Entry Level Sanitary Engineer Jobs in California

ABOUT THE POSITION NOTE: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. First review of the applications will occur on Friday, June 19, 2026. Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions.

Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration. Assistant Civil Engineer I Pay Rate $40.3665 - $50.0073 - Hourly $6,996.86 - $8,667.90 - Monthly Assistant Civil Engineer II Pay Rate $43.1521 - $53.4579 - Hourly $7,479.69 - $9,266.04 - Monthly In addition to the above compensation, this position is eligible for certificate level one pay for incumbents that maintain a D2/D3 and/or T1 certification at a rate of $295 per month. Effective the start of the pay period that includes April 28, 2027, employees will receive a four percent (4.0%) across the board pay range increase

Additional four percent (4.0%) increase on April 2028, April 2029. Under general supervision, performs office and field engineering work related to the planning, design, maintenance, and operation of Utilities Division facilities and programs including water, sanitary sewer, and storm water systems, and associated infrastructure. This position may be filled as an Assistant Civil Engineer I or II - Utilities depending the level of experience of the candidate

The Assistant Civil Engineer - Utilities classifications do not require the same level of design and project management responsibility as the Associate level. The Assistant Civil Engineer I - Utilities is the entry level class in the Utilities Civil Engineer series. This level is not expected to function with the same amount of work knowledge or skill level as other higher level positions.

An Assistant Civil Engineer I - Utilities exercises less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Under general supervision, incumbents in this class are expected to learn the office and field operations of the department and assigned division, and perform assignments in the design, review and/or implementation of engineering plans, drawings, designs and studies. As experience is gained, assignments become more diversified and require the application of a growing body of technical engineering related knowledge.

Assistant Civil Engineer II - Utilities is the journey-level class in the Utilities Civil Engineer series. Incumbents perform more independently across a full range of technical engineering support duties, and exercise greater independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. It is distinguished from the Assistant Civil Engineer I - Utilities level by the level of responsibility and complexity of projects assigned.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Provide civil engineering assistance on water, sanitary sewer, storm water, and other Utilities Division related projects. Assist with solicitation, review, evaluation, and tracking of Utilities Division proposals, contracts, and agreements for compliance with City requirements and timely completion of projects.

Review water, sewer, and storm drain improvement plans for City projects and proposed residential, commercial, and industrial developments for compliance with City standards, codes, and other applicable regulations. Prepare plans, diagrams, and sketches using computer aided drafting (CAD) and civil engineering drafting techniques. Assist with writing specifications, requests for proposals, and requests for qualifications for Utilities Division projects.

Schedule and complete tasks in support of Utilities Division projects and verify tasks are being completed on schedule. Assist with coordinating and providing engineering and technical guidance to inspectors, consultants, contractors, vendors, other City departments, and agencies in support of Utilities Division projects and programs to ensure compliance with City requirements. Identify, research, gather, and analyze project design and program requirements including hydraulics, hydrology, existing utility and substructure plans, field data, materials, permitting, and other documents.

Attend meetings and prepare meeting minutes. Prepare correspondence, graphs, and reports in support of Utilities Division projects and programs. Assist with coordination of video inspection and flow monitoring of sanitary sewer and storm water lines and compile and analyze data for design, operation, and maintenance purposes.

Assist with conducting water, sanitary sewer, and storm water capacity assessments to identify potential hydraulic problems and other impacts resulting from proposed developments. Assist with coordination of pressure monitoring of water lines and compile and analyze data for design, operation, and maintenance purposes. Perform civil engineering calculations and design work for new facilities and necessary improvements/modifications to existing utility systems.

Assist coordination with contractors, consultants, developers, and property owners in interpreting and complying with construction, design, and other City requirements associated with City utilities. Assist with inspection of Utilities Division improvement projects for compliance with City and other applicable standards including, preparation of inspection reports, non-compliance letters, project punch lists, and incorporation of design revisions based on field conditions. Assist in compliance activities relating to NPDES and MS4 permit programs for the City's storm water management program.

Receive and answer public inquiries. Maintain efficient and effective working relationships with professional staff, field personnel, consultants, and contractors. Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would likely provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform in the position would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the skills, knowledge and abilities would be: Assistant Civil Engineer I - Utilities Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an accredited four-year college or university. Possession of an Engineer in Training (EIT) Certificate from the State of California is desirable.

State of California Water Distribution and/or Water Treatment Operator Certification is desirable. Experience: One (1)year of civil engineering experience related to potable water, recycled water, sanitary sewer, and storm water is required. An Assistant Civil Engineer I - Utilities may be considered for advancement to Assistant Civil Engineer II - Utilities after demonstrating proficiency to perform the full range of duties of the more experienced class.

Typically, an Assistant Civil Engineer I - Utilities is expected to be capable of meeting the proficiency criteria within a two-year period, depending on an individual's education, prior experience, and progression in performing a full range of Assistant Civil Engineer II - Utilities duties. Assistant Civil Engineer II - Utilities Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an accredited four-year college or university. Possession of an Engineer in Training (EIT) Certificate from the State of California is desirable.

State of California Water Distribution and/or Water Treatment Operator Certification is desirable. Experience: Three (3) years of civil engineering experience related to potable water, recycled water, sanitary sewer, and storm water is required. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Knowledge of: Civil engineering principles, design standards, surveying, construction principles and practices, and regulations related to water, sewer, and storm water utilities; Computer-aided drafting (CAD); Geographic Information System (GIS), Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and graphing, Microsoft Word, recordkeeping; and principles of public relations.

Ability to: Analyze and solve routine engineering problems by arriving at valid conclusions; prepare reports; communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing; supervise lower level staff and volunteers as assigned; accept direction and training; perform civil engineering duties in the areas of water, sewer, and storm water utilities design. License Requirement: Due to the performance of field duties, the ability to operate a City vehicle may be required; therefore a valid California Class C Driver's License and acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required. California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program.

The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles. PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Work is primarily performed in an office environment that requires extended sitting, mobility in the field at construction sites with potential exposure to dangerous machinery and potential physical harm, ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday.

Application and Selection Process: All application materials received will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted to determine the level and scope of an applicant's qualifications for the position. A copy of the EIT certification (if applicable) is required at the time on-line application. All information submitted is subject to verification.

Those applicants who most closely meet the desired qualifications will be invited to participate in selection testing which will include performance assessment and may not necessarily be limited to an oral interview. Testing shall be weighted 100%. Candidate(s) who complete selection testing with acceptable results will be placed on an Eligible List of qualified candidates for the position.

An Eligible List is generally in effect for one year, unless exhausted sooner. The List will be considered by the Department hiring authority to fill authorized vacancies. Prior to an employment offer, a background check is conducted that will include references and employment history checks and fingerprinting.

An offer of employment is conditioned upon acceptable results from a job-related pre-placement medical exam to assess a candidate's physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.