Entry Level Coastal Engineering Jobs in California

ABOUT THE POSITION AND OUR AGENCY The City of Carpinteria is Accepting Applications for ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN Deadline to Apply to be considered for first review of applications: Sunday, August 2, 2026 Salary Range: $65,649 - $90,267 annually plus a generous benefits package The City of Carpinteria is seeking a motivated Engineering Technician to join our Public Works team. Are you looking for a position that offers a variety of engineering projects and the opportunity to grow professionally. Do you want to contribute to projects that make a visible difference in the community you serve.

If so, we encourage you to apply. Under the direct supervision of the Public Works Director/City Engineer, the Engineering Technician performs a variety of office and field technical paraprofessional duties in support of Public Works programs and projects. The Engineering Technician is the entry-level classification in the City's engineering series.

This entry-level position offers the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience supporting a variety of engineering projects and public works programs, including Capital Improvement Projects, from planning and design through construction and inspection. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES Include but are not limited to: Performs technical work in the application of civil engineering knowledge to plan, design, and/or review capital improvement and land development projects. Performs construction project management, inspections, and engineering surveying on capital improvement and land development projects.

Conducts field inspections of public and private construction projects to verify compliance with approved plans, specifications, permits, and applicable regulations. Inspections may require work outside normal business hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends. Prepares engineering plans, reports, studies, specifications, calculations, and cost estimates, including researching and analyzing data.

Performs project management activities related to their preparation. May assist in representing the department at community or stakeholder meetings and workshops, inter-governmental agency meetings, utility coordination meetings, and City boards, committees, and Council meetings. Reviews conditional use permits, coastal development permits, engineering permits, and special event permits.

Prepares permit conditions of approval. Researches, analyzes, and applies technical data to support the planning, design, and implementation of engineering projects. Establishes and maintains effective communication, coordination, and working relationships with City staff and the general public.

Responsible for related duties as required or assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education/Certification: Associate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering or a related field. An Engineer-In-Training Certificate as issued by California or another state or territory of the United States may be substituted for the degree requirement.

A certificate in any of the civil engineering technology certification programs as issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies may also be substituted for the degree requirement. Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid, Class C California driver's license prior to appointment. Experience Required: One year of technical experience in civil engineering or a closely related field.

Relevant internships and comparable technical experience may be considered. Required Knowledge: Principles, practices, and methods of civil engineering including construction, environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources engineering. Capital improvement projects including the phases of planning, regulatory approvals/permitting, environmental documentation, design, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and close-out.

State- and federal-aid funding requirements. Regulations, codes, standards, and/or policies of state and/or federal occupational safety and health, accessibility (Americans with Disabilities Act), and environmental protection. Municipal government operations, rules, and regulations.

Public works department or agency processes and procedures. Construction safety including personal protective equipment. Personal computer hardware and engineering software.

Standard office equipment. Skills/Abilities: Prepare engineering documents, including plans, specifications, cost estimates, calculations, reports, and studies, in support of capital improvement and land development projects. Use hand drafting and computer-aided drafting techniques.

Conduct research and investigations, analyze technical problems, and recommend effective solutions. Interpret and apply local, state, and federal policies, laws, and regulations. Use personal computer (PC) hardware and productivity software and applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, publishing, databases, electronic mail, and calendar and time management software.

Operate standard office equipment. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Provide excellent customer service.

Analyze problems and develop effective solutions. Exercise independent judgment. Organize and prioritize work effectively.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. SELECTION PROCESS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS. APPLY BY SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2026 @ 11:59 PM Applications must be submitted online.

Click Here: Engineering Technician Employment Opportunity Materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications. Incomplete, late, emailed, and faxed applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required employment application.

Please be sure to review the complete job description: Click Here: Engineering Technician Job Description A resume and cover letter are required to be submitted with your online application. Statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification. False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list, or discharge from employment.

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and assessed for each applicant's ability to meet the minimum work experience, training, and education qualifications. Those candidates whose skills and abilities best meet the needs of the department will be invited to move to the next step in the recruitment process.