Entry Level Associate Software Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

Salary : $120,432.00 - $146,388.00 Annually
Location : Water Yard - 752 W. Commercial Street, Pomona, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-UACE/1
Department: Water Resources Department
Division: Administration
Opening Date: 03/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
VACANCY
APPLY IMMEDIATELY
This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of applications are received. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The Water Resources Department, Administrative Division has an exciting opportunity for a Utility Associate Civil Engineer. The position, under direction, will perform professional engineering work involved in the design, inspection, and construction of engineering projects including water, stormwater, and wastewater systems; prepare plans and specifications; and act as a project manager on assigned projects.
The Ideal Candidate
In addition to the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the Utility Assistant Engineer, the ideal candidate for the Utility Associate Civil Engineer role brings advanced expertise in civil and structural engineering, as well as stormwater and water system design. They excel in project management, ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations, and effectively resolve complex regulatory, design, and public relations challenges. Proficient in engineering design and database software, they utilize their expertise to solve multi-disciplinary engineering problems and prepare detailed technical reports. With a commitment to excellence, they monitor construction progress, manage diverse projects, and foster positive collaboration among stakeholders to achieve results.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the full journey level in the class series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgement and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Associate level are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant level. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience which allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the Associate level.
Why PomonaThe City of Pomona offers an exciting career opportunity for professionals passionate about civil engineering, particularly in water and wastewater systems. This role is perfect for individuals who thrive on solving complex engineering challenges, value teamwork, and are committed to ensuring the sustainable and efficient operation of vital infrastructure. Join a dedicated team that makes a tangible impact on the community by supporting the health, safety, and quality of life for Pomona residents.
This position has an excellent benefits package that includes a 4/10 work schedule with Fridays off and medical, dental, and vision coverage. The position offers participation in CalPERS, the option to join a deferred compensation plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and medical flex spending account program. In addition, the City of Pomona offers Education Incentive Pay. Qualifying employees in this position who hold a Master's Degree or higher will receive a 6% increase to their salary after education verification.
In addition, the City offers a planned 5% salary increase effective October 1, 2026, further supporting long-term financial stability and career growth.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO APPLY
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may qualify. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Training and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering.
• Three years of experience performing duties comparable to a Utility Assistant Engineer.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of a valid Class C driver's license at the time of application.
• Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is required at the time of application.

Competencies:
To excel in this position, one must possess core competencies. These competencies include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Action & Results Focus: Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectation of customers
• Project Management: Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Manage Water Resources Projects: Oversee project staff and consultants; establish design criteria; prepare cost estimates; coordinate bidding processes; and ensure compliance with project schedules and budgets.
• Conduct Engineering Analyses and Reviews: Perform hydraulic analyses using modeling software; evaluate blueprints and plans for developments; calculate fire flows and prepare required forms for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
• Coordinate Regulatory Compliance and Reporting: Prepare annual reports for State and County agencies; obtain necessary permits for water mains and wells; and ensure projects align with local, State, and Federal codes.
• Oversee Construction and GIS Development: Supervise construction inspections; prepare and review change orders, progress payments, and as-built plans; and oversee the development and operation of the City's GIS system.
• Provide Technical Expertise and Support: Assist other divisions, provide public counter support, and represent the department in Development Review Committee meetings and public forums.
• Develop Standards and Secure Grants: Participate in creating engineering standards and apply for State and Federal grants to support Water Resources projects.

The full job description can be viewed by
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to work in a standard office environment with some exposure to outdoors; ability to travel to different sites and locations.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
SELECTION PROCESS
This recruitment will also establish a list for future vacancies. Screening of qualifications and "most qualified" is based on the information provided on the official City Application. A resume may be attached to your application, but will not substitute for the completion of your application. Applications that are not entirely completed may be rejected. Applications will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement.
To complete your application for this position you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application. The information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed and scored by a panel of raters familiar with this position.
City Mission Statement
The City of Pomona is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our diverse community.
The City of Pomona offers the following generous benefit package. Employees serve a 12-month probationary period. The Salary Scale Plan is composed of five steps. Merit step increases are based on meets standards performance, except step 4 and 5, which requires exceed standards performance.
WORK SCHEDULE:
Most employees including certain Police Department employees work a 4/10 work schedule.
24-hour operations personnel may be assigned to a 12-hour (12/80) schedule.
City Hall Employees work Monday through Thursday, with City Hall being closed every Friday.
In order to maintain service to the public, departmental effectiveness, productivity and/or efficiency, a Department Director may assign an employee a different work schedule that is in compliance with the requirements of FLSA with Human Resources and Association approval.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS: Provided by the California Public Employee's Retirement System. Every regular employee becomes a member immediately upon employment. New employees who become a "new" member of CalPERS for the first time on or after January 1, 2013 will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% @ 62, FAS 3 Plan. New members will be required to pay at least 50% of the normal cost (Govt. Code Section. 7522030(c)). However, a new employee who is a "classic" member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% @ 60, FAS 3 Plan. Currently, all new employees shall pay the CalPERS member's retirement contribution of 7.5%. City of Pomona employees do not contribute into Social Security.
PAID HOLIDAYS: 13 paid holidays & 2 floating holidays are provided per year.
VACATION LEAVE:

• 1-3 years = 80 hours
• 4-5 years = 120 hours
• 6-8 years = 160 hours
• 9-15 years = 200 hours
• 16 years plus = 240 hours (maximum)

SICK LEAVE: 12 days per year (prorated if on any leave without pay).
EXECUTIVE LEAVE: Provided to Group C (exempt) employees. Accrue 80 hours per year.
GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAMS: These programs include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurances.

• HEALTH INSURANCE: $700 per month; cash-in-lieu program available
• DENTAL: $75 per month
• VISION: Voluntary participation by the employee
• 125 BENEFIT PLAN CONTRIBUTIONS: City paid contributions that goes towards medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. They are applied in addition to the other contributions listed above.
  • Waiving coverage = $45 per month
  • Single coverage = $205 per month
  • Two-party coverage = $1,075 per month
  • Family coverage = $1,775 per month
• LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: 66 2/3 of base salary for a maximum of 2 years after 60 days
• LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 policy plus AD&D

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PLANS are available for eligible employees to develop their knowledge and abilities.

• TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: $3,500 per year, provided employee is not receiving Education Incentive.
• EDUCATION INCENTIVE: This benefit is provided to qualifying employees for a degree from an accredited college when such a degree is higher than the minimum degree required for the position. Provided employee is not receiving Tuition Reimbursement or after one (1) year from date employee received Tuition Reimbursement.
  • 2% for an associate's degree
  • 4% for a bachelor's degree
  • 6% for a master's degree

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: A voluntary deferred compensation 457 plan is available.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: are available where employees use pre-tax salary to pay for regular child care, adult dependent care and/or medical expenses.
LEGAL PROTECTION AND IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION: Offered by LegalShield under two separate plans, provides the protection and peace of mind your family needs and deserves. LegalShield provides a variety of legal services, while IDShield is focused on identity theft protection. These offerings may be purchased individually or bundled together.
PET INSURANCE: Offered by Nationwide, allows you to select from two pre-made plans, or create a customizable plan that addresses the specific needs of your beloved pets.
CREDIT UNION membership is available to all City employees and provides access to low interest loans.
NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.
FIVE-YEAR VISION STATEMENT: Pomona will be recognized as a vibrant, safe, beautiful community that is a fun and exciting destination and the home of arts and artists, students, and scholars, business and industry.
CORE VALUES: The City of Pomona values Cultural Diversity; Fiscal Responsibility; Focusing on the Future; Excellent Customer Service; Leadership; Quality of Life; and Clear and Open Communication.
01
Do you possess a valid Class C driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02
Please indicate your highest level of education.

• High School Diploma
• Some College
• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related field
• Master's Degree or above

03
Do you possess a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California?

• Yes
• No

04