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Assistant Civil Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Engineer

Roseville, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $42/hr

Wood Rodgers, a leading engineering consulting firm, is hiring an assistant civil engineer to join our Land Development Department. We seek individuals with E.I.T certification or those eligible to ...

This position itself is a journey-level class in the Civil Engineer series with a career ladder that includes Assistant Engineer, Civil Engineer, and Senior Civil Engineer. The career ladder offers a ...

Staff enforce laws and regulations and emphasize education to assist businesses and communities ... The Civil Engineer's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Senior Civil Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

In general, the Lead Civil Engineer is responsible for preparing engineering calculations ... As the successful candidate, you will: * Assist the Engineering Manager with the delivery of ...

Civil Engineer

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $150K/yr

Staff enforce laws and regulations and emphasize education to assist businesses and communities ... The Civil Engineer's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Senior Civil Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

In general, the Lead Civil Engineer is responsible for preparing engineering calculations ... As the successful candidate, you will: * Assist the Engineering Manager with the delivery of ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

In general, the Lead Civil Engineer is responsible for preparing engineering calculations ... As the successful candidate, you will: * Assist the Engineering Manager with the delivery of ...

Associate Civil Engineer - Land Development & Infrastructure Location: Pleasanton, CA Employment ... Perform hydrology and hydraulics calculations for stormwater and drainage systems. * Assist with ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Civil Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$81.3K

$121.9K

How much do assistant civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant civil engineer in California is $81,336.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $96,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of an assistant civil engineer within a project team?

As an Assistant Civil Engineer, you will often support senior engineers in designing, planning, and overseeing construction projects, such as roads, bridges, or buildings. Your tasks may include preparing drawings using CAD software, conducting site inspections, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring projects comply with safety and regulatory standards. You'll frequently collaborate with architects, contractors, and other engineers, contributing to meetings and helping resolve on-site challenges. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and a clear path for advancement to more senior engineering positions.

What is an assistant civil engineer?

Assistant Civil Engineers are entry-level professionals who support senior engineers in planning, designing, and overseeing construction projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They assist with site inspections, preparing reports, analyzing data, and ensuring projects comply with regulations and safety standards. Their role often includes working with drafting software, coordinating with contractors, and helping to resolve technical issues that arise during construction. This position serves as a starting point for a career in civil engineering, offering valuable hands-on experience and training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant civil engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Civil Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, mathematics, and construction methods, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and project management software, as well as certifications like EIT (Engineer-in-Training), are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you excel in coordinating with senior engineers, contractors, and stakeholders. These capabilities ensure accurate project execution, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Assistant Civil Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectAssistant Civil EngineerCivil Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related fieldBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; often with additional licensure
Work EnvironmentAssists in project planning, site supervision, and documentationDesigns, plans, and manages civil engineering projects independently
ResponsibilitiesSupports senior engineers, handles routine tasks, site inspectionsLeads project phases, makes technical decisions, client communication
Industry UsageCommon entry-level role in construction and infrastructure projectsMid-level to senior role, often overseeing projects and teams

In summary, an Assistant Civil Engineer typically supports civil engineers with project tasks and site work, while a Civil Engineer takes on more independent design, planning, and project management responsibilities. Both roles require a civil engineering degree, but the Civil Engineer usually has more experience and authority in project execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Civil Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Civil Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Civil Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,336 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Project Civil Engineer

NICHOLS CONSULTING ENGINEERS CHTD

Anaheim, CA โ€ข On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

NCE is seeking a Project Civil Engineer to join our growing office in Anaheim, CA. This role is an exciting opportunity to work on impactful infrastructure projects throughout Orange County and the greater Southern California region. Our team takes pride in designing safer, more efficient roadways, enhancing multi-modal transportation, improving accessibility, incorporating green infrastructure, and advancing sustainability in our communities.

At NCE, we foster a collaborative and innovative work environment where employees are encouraged to explore new ideas, develop their skill sets, and grow their careers. We support our engineers in leading tasks, managing projects, and working directly with clients.

Responsibilities:

As a Project Civil Engineer, you will:

  • Prepare and generate plans, specifications, and engineers’ estimates (PS&E).
  • Support projects of varying size and complexity.
  • Review and integrate field reports prepared by staff specialists.
  • Organize field work and assign tasks to technical staff.
  • Provide technical guidance to project team members.
  • Oversee engineering work and ensure quality deliverables.
  • Conduct research on regulatory requirements, design guidelines, and local, state, and federal standards.
  • Collaborate with internal and external clients, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
  • Assist in developing written project scopes and proposals and identify new business opportunities.
  • Represent NCE at professional organizations and industry events.

Qualifications (Must Have):

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
  • 3-10 years of professional civil engineering experience.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
  • Experience with transportation, roadway, and utility projects.
  • Strong knowledge of ADA compliance, multimodal elements, stormwater, and green infrastructure.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain reciprocity within 6 months.

Qualifications (Nice to Have):

  • 10+ years of professional experience.
  • Experience with state and local agency projects and federally/state-funded documentation.
  • Expertise in complete streets, roadway rehabilitation, drainage, ecological restoration, and water quality improvements.
  • Experience in business development, proposal writing, and client management.

Working Conditions: May require field work (e.g., construction equipment and sites, roadway, drilling coring rigs, remote locations, contaminated sites)

Salary range: $110,000 to $140,000 annually depending on experience.