Entry Level Field Engineer Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $102,476.16 - $188,556.48 Annually
Location : City of Manteca, Manteca, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-116
Department: ENGINEERING
Opening Date: 02/10/2026
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Assistant/Associate/Associate Civil Engineer:
DEFINITION
Under immediate (Assistant Engineer) to general (Associate/Associate Civil Engineer) supervision, performs various professional field and office engineering work related to: the City's engineering, and capital improvement projects from initiation, design, funding, construction, and completion; land development including review of entitlements, improvement plans, agreements, and construction; encroachment and transportation permit review and approval; provides professional staff assistance to engineering management, other departments, and the public in areas of expertise; confers with developers, contractors, and representatives of other agencies regarding facility and infrastructure development; conducts a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives immediate (Assistant Engineer) or general (Associate/Associate Civil Engineer) supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Associate/Associate Civil Engineer may exercise direct supervision over subordinate staff.
Senior Civil Engineer:
CLASS DESCRIPTION
DEFINITION
Under general direction, leads, oversees, reviews, and participates in the work of staff performing professional engineering activities including design, construction, land development engineering, traffic engineering, and other programs; ensures functions meet all applicable laws, regulations, and City policies related to the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), land development, traffic and transportation, and infrastructure; provides complex staff assistance to departmental management staff in areas of expertise; performs and takes lead role in coordinating assignments involving a highly-developed area of expertise within the CIP; performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from assigned management or supervisory personnel. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to subordinate staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey and/or lead level classification in the Engineer series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment, and, for lead positions, provide lead direction to a work unit of subordinate staff. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines, and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to complete assignments. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. Positions at this level may serve as the Engineer of Record for assigned projects.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Assistant/Associate/Associate Civil Engineer:
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Assistant Engineer: This is the entry-level classification in the professional Engineer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine professional and technical engineering work for City-wide systems, operations, practices, and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult. Close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Associate Engineer level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
Associate Engineer: This is the journey-level classification in the professional Engineer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Engineer level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working fairly independently, and exercising good judgment 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.
Associate Civil Engineer: This is an advanced journey-level classification in the professional Engineer series which requires incumbents to possess a Professional Engineer Registration in the State of California. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Associate Engineer level by the performance of complex engineering duties as assigned and may guide others. Positions at this level are expected to be able to accurately and concisely define a project scope, review and analyze project alternatives, and design project solutions with minimal instructions or assistance.
Positions in the Engineer class series are flexibly staffed. Positions at the Associate/Associate Civil Engineer level are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant Engineer level; progression to the Associate/Associate Civil Engineer level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Associate/Associate Civil Engineer level.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Essential Duties:
Management may amend duties pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Positions at the Assistant Engineer level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Develops, plans, reviews, and coordinates an assigned area of public works engineering including management and oversight of design and construction for infrastructure improvement projects, the review and approval of development plans, and the issuance of permits including grading, encroachment, and transportation permits.
• Develops, reviews, and processes plans and specifications for City capital improvement projects; interprets the application of design criteria; ensures compliance with professional and City standards and practices; coordinates reviews with other departments and agencies.
• Coordinates the bidding process for assigned projects; develops, oversees, and participates in the assembly and preparation of a variety of bid documents including drawings, calculations, plan specifications, and support materials; ensures bid documents, notifications, awards, and related materials are distributed to appropriate contractors, outside agencies, and personnel according to established processes and timelines.
• Develops, reviews, and prepares contract documents for consultant services and contractor bids; prepares Requests for Proposals and solicits responses; evaluates consultant proposal statements of qualification and contract specification compliance; administers and processes contract documents.
• Performs engineering functions related to the maintenance and operation of engineering and construction projects; monitors and identifies system deficiencies, prepares technical reports addressing those deficiencies, and implements corrective action.
• Communicates information and provides guidance to the public and other agencies regarding various engineering design elements and codes.
• Performs engineering calculations and makes engineering decisions in coordination with City departments, funding agencies, regulatory bodies, and the general public.
• Develops, prepares, and monitors detailed project budgets; reviews, tracks, and approves invoices from consultants and contractors.
• Trains and provides work direction and guidance to assigned personnel including the review and oversight of work and workflow management; oversees budgets and schedules; provides technical consultation to City staff, administrators, and outside contractors.
• Investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and outside agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Tracks, applies for reimbursements, and monitors grant funds; ensures project activities comply with funding requirements and approved budget expenditures.
• Performs plan checks of development plans for consistency with City municipal code, standards, master plans and policies; assists in the preparation of and reviews conditions of approval; reviews and processes engineering permit applications.
• Coordinates and communicates with developers, outside engineers, contractors, other department staff, and city inspection staff relative to development projects including preparation and review of various development related documents.
• Monitors and keeps abreast of changes to standards, codes, and regulations relevant to City engineering projects.
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Senior Civil Engineer:
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Essential Duties:
Management may amend duties pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Leads, oversees, reviews, and participates in the work of staff performing professional engineering project planning and coordination; assumes responsibility for the workflow of an assigned work unit by making work assignments, ensuring work is consistent with quality standards, and timeline expectations are met.
• Performs the more complex work assignments for the classification series for which there are little or no directly related policies, procedures, or past practice which requires the exercise of independent judgment and discretion in establishing work plans, identifying resources, and completing assignments.
• Performs and/or provides input for personnel decisions such as performance evaluations, promotions, hiring, and disciplinary actions.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposal for professional and/or construction services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends contract award; negotiates and administers contracts after award; ensures contractor compliance with City standards and specifications, schedules, and budgets; analyzes and resolves complex problems that may arise; recommends and approves field changes as required.
• Conducts Capital Improvement Project (CIP) planning activities; provides oversight and prepares designs of engineering projects; investigates and resolves problems with scope of work or cost issues of major facility upgrade and replacement projects; ensures projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Analyzes civil engineering plan designs, specifications, consultants, and staff comments in accordance with design requirements and municipal and intergovernmental standards and regulations; recommends approval or additional engineering conditions and changes.
• Confers with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, outside agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding City development requirements.
• Responds to and resolves various issues with residents, other department representatives, and outside agencies in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• May serve as a liaison for an assigned functional area with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; attends meetings, as necessary; participates on a variety of boards, commissions, committees, and task forces; attends and participates in professional groups and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; assists in developing policies and procedures such as procedure guidelines, design standards, and standard plans and specifications while ensuring operation and maintenance, financial, regulatory, and legal requirements are met.
• Develops and reviews staff reports related to engineering activities and services; presents information to the City Council and various commissions, committees, and boards as directed; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Assistant/Associate/Associate Civil Engineer:
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
QUALIFICATIONS
Positions at the Assistant Engineer level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.
Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, procedures, and standards related to the City's public works, engineering infrastructure development and maintenance, and surveying functions.
• All components and aspects of project delivery to either deliver projects or oversee consultant teams.
• Design, layout, and construction practices for public improvements such as complex roads, bridges, drainage, grading, landscaping, and other facilities and structures.
• Engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures.??
• Methods, materials, equipment, and techniques used in the construction of public works projects, including water and wastewater systems, storm water, street, and traffic systems design.??
• Principles and practice