Entry Level Associate Engineer Jobs in California

Salary : $91,416.00 - $125,736.00 Annually
Location : City Hall - First Floor - 14000 City Center Dr, Chino Hills, CA 91709, USA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-14
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 06/05/2026
Closing Date: 6/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Determined by Position
What's the role?
The City of Chino Hills is seeking applications for the positions of Assistant Engineer and Associate Engineer to join our Public Works Engineering Division. These positions support the planning, design, review, and delivery of public infrastructure projects that serve the community.
We are looking for a collaborative and motivated engineering professional who is eager to contribute to City projects and community improvements. The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strong attention to detail. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to work effectively with staff, contractors, consultants, outside agencies, and the public.
The Assistant Engineer is the entry-level classification in the series and performs routine engineering work under direct supervision. The Associate Engineer is the journey-level classification and performs the full range of engineering duties with greater independence and general supervision.
We invite you to learn about the Public Works Engineering Division by visiting the City's webpage. Please click here
Please note: An eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
Click on the Benefits tab to explore and learn more about our competitive, customizable benefits package.
This position might be perfect for you
SOME OF THE ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Perform professional and technical civil engineering work related to public infrastructure projects.
• Prepare and review engineering plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) and other engineering tools to support project delivery.
• Coordinate projects and activities with consultants, contractors, developers, City departments, and outside agencies.
• Conduct field investigations, inspections, and project-related site visits.
• Maintain engineering records and prepare technical reports.
• Respond to public inquiries and provide technical assistance.

Additional Duties May Include:
Assistant Engineer:

• Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) for the drafting and design of assigned projects.
• Assist with engineering studies and preparation of reports and recommendations.
• Draft engineering plans and studies.
• Assist with the review of encroachment permits and oversized haul permit applications.
• Operate computer-aided drafting, design, and mapping programs.

Associate Engineer:

• Conduct engineering studies and prepare reports with recommendations.
• Review and prepare engineering plans and studies.
• Review encroachment permits and oversized haul permit applications.
• Utilize computer-aided drafting, design, and mapping programs.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Assistant Engineer:
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering
• Applicable laws and regulatory codes relevant to assigned area of responsibility
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works projects
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work

Ability to:

• Perform technical research and solve engineering problems
• Prepare plans and drawings neatly and accurately
• Prepare, understand, and interpret engineering plans, specifications and contract documents
• Respond to difficult and sensitive public inquiries
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including City staff, City officials, and the public

Associate Engineer:
Knowledge of:

• Journey-level principles and practices of civil engineering
• Applicable laws and regulatory codes relevant to assigned area of responsibility
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works projects
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work

Ability to:

• Perform technical research and solve engineering problems
• Conduct comprehensive engineering studies and prepare reports with recommendations
• Prepare, understand, and interpret engineering construction plans, specifications, and other contract documents
• Analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including City staff, City officials, and the public

For a complete list of duties, reference our job descriptions page at
Class specifications are intended to describe the range of duties the classification performs. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed. Classifications will perform other related duties as assigned.
Are you qualified?
ASSISTANT ENGINEER QUALIFICATIONS
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be to meet the minimum qualifications of:
EXPERIENCE:
Engineering experience sufficient to demonstrate the possession of the required knowledge and abilities
Highly desired: One (1) year of engineering experience is desired.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field.
*Applicants must attach proof of degree at the time of application.
LICENSE:
Possession of a valid California Class 'C' Driver's License with an acceptable driving record is required.
CERTIFICATION:
Highly desired: Possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) certificate issued by the State of California.
*Applicants must attach proof of certification/license at the time of application
ASSOCIATE ENGINEER QUALIFICATIONS
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be to meet the minimum qualifications of:
EXPERIENCE:
Two (2) years of increasingly responsible professional civil engineering experience.
Highly desired: Geographic Information Systems experience
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field.
*Applicants must attach proof of degree at the time of application.
LICENSE:
Possession of a valid California Class 'C' Driver's License with an acceptable driving record is required.
CERTIFICATION:
Highly desired: Possession of an Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) certificate issued by the State of California.
Highly desired: Possession of a valid Professional Engineer (PE) License in Civil Engineering issued by the State of California.
*Applicants must attach proof of certification/license at the time of application
Applicants must upload copies of all certificates, licenses, and degrees at the time of application. Failure to submit required documents may result in rejection of the application. All required certificates and licenses must be valid at the time of application, testing, and appointment.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
To view working conditions, please click here.
Where do you go from here?
APPLICATION PROCESS

• Deadline to apply is Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:59pm.
• All applicants are required to apply online at www.chinohills.org or by clicking on the "Apply" link at the top of this announcement.
• The application must be complete and demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met to proceed in the selection process.
  • Please list any relevant experience and education that demonstrate you may qualify for the position.
  • List all periods of employment from the past 10 years, beginning with your most recent employer (including all employment with the City of Chino Hills)
  • Separately list each position and level of responsibilities, including different positions within the same employer.
• Applications are screened to determine which candidates are best suited to the City's needs. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the information provided on the application is accurate and complete. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification.
• The most qualified applicants will be invited to the next phase of the process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee that your application will be selected to continue in the process.
• Incomplete applications will be rejected from the recruitment process.
• The recruitment process may include, but is not limited to, application review and evaluation, testing assessments, and oral interview(s) examination.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Prospective employees who are selected for employment must successfully complete a medical examination and background check, which is paid for by the City. The background check will include being LiveScan fingerprinted through the Department of Justice.
All original appointments who have never held active status in a classification will be required to serve a 26-pay period probationary period (approximately one year). If a current employee who has held active status is selected, it will be considered a promotional appointment, and they will be required to serve a 13-pay period probationary period (approximately six months).
Remember to click the BENEFITS tab for information regarding our generous cafeteria plan and benefit details for full-time employees.
****Applications will be accepted until the posted closing date or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received, whichever occurs first. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as this recruitment may close without notice.
BENEFITS
RETIREMENT: Employees are covered by the San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association (SBCERA). This retirement system is independent of CalPERS but may also be linked to a CalPERS retirement through reciprocity.
For new City employees who are active Tier 1 members of SBCERA or who are members of another public employee retirement system with which "SBCERA Tier 1" reciprocity may be established (provided the employee is eligible for "SBCERA Tier 1" membership upon appointment), the City has a 2% @ 55 defined retirement plan, and the City pays up to 8% towards the required employee contribution after reciprocity is established.
In accordance with the provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013, new employees who are not members of SBCERA or any other public employee retirement system with which reciprocity can be established (including CalPERS), will be enrolled in a defined retirement benefit plan of 2.5% @ 67 as a Tier 2 member. The employee will pay the member contribution rates that are set annually and implemented based on the fiscal year. The current Member Contributions rate is 8.61% (effective 7/1/24).
HEALTH BENEFITS: A flexible benefit plan of $2,085 per month is provided for this position. The flexible benefit plan for opting out of medical insurance is $1,935. The unused balance of the plan is paid as taxable cash. Employee vision coverage is City paid.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION 457(b) PLAN: The City will match employee contributionamountup to $200 per month.
LIFE INSURANCE: City paid $100,000 Group Term Life Insurance Policy (additional life insurance may be purchased by employee).
SHORT-TERM & LONG-TERM DISABILITY: City paid benefit.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: This position is eligible for reimbursement of up to $3,500 per fiscal year.
OVERTIME: FLSA non-exempt employees are eligible for 1.5 overtime compensation.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE: FLSA-exempt employees are eligible for 40 hours of Administrative Leave annually, subject to pro-ration upon hire.
PAID LEAVE:

• Sick Leave - 96 hours annually (cash out of up to 96 hours when eligible)
• Holiday - 12 paid holidays per year
• Holiday Winter Closure - (2) paid working days following Christmas Day Holiday to use during City Winter Closure
• Floating Holiday - 9 hours accrued pay period 1 of each calendar year
• Vacation
  • 80 hours for years 1-4
  • 120 hours for years 5-9
  • 160 hours for years 10+

Notice: Benefits listed above assume full-time (40 hours per week) status. Benefits for positions considered less than full-time are pro-rated based upon hours and may differ from those indicated.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Equal Employment Opportunity: The City of Chino Hills does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, recognized physical or mental disability, medical condition, or any other protected class.
ADA Provision: The City of Chino Hills encourages applications from qualified individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals who require reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the recruitment process must request that accommodation from the Human ...