Junior Engineer

Salary : $94,417.00 - $114,765.00 Annually
Location : Lathrop, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00023
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 8/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


POSITION INFORMATION
City of Lathrop Junior Engineer
The Position

The City of Lathrop is seeking eligible candidates for the position of Junior Engineer. Under general supervision, learns to perform and performs professional engineering work in the design,evaluation and construction of streets, traffic controls, landscaping, parks, storm drains, sewer, water, and other public works projects; prepares drawings, specifications, and calculations for buildings, structures, streets, sewers, and other public works facilities to ensure compliance with current industry practices,codes, regulations and ordinances; performs other related duties as required.
About Lathrop

Incorporated in 1989, the City of Lathrop is located in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and sits east and west of the San Joaquin River. Interstate 5, Interstate 205, and State Route 120 intersect within the city. We are located approximately 70 miles east of San Francisco and 70 miles south of Sacramento. Monterey, Santa Cruz, Napa Valley, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains are all located within 2 hours of Lathrop. Lathrop is centrally located within a 30-minute commute of Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Ripon, Lodi, Modesto, and Livermore.
The Department's January 1, 2026, population estimates show Lathrop grew from 38,791 residents in 2025 to 40,942 residents in 2026, The report ranks Lathrop as the second fastest-growing city in California with a population over 30,000, behind only Mountain House. Lathrop also ranked fifth among California cities under 300,000 residents for the largest numeric population increase. With the continued growth in the residential communities, our population is anticipated to reach approximately 70,000.
Essential Functions: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Learns to perform and performs the less complex construction project management and design activities on a variety of Capital Improvement Projects, including streets, lighting, storm drains, sewers, water, parks, and landscape.
• Prepares routine plans and specifications; prepares quantity and cost estimates; assists in the development of design procedures; interprets the application of design criteria; checks plans and specifications for accuracy of design and completeness; coordinates required advertising for bids.
• Assists higher level engineers on large and complex public works construction projects or acts as a project management engineer on small less complex construction projects; assists in coordinating Capital Improvement Projects with contractors, utility companies, other agencies, and the general public.
• Interprets and plots field survey data; reviews laboratory tests of construction materials; performs field inspections; reviews as-built plans to ensure compliance with original plans and specifications.
• Reviews small to medium size subdivision plans or portions of larger plans and site plans for conformance with City ordinances and State law; reviews private contract projects for conformance with City ordinances, policies, standards and accepted engineering practices; meets with architects, engineers and developers to provide preliminary review of development concept and design.
• Assists with administering design and construction contracts; maintains logs and tracks bond expiration dates; prepares reports for the Finance Department as required; collects all required inspection approvals; prepares staff reports for Council; monitors progress on assigned projects to ensure compliance with time and cost schedules for completion; prepares change orders; reviews contractors estimates and prepares and reviews progress payments.
• Interprets codes and regulations in the performance of plan check activities; calculates building valuation; coordinates plan review process with other departments and agencies.
• Assists with administering and enforcing City codes and standards on engineering projects; addresses and responds to the less complex citizen concerns related to engineering problems.

Supervision Exercised/Received
Receives immediate supervision from higher level management staff. Incumbents in this class do not routinely exercise supervision.
The full job description(s) can be viewed by accessing the following link:

• - $94,417 to $114,765 Annually.

EXPERIENCE AND LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS
Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Junior Engineer. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, or a related field.
License/Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.

Knowledge of
Principles, procedures, practices, and standards of municipal engineering; principles and practices of construction project management; surveying methods and techniques; strength of materials and stress analysis; CEQA requirements; municipal engineering laws, ordinances, codes, specifications, and plans; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, including the Lathrop Municipal Code, ordinances and codes related to building construction; engineering project inspection methods; contract administration; basic principles of mathematics; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Ability to

Prepare simple, routine and accurate plans, specifications, cost estimates, and engineering reports for review by higher level engineers; inspect a variety of public works construction projects; learn to serve as the project manager on one or more Capital Improvement Projects; make accurate engineering computations; analyze and evaluate design drawings and specifications; prepare and manage project budgets; negotiate with citizens, property owners, contractors and other agencies; maintain detailed project management records and documentation; learn and apply established principles and practices of municipal civil engineering; promote and enforce safe work practices; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

OTHER INFORMATION
Physical Working Conditions

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, crawling, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment, and acute hearing is required when providing phone and face-to-face service. The need to lift, carry, pull and push tools, supplies and other equipment weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold.
Applications

Use the "Apply" link to submit your application materials for this wonderful opportunity. A completed employment application is required. Resumes and attachments are not accepted in lieu of a completed employment application.
EEOC

The City of Lathrop is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City to provide employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factor.
Reasonable Accommodations

The City of Lathrop is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations during the application, examination, or selection process may contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io at least five days prior to the scheduled date or deadline.
The City of Lathrop offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision and life insurance.

Retirement

• Tier one - CalPERS Classic employees prior to April 30, 2011; 2% at 55 Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement benefit.
  • Employee contribution is 7%.
• Tier two - CalPERS Classic employees hired after April 29, 2011; 2% at 60 Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement benefit.
  • Employee contribution is 7%
• Tier three - New CalPERS members hired after December 31, 2012; 2% at 62 Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
  • Employee contribution is 7.75%

Social Security/Medicare
No participation in Social Security; there is a deduction for Medicare

Retiree Health

• City-paid retiree medical 55-65 = same health benefits premium as active employees (Retiree +1)
• City-paid medical at Medicare eligibility (65) = Minimum Employer Contribution ($158 for 2025)
• Vesting Schedule upon retirement from the City:
  • Hired on or before December 31, 2014, 100% vested
  • Hired on or after January 1, 2015
    • 25% vested at 5 years
    • 50 % vested at 10 years
    • 100% vested at 15 years

Health Insurance
The City's base contribution toward medical, dental and vision is $2,187. If medical is selected, the City shall contribute an additional $200 per month for employee + 1 coverage, or an additional $300 per month for family coverage.


Vacation

• 0-4 Years: 80 hours (accrued bi-weekly)
• 5-9 Years: 120 hours (accrued bi-weekly)
• 10+ Years: 160 hours (accrued bi-weekly)

Holidays
Twelve days annually and one floating holiday. New employees hired after July 1st shall not accrue a floating holiday until the following July 1st.


Sick Leave
96 hours (accrued bi-weekly). Upon accumulation of 96 hours sick time, up to 40 hours may be converted to vacation as outlined in the Personnel Rules and Regulations.

Term Life Insurance
City paid coverage equal to annual salary.


Deferred Compensation
Voluntary employee participation in four (4) 457 plans.

Employee Assistance Program
The EAP provides clinical and short-term counseling, as well as assistance for financial, legal, childcare and eldercare issues.


Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $3,000 per calendar year with pre-approval.

Flexible Spending
Voluntary employee participation in medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts.