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Entry Level Drainage Engineer Jobs in California

You'll tackle grading, drainage analysis, street design and widening, plus water, sewer, and storm ... B.S. in Civil Engineering with 1 to 3 years' experience in civil engineering field. (Entry level ...

Civil Design Engineer

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

You'll tackle grading, drainage analysis, street design and widening, plus water, sewer, and storm ... B.S. in Civil Engineering with 1 to 3 years' experience in civil engineering field. (Entry level ...

Assistant Engineer

Lawndale, CA ยท On-site

$7.4K - $9.0K/yr

Position Summary Under the direction of the City Engineer, performs entry level professional ... Checks construction site drainage and excavation plans and reviews designs submitted for ...

Entry-level Plumbing Designer

Vista, CA ยท On-site

$36 - $41/hr

Perform engineering calculations related to fixture counts, pipe sizing, storm drainage, and equipment selection. * Assist in the selection and specification of plumbing equipment, including water ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Drainage Engineer information

What does an entry level drainage engineer do?

An Entry Level Drainage Engineer helps design, analyze, and implement stormwater and wastewater management systems under the supervision of senior engineers. Their tasks typically include preparing drainage plans, using software to model water flow, assisting with site inspections, and ensuring projects comply with environmental regulations. They often work with multidisciplinary teams on infrastructure projects such as roads, buildings, and land developments. This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates looking to gain experience in civil or environmental engineering fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level drainage engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Drainage Engineer, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, hydrology, and environmental regulations, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and drainage modeling software like HEC-RAS or SWMM is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing safe, efficient drainage systems and collaborating successfully with multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level drainage engineers in their first year on the job?

Entry level drainage engineers often encounter challenges such as learning to interpret complex civil engineering plans, understanding local and federal drainage regulations, and becoming proficient with specialized design software like Civil 3D or MicroDrainage. Additionally, they may need to quickly adapt to collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, surveyors, and environmental specialists. Time management and balancing multiple project deadlines are also common hurdles, but with guidance from senior engineers and on-the-job experience, these challenges become valuable learning opportunities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Drainage Engineer vs Junior Civil Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Drainage EngineerJunior Civil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil or Environmental Engineering, possibly some internship experienceBachelor's in Civil Engineering, internship experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning drainage systems, site assessments, field inspectionsAssisting in various civil projects, site planning, and design tasks
Industry UsageSpecialized in drainage and stormwater management within civil engineering firmsBroader civil engineering roles across multiple project types

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and internship experience. An Entry Level Drainage Engineer focuses specifically on drainage systems and stormwater management, while a Junior Civil Engineer has a broader scope in civil projects. The drainage engineer role is more specialized, whereas the junior civil engineer may work across various civil disciplines.

Are entry level drainage engineers in demand?

Entry level drainage engineers are in steady demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects, urban development, and the need for stormwater management solutions. Employers seek candidates with basic knowledge of civil engineering principles, drainage design software, and relevant certifications, making entry-level positions accessible for recent graduates.

What qualifications do I need to be an entry level drainage engineer?

An entry-level drainage engineer typically needs a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of drainage design, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and understanding of local regulations; some positions may also require internships or related work experience.

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Drainage Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Drainage Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Drainage Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Civil Design Engineer

Tait & Associates, Inc.

Corona, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Grade the Land, Channel the Flow — Design Tomorrow’s Infrastructures with TAIT
Why TAIT?

  • Accelerated Growth — hands-on mentorship and quick advancement
  • Impactful Projects — land development, infrastructure, sustainable design
  • Collaborative Environment — partner with architects and engineers across TAIT
  • People-First Culture — Top Workplace since 2016
  • Work-Life Balance — start accruing vacation and enjoy holidays from day one
Level up your engineering journey—join TAIT and design what’s next.
Role at a Glance
TAIT is seeking a Civil Design Engineer to support land-development projects from preliminary layout through final plan production. You’ll tackle grading, drainage analysis, street design and widening, plus water, sewer, and storm-drain systems. Day-to-day work includes Civil 3D modeling, earthwork calculations, and preparing SWMPs, drainage studies, and utility reports alongside an experienced engineering team.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Transform initial rough product design information into working construction documents using AutoCAD.
  • Use AutoCAD software to establish horizontal and vertical alignments, profiles, cross sections and perform earthwork calculations.
  • Utilize AutoCAD and Civil 3D in preparation of plans for drainage, precise grading, water, sewer, storm drain, street improvements and site planning for land development projects.
  • Prepare engineering drawings to specified standards.
  • Design basic construction documents and prepare special exhibits and constraint maps using field data and engineering research.
Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. in Civil Engineering with 1 to 3 years’ experience in civil engineering field. (Entry level also considered)
  • E.I.T. certification preferred.
  • Proficiency in computer design programs AutoCAD 2009 or newer, Civil 3D and Hydrology Hydraulics software.
  • Experience with commercial-retail projects a plus.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Salary and Benefits
Salary range for position: $60,000/yr - $80,000/yr

Benefits

TAIT invests in you by providing a comprehensive compensation and benefits program along with the opportunity for professional growth and development. Our benefits package includes valuable and affordable options for health, dental, vision, employer paid life insurance, 401(k) with match, generous paid time off and other supplemental benefits. TAIT’s core value is its culture of kindness. With this, you’ll find a family-oriented environment and flexibility to manage work and life with a rewarding career. Here are some benefits you can find when you join the TAIT Team:

  • Flexible Work Schedule Options - Remote, Hybrid, In-Person
  • Medical options including PPO and HDHP with Health Savings Accounts (no extra charges for spouse or dependent coverage)
  • Dental Plans with little to no deductible
  • Vision PPO plan that’s accepted widely from local offices to large retailers
  • Company paid Life Insurance
  • ID Theft Protection & Monitoring
  • Voluntary Life, Accident and Critical Illness plans
  • Dependent Care and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Retirement plan 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid time off to relax and recharge with vacation, holidays, and sick time.
  • Annual memberships with Strava and Headspace for additional health and wellness benefits
  • Maternity and Paternity leave time options to care for the newest little family members
  • Support for professional growth and development.
  • Corporate Lodging Program (CLC)

______________________________________________________________

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin or any other legally protected status. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the company will make reasonable accommodations to assist in the application process upon the request of an applicant. No question on this application is intended to secure information to be used for discriminatory purposes.

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