Entry Level Civil Service Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $98,592.00 - $151,944.00 Annually
Location : City Hall 401 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026016
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The City of Healdsburg is seeking to fill 2 vacancies at either the Assistant Engineer or Associate Civil Engineer level to join the Public Works Department. One vacancy will focus on work associated with public works Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, and one will focus on stormwater program coordination and development review.
Either vacancies may be filled at either the Assistant Engineer level or the Associate Civil Engineer level. Placement of the individual at a particular level will be based on a combination of factors including education, experience, certifications, and overall qualifications
Assistant Engineer: $47.40 - 57.62 per hour
Associate Civil Engineer: $60.10 - 73.05 per hour
The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and solution-oriented professional who is passionate about public infrastructure and serving the community.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Assistant Engineer - This is the entry level class in the professional Engineer series. Positions in this class typically have limited related work experience and work under general supervision while completing job tasks. The Assistant Engineer class is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Associate level. Incumbents work under general supervision while completing job tasks, progressing to direction as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are refined.
Associate Civil Engineer - This is the journey level class in the professional Engineer series and is distinguished from the Assistant Engineer level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant level.
This class is distinguished from the Senior Civil Engineer in that the latter performs complex duties requiring specialized knowledge and provides technical and functional supervision over assigned staff.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with the planning and performance of engineering work in support of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects, as assigned.
• Assist with and provide review of private development projects for compliance with required standards.
• Coordinate project activities with City staff, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and other committees for compliance with storm water permits; coordinate with PG&E on utility projects; research and document utility conditions and locations in the field.
• Perform standard engineering tasks including surveying, plan check activities and inspections of project work; participate in construction tasks; make mathematical engineering calculations; review and interpret construction and utility maps, diagrams and plans, assist with researching and preparing cost estimates; conduct special studies including traffic studies; complete accurate detailed reports.
• Oversee consultant procurement, project development, approvals, environmental review, design, construction and construction administration in accordance with funding requirements as administered by Caltrans and Caltrans Local Assistance.
• Assist staff, property owners or other members of the public in answering questions or resolving concerns related to public and private property.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Assistant Engineer
Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Some technical experience is desirable.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering or a related field.
License and Certificate
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License may be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
Associate Civil Engineer
Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Three years of responsible experience similar to Assistant Engineer with the City of Healdsburg.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering or a related field.
License and Certificate
Failure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action.
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License may be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
Possession of a valid Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California.
Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed online City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters may not be reviewed as part of the application screening process, unless the application specifically requests supporting materials.
HELPFUL TIPS WHEN APPLYING:

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• List all employers and positions held within the last ten (10) years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten (10) years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one (1) employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

BACKGROUND SCREENING: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to fingerprinting and a background investigation prior to employment. Failure to comply with the background will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer are contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:The City of Healdsburg values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace environment that is representative of the community. The City is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces and diversity of our employees where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment. Requests for reasonable accommodations needed to participate in the recruitment process may be made by contacting Human Resources within five (5) business days of being noticed that an event requiring accommodation is occurring. You may also contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 431-3376.
The City of Healdsburg has a comprehensive set of benefits. Read more about these here
01
The purpose of the supplemental questions is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the Assistant Engineer/Associate Civil Engineer position and to assist the Human Resources Department in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questions will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process.

• I understand

02
Have you completed the equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering or a related field?

• Yes
• No

03
How many years of experience do you possess in project development, delivery and/or design?

• 0-1 years
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-4 years
• 4-5 years
• 5+ years

04
Are you familiar with or have experience working with Caltrans procedures?

• Yes
• No

05
How many years of field level experience do you possess in construction management, inspection and/or oversight?

• 0-1 years
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-4 years
• 4-5 years
• 5+ years

06
Do you possess a valid registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California?

• Yes
• No

07
This recruitment will be used to fill 2 vacancies. One vacancy will focus on work associated with public works Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, and one will focus on stormwater program coordination and development review. Please indicate which position interests you.
Required Question