Junior Engineer

Junior Engineer

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, an increase of 2,151 people, or 5.5% (Download PDF reader). 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: Junior Engineer - $94,417 to $114,765 Annually.

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.

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.

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.
• Tier two - CalPERS Classic employees hired after April 29, 2011; 2% at 60 Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement benefit.
• Tier three - New CalPERS members hired after December 31, 2012; 2% at 62 Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

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