ENGINEERING SPECIALIST - PUBLIC WORKS

Salary : $73,343.11 - $103,047.06 Annually
Location : City of La Quinta, CA, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00345
Department: Public Works/Engineering
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific


Description
The City of La Quinta is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Engineering Specialist to provide technical and administrative support for public infrastructure, land development, and engineering operations. This position performs a variety of duties, including plan and permit review, development coordination, maintenance of engineering records, and verification of compliance with City standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.

The Engineering Specialist works in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and interacts regularly with City staff, developers, contractors, and members of the public. The position contributes to the effective delivery of public works and development services and supports well-planned, high-quality community growth.

The position requires strong analytical abilities, consistent attention to detail, clear communication, and the capacity to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment. Successful performance in this role relies on sound judgment, adaptability, and a commitment to high-quality customer service. The following Key Characteristics for Success further support excellence in this position:

• Attention to Detail
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Clear Communication
• Problem-Solving Mindset
• Customer Service Oriented
• Team Collaboration
• Adaptability

Bring your curiosity, your problem-solving mindset, and your passion for public service to a team dedicated to shaping the future of La Quinta. This role offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in municipal engineering while contributing to projects that make a visible and lasting impact on the community. If you are ready to grow, collaborate, and take on meaningful work, apply today.

Example of Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the department's needs.

• Conducts routine research and responds to public inquiries, records requests, and questions related to traffic, development projects, and general engineering and public works issues. Makes referrals to other staff for more complex issues.
• Drafts conditions of approval as assigned.
• Drafts staff reports for the City Council, commissions, and committees, as assigned.
• Maintains and updates recorded maps, approved improvement plans, permits, files, and reference materials. Prepares business correspondence, plan-check comments, memos, and official letters. Drafts RFPs, prepares and tracks contracts, agreements, and consultant expenditures. Processes securities, including bonds, letters of credit, and cash deposits. Drafts and distributes public notices for legally required notifications.
• Monitors project activities and provides administrative support to implement development processes by working with the public, internal departments, consultants, engineers, and developers. Prepares project-related documents and provides support in implementing engineering-related processes.
• Provides administrative support in the administration of the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, reports, and compliance documentation.
• Reviews plans, insurance documents, and applications for the issuance of Public Works, grading, and encroachment permits.
• Under the direction of professional staff, performs plan checks for PM-10 dust control plans, erosion control plans, and other submittals to track compliance with City standards, development conditions, and ordinances. Verifies technical details, including measurements, easements, public right-of-way limits, and related plans, maps, and data. Calculates plan check and permit fees based on proposed improvements.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience

Associate's degree in engineering, geographic information systems, or a related field and two (2) years of engineering support experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the job's essential duties.
Licensing/Certifications

• Valid Class C California driver's license.

Supplemental Information
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Basic principles and practices of civil engineering.
• Basic project management principles and methods.
• Contract administration and performance monitoring.
• Customer service principles.
• Engineering maps, plans, drawings, and technical documents.
• General office operations, equipment, functions, and procedures.
• Geographic Information Systems, mapping, and surveying methods.
• Municipal codes, ordinances, and regulations related to engineering and public works.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Research methods, data compilation, and report preparation.

SKILL IN:

• Analyzing problems and identifying solutions.
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Comprehending and correctly interpreting a variety of informational documents.
• Conducting basic plan reviews.
• Providing customer service.
• Maintenance of GIS data and mapping.
• Maintaining accurate records.
• Maintaining effective working relationships with peers, public, and staff.
• Operating a computer and relevant software applications.
• Operating modern office equipment.
• Performing math computations associated with engineering functions, including basic statistics.
• Preparing written documents.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Positions in this class typically require: standing, sitting, walking, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, vision, hearing, and talking.
Light Physical Demands: Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
Incumbents in this position work in an indoor office environment and may experience occasional field work for plan, project, or site review.
SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and whose interests and experience appear to meet the desired qualifications of the position will be invited to participate in the next steps of the recruitment process, which may include:

• Oral Exam
• Supplemental Exercise

IMPORTANT NOTICE
City of La Quinta employees are registered as Emergency Disaster Workers and are required to take an oath. In the event of a declared emergency, City employees shall initially remain at work or, if recalled, shall report to work after completing critical personal and family emergency responsibilities.

• Retirement: 2% at 62 formula for new CalPERS members and an employee pre-tax contribution of 7.75%; 2% at 60 formula for existing or "Classic" CalPERS members with an employee pre-tax contribution of 7%
• 457 Deferred Compensation $50 matching City contribution
• Short & long-term disability
• Group health/dental/vision/life insurance (up to $2,570/month)
• Annual Wellness Dollar Program
• 12 sick days per year
• 10 vacation days first year
• 10 holidays

01


How many years of technical or administrative engineering support experience do you have?

• None
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 years or more

02


Please describe your experience providing technical or administrative support related to engineering, public works, or land development. What were your primary duties, and who were your typical customers (internal and external)? If you do not have any experience, please enter N/A.
03


Do you have experience with preparing staff reports, requests for proposals (RFPS), and agreements?

• Yes
• No

04


Describe yourself in two words.
05


To the best of my knowledge, I certify that my answers to the supplemental questions are true and accurate and that all relevant experience, education, certifications, licenses, and training are included on my application form. I understand that my answers are subject to verification and that any misrepresentation may be sufficient to eliminate me from further consideration for this position.

• Yes
• No

Required Question