephone and in person; sit; smell; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate standard office equipment, objects, tools, or controls; reach and lift with hands or arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, stoop, and kneel for prolonged periods of time.

Ability to withstand strenuous physical activities for extended periods of time includes bending, crawling, squatting, twisting, climbing, pushing, and pulling.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with interruptions; work under intensive deadlines and interact with other managers, board members, government officials, regulators, employees, and the public.

Work Environment:

The employee works under typical office conditions as well as construction or work sites in the course of inspecting and monitoring work, exercising oversight over work crews or conducting investigative assignments. The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet; work sites may be dirty, loud, and odorous.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to pass SEJPA pre-employment physical examination; the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.

RIGHT TO WORK

Documentation of eligibility to work in the United States will be required as a condition of employment.

To perform this job successfully, the employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. To comply with applicable laws ensuring equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, the SEJPA will make a good faith effort to provide reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified employee with a disability, unless undue hardship would result to the SEJPA. To request such an accommodation, please refer to the SEJPA employee handbook.

The list of essential job duties contained in this job description is not exhaustive, and may be supplemented as necessary. This position performs other related duties as assigned that may become essential to the position. xhyhwjd

The San Elijo Joint Powers Authority does not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, religious creed (which includes religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws, ordinances, or regulations.