Entry Level Water Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $99,864.00 - $147,540.00 Annually
Location : City Yard - 3620 Bell Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-00049
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: TEAM
JOB SUMMARY
The City of Manhattan Beach - Public Works Department is seeking an Associate Engineer to perform professional civil engineering work in the design, construction, and contract administration of a variety of public works projects. Come and join our team to be part of great individuals who are committed to building, maintaining, and protecting our small beach town community with a passion for excellence!
Associate Engineer is the journey-level position responsible for performing the full-range of professional civil engineering work. The incumbent is expected to work under general direction and perform work requiring a higher degree of judgment, independence of action and problem-solving than the entry-level position of Assistant Engineer. This position will report to a Senior Civil Engineer.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.

• Prepares plans, specifications and cost estimates for storm drain, street, water, sewer, or miscellaneous city improvement projects.
• Prepares drawings and reports on traffic engineering studies.
• Prepares design calculations, determines right-of-way requirements and prepares engineering drawings and maps.
• Analyzes engineering data and makes estimates of quantities and costs.
• Performs calculations requiring knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, calculus, elementary mechanics, strength of materials, statics and structural analysis.
• Assists in conducting hydraulic and hydrologic studies to determine the design criteria and operational requirements for storm drain, sewer and water facilities.
• Handles a variety of other assignments from project engineers.
• Other duties for Associate Engineer may include: serving as Chief of Party on various survey assignments such as location surveys, topographic surveys and others; inspecting the construction of projects in the field to see that plans and specifications are being followed by contractors.
• Performs construction management during all or part of the process of delivering projects for the City.
• This class may be required to work shifts, weekends and/or holidays.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education/Experience/Training:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering AND the equivalent of three (3) years of experience in civil engineering at the level of Engineering Assistant or higher are required. In order for the experience to be considered, it must have been gained subsequent to receipt of the bachelor's degree or successful completion of EIT examination.
License/Certificates:

• A valid California "C" driver's license.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Requires knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering, including surveying, hydraulics, structural design, traffic, and construction; ability to prepare engineering plans and specifications; ability to perform mathematical analyses.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
The application filing deadline is Monday, September 7, 2026.
All applicants will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates 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. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job announcement does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process. The selection process may be changed as deemed necessary by the City Human Resources Department.
The selection process will consist of the following components and weights: Oral Interview (100%)** The panel interview is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
If you need special assistance in the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (310) 802-5258.
NOTE: A drug test may be administered as part of the pre-employment medical exam. The provisions of this brochure do not constitute a contract, express or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Manhattan Beach offers a generous benefits package to full-time and eligible employees including PERS medical plans, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, and more.
To see detailed information about Teamsters bargaining unit benefits, please visit our on the City's official website.
Part-time employees are enrolled in PARS (Public Alternate Retirement System). All part-time and seasonal employees contribute 7.5% each pay period on a pre-tax basis. If an employee reaches 1,000 hours within a fiscal year (July 1st to June 30th) or is already a CalPERS member, then they are enrolled in CalPERS (Public Employees Retirement System).
The City complies with California Labor Code 245-249 by providing paid sick leave for part-time hourly employees accordingly.
The City of Manhattan Beach does not provide medical/dental/vision benefits to part-time employees. Eligible employees enrolled in CalPERS may opt into a CalPERS medical plan.
01
Please indicate your highest level of education.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

02
How many years of professional experience in civil engineering or a related field do you have?

• Less than three (3) years
• At least three (3) years
• More than three (3) years but less than five (5) years
• Five (5) years or more

03
Do you possess Engineering-in-Training (EIT) or Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) certificate?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have experience performing related job functions in a municipal, state, federal, or other public agency?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you currently possess a valid California driver's license?

• Yes
• No
• No, but I have a valid driver's license in another state

06
Please describe your most challenging project or your most significant project accomplishments from any position you have held previously.
07
Briefly describe an instance in which you previously applied engineering principles and techniques to solve real problems.
Required Question