Engineering Assistant Jobs in Hawthorne, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $82,896.00 - $100,764.00 Annually
Location : City Hall - 1414 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2526-026
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 02/03/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Overview
Civil Engineering Assistant: $6,908 monthly - $8,397 monthly
Associate Civil Engineer: $8,516 monthly -$10,351 monthly
**The City may fill the vacancy at either classification depending on qualifications**
4% Cost of Living Adjustment July 1, 2026
Civil Engineering Assistant:
Under supervision, performs technical engineering duties both in the office and in the field in the design, development, and construction of public works projects.
Associate Civil Engineer:
Under supervision of the City Engineer, performs responsible professional engineering work both in the office and in the field in connection with design, development, investigation, and completion of public works projects; serves as project engineer.
Duties & Responsibilities
Civil Engineering Assistant:

• Contract administration of public works projects, including the technical review of design plans, preparation of estimates, reports, proposals and specifications for capital improvement projects.
• Evaluate public works project proposals and bids, and recommend award of contract.
• Make field inspections of construction projects and existing structures to determine that the work is in accordance with approved plans; meet with contractors to resolve items of non-compliance.
• Investigate and resolve disputes and complaints from developers, contractors, engineers, and citizens involving public works construction and design issues.
• Coordinates of projects for other City departments, franchise utilities, outside governmental agencies.
• Respond to general questions, requests and complaints from the public.
• Issue, monitor and inspect public works permits.
• Maintains of records and files of documents, permits, contracts, projects paperwork.
• Supervise, train and evaluate sub-professional, technical, and clerical subordinates.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

Associate Civil Engineer:

• Contract administration of public works projects, including the technical review and preparation of design plans, estimates, reports, and specifications for the City construction projects, such as street widening, street paving, curbs, gutter, culverts, street light systems, drainage facilities, and storm drains; act as project engineer to coordinate capital improvement projects.
• Evaluate public works project proposals and recommend award of contract.
• Make field inspections of construction projects and existing structures to determine that the work is in accordance with approved plans; meet with contractors to resolve items of non-compliance.
• Investigate and resolve disputes and complaints from developers, contractors, engineers, and citizens involving public works construction and design issues.
• Review and evaluate plans of consulting architectural/engineering firms; make construction contract modifications and negotiate contract change orders.
• Prepare reports and recommendations related to civil engineering projects.
• Provide technical civil engineering information to developers, contractors, engineers, and the general public.
• Make engineering calculations in connection with field and office assignments; make plan layouts, details, and drawings.
• Review and check tentative and final land divisions and subdivision improvement plans and agreements for accuracy and conformance with City codes, ordinances, and policies; and make recommendations to the City Engineer and Assistant City Engineer for revisions and improvements.
• Review legal descriptions for public easements for street right-of-ways and across private property.
• Supervise, train and evaluate sub-professional, technical, and clerical subordinates.

Qualifications
Civil Engineering Assistant:
Education/Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in civil engineering or related field or equivalent. Possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate issued from the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers is desirable. Possession of a valid Class "C" California Driver's License.
Associate Civil Engineer:
Education/Experience:
Must possess a combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities, and enable the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. A typical combination would be three years of experience in professional civil engineering work, including one year of supervisor experience; and equivalency to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major work in civil engineering or closely related field.
Employment Standards
Civil Engineering Assistant:
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of engineering as applied to public works, utilities, and construction projects; modern methods, materials, and techniques used in the design and construction of a wide variety of public works projects; modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding civil engineering; applicable federal and state laws and regulatory codes relevant to civil engineering design and construction.
Ability to:
Apply civil engineering principles and practices to the solution of engineering problems in the design and construction of public works projects; make moderately complex engineering computations to check and design the construction of a wide variety of public works projects; use a variety of drafting and engineering apparatus; plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines; interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulatory codes; communicate clearly and concisely; estimate project costs; prepare and review specifications; establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, co-workers, supervisors, City officials, and the general public; supervise, train, and evaluate sub-professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
Associate Civil Engineer:
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of engineering as applied to public works, utilities, and construction projects; modern methods, materials, and techniques used in the design and construction of a wide variety of public works projects; modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding civil engineering; applicable federal and state laws and regulatory codes relevant to civil engineering design and construction; principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Ability to:
Apply civil engineering principles and practices to the solution of engineering problems in the design and construction of public works projects; make moderately complex engineering computations to check, design and supervise the construction of a wide variety of public works projects(?); use a variety of drafting and engineering apparatus; interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulatory codes; communicate clearly and concisely federal and state laws and regulatory codes; estimate project costs; prepare and review specifications; establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, co-workers, supervisors, City officials, and the general public; coordinate public works engineering projects; supervise, train, and evaluate sub-professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
Civil Engineering Assistant:
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Frequently required to sit, stand, reach, lean, twist, turn, grasp, lift, push, pull, bend, and kneel; sit for a prolonged period of time; walk to different areas at project construction sites; hear and speak to contractors, the general public, and City staff on the telephone and in person; read engineering drawings, plans, specifications, reports, contracts, correspondence, memorandum, and other records.
Working Conditions
Exposure to vibrations and pitch of computer and other office equipment; construction and automobile traffic and noise; may be exposed to inclement weather.
FLSA Status
Non-exempt
Associate Civil Engineer
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Frequently required to sit, stand, reach, lean, twist, turn, grasp, lift, push, pull, bend, and kneel; sit for a prolonged period of time; walk to different areas at project construction sites; hear and speak to contractors, the general public, and City staff on the telephone and in person; read engineering drawings, plans, specifications, reports, contracts, correspondence, memorandum, and other records.
Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate issued from the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. Possession of a valid Class "C" California Driver's License.
Working Conditions
Exposure to vibrations and pitch of computer and other office equipment; construction and automobile traffic and noise; may be exposed to inclement weather.
FLSA Status
Non-exempt
Additional Information
SELECTION PROCEDURE
This recruitment will close at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Saturday, February 28, 2026. . To be considered, please apply online under "Current Openings." This recruitment may close, or be extended, at any time, without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience and, level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in further selection procedures. The selected candidate will be required to go through a background check and a physical examination before appointment. Only complete applications or applications that meet the minimum requirements will be considered.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of South Pasadena is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of South Pasadena intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (626) 403-7239.
The City of South Pasadena is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work.
FAIR CHANCE ACT
The City of South Pasadena will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of South Pasadena has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report (for non-public-safety backgrounds). Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting
ABOUT THE CITY
The City of South Pasadena (population 26,047) is a charming community located only eight miles from downtown Los Angeles on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. South Pasadena is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, stunning homes, unique small businesses, top-quality schools and a strong commitment to community. South Pasadena is also a full-service city with its own fire, police and water departments.
Occupying 3.44 square miles of flatlands and hillsides, South Pasadena's unique character makes it one of California's most desirable locations. The City has a rich history of intact late 19th and early 20th Century neighborhoods and residences, giving it a strong claim as one of the oldest and most historic sites in the San Gabriel Valley. One of the first suburbs of Los Angeles, South Pasadena maintains small-town quality, with charming residential streetscapes, and a historic commercial core, making it one of Hollywood's favorite suburban filming locations, featured in numerous television and big screen productions.
South Pasadena is frequently recognized as a family and environmentally friendly community. The City enjoys quiet, attractive, walkable neighborhoods and a low crime rate. There are numerous active community organizations in South Pasadena, including the Oneonta Club, WISPPA, South Pasadena Arts Council, AYSO, Little League, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Women's Club, Chamber of Commerce, South Pasadena Preservation Foundation, Holy Family Church, St. James Church, South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, South Pasadena Chinese-American Club, Vecinos and many others. Boasting over 100 acres of parks and playgrounds and more than 21,000 trees, the City's picturesque environment invites residents and visitors to enjoy numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. South Pasadena offers an 18 hole, Par-3 golf course, tennis, racquet and pickleball facilities, horse stables and a dog park all in its picturesque Arroyo Seco area.
Small, proud and indepe