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Temporary Civil Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... or temporary engineer vacancies. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the first line supervision class in the professional engineering series. The Senior Civil Engineer is distinguished from the ...

SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

Ventura, CA · On-site

$92K - $124K/yr

... or temporary engineer vacancies. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the first line supervision class in the professional engineering series. The Senior Civil Engineer is distinguished from the ...

Civil Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site +1

$110K - $150K/yr

We are full service professional civil and environmental engineering firm with over 50 years of ... We specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any ...

Civil Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · Hybrid

$60K - $90K/yr

Potentially work out of area on temporary assignments. Minimum Qualifications * B.S. in Civil Engineering. * EIT Certification strongly preferred but not required * 0 to 4 years experience * Self ...

Civil Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Potentially work out of area on temporary assignments. Minimum Qualifications * B.S. in Civil Engineering. * EIT Certification strongly preferred but not required * 0 to 4 years experience * Self ...

Potentially work out of area on temporary assignments. Minimum Qualifications * B.S. in Civil Engineering. * EIT Certification strongly preferred but not required * 0 to 4 years experience * Self ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site

$122K - $163K/yr

Senior Civil Engineer Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site ... and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City. This position has been designated as ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Ventura, CA · Hybrid

$122K - $163K/yr

Senior Civil Engineer Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site ... and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City. This position has been designated as ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Salinas, CA · On-site

$11K - $15K/mo

... temporary basis. Examples of Duties Plans, organizes and manages an engineering division of the ... Senior Civil Engineer THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE Will have a proven track record demonstrating the ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Salinas, CA · On-site

$11K - $16K/mo

The Senior Civil Engineer is responsible for managing the engineering services section of the ... or temporary basis. Examples of Duties * Plans, organizes and manages an engineering division of ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$141K - $212K/yr

Your Opportunity Stantec's Sacramento office is seeking a Senior Civil Engineer to join our Water ... Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid ...

Civil Engineer Intern

Concord, CA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

The Civil Engineer Intern will support civil engineering teams in the planning, design, analysis ... This is a Temporary position. The Internship Program is a 12-week experience running from May 18 ...

Project Civil Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $130K/yr

Potentially work out of area on temporary assignments. Minimum Qualifications * B.S. or M.S. degree in Civil Engineering. * Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of California * 4 to 10+ years ...

Project Civil Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

Potentially work out of area on temporary assignments. Minimum Qualifications * B.S. or M.S. degree in Civil Engineering. * Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of California * 4 to 10+ years ...

Project Civil Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Potentially work out of area on temporary assignments. Minimum Qualifications * B.S. or M.S. degree in Civil Engineering. * Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of California * 4 to 10+ years ...

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Temporary Civil Engineer information

What are some common challenges faced by temporary civil engineers, and how can they effectively integrate into new project teams?

Temporary civil engineers often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new project environments and team dynamics. Since assignments can vary in duration and scope, it's important to rapidly familiarize yourself with project documentation, site requirements, and company protocols. Building strong communication with permanent staff and proactively seeking clarification on expectations helps ensure seamless collaboration. Demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to learn can also foster trust and make the transition smoother.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Earning $500,000 as a temporary civil engineer is uncommon, as typical salaries range from $60,000 to $120,000 annually depending on experience, location, and project scope. High earnings are more likely for senior-level engineers, project managers, or those with specialized skills and certifications working on large infrastructure projects. Achieving such income usually involves advanced roles, overtime, or consulting work over multiple years.

What is the difference between Temporary Civil Engineer vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectTemporary Civil EngineerCivil Engineering Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering; may require engineering licenseAssociate's degree or diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, engineering firms, project managementDesign offices, construction sites, field surveys
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by engineering firms and construction companies for project-based rolesEmployed by engineering firms, government agencies, and contractors for technical support

The main difference is that Temporary Civil Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and may be licensed, focusing on project management and design, while Civil Engineering Technicians usually have an associate degree and support engineering projects through technical tasks. Both roles are essential in construction and engineering projects but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What Does a Temporary Civil Engineer Do?

As a temporary civil engineer, you complete all of the responsibilities of a civil engineer, except you are under contract for an individual project. Your duties may involve designing or evaluating a building plan, supervising construction, providing maintenance for infrastructure systems, obtaining permits, identifying cost estimates, using design software, and analyzing data before and during the building process. You may also conduct fieldwork to inspect concerns and recommend plan revisions to supervisors. You can work for private or public businesses and companies, or perform freelance services. Some industries you may work in include construction, structural, geotechnical, and transportation engineering.

Are civil engineers still in demand?

Civil engineers are generally in steady demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects, urban development, and maintenance needs. The profession requires skills in design, project management, and familiarity with tools like AutoCAD and GIS, which support employment stability across various regions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in leadership roles. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive expertise, and work in high-demand industries or companies.

What are temporary civil engineers?

Temporary civil engineers are professionals hired on a short-term basis to work on civil engineering projects, such as construction, infrastructure, or public works. Their contracts typically last for the duration of a specific project or a set period, filling gaps in staffing or providing specialized expertise. Temporary civil engineers perform duties similar to permanent staff, including designing, planning, and overseeing construction activities, but their employment is limited in scope and time. This arrangement allows companies to efficiently manage workloads and project demands without committing to long-term employment.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior civil engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand sectors or consulting firms. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, project management expertise, and working in regions with high cost of living or large infrastructure projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary Civil Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Civil Engineer, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and often a professional engineering (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and project management tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and adaptability are important soft skills for working within project teams and adjusting to new environments. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring project quality, safety, and timely completion in short-term or contract-based roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Civil Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Temporary Civil Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Temporary Civil Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 20% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 40% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

California Water Service

Job Description:

This temporary Civil Engineer (Capital Improvement Plan - Water Infrastructure) position will be primarily responsible for preparing infrastructure improvement plans, related scoping, and alternative analysis, in support of the justification of capital projects in preparation for the filing of the General Rate Case (GRC) applications to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Responsibilities will include evaluating assigned California district infrastructure, and developing short and long-term capital investment plans to ensure Cal Water continues to provide reliable high-quality water to customers. This position will also be responsible for the oversight and development of clear, logical, and well-presented project justifications for future GRCs which will include identification of project needs, project alternatives analysis, final project scope, scheduling, life cycle analysis, and budgetary estimating. The position requires strong communication skills to present and defend complex engineering concepts and projects in plain language. Detailed tasks will be determined by the Capital Planning Manager as needed. This position will last for one year. This position will be located in San Jose, CA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Responsible for the development of long-term and short-term capital improvement plans for urban water infrastructure and systems for the 2027 General Rate case.

  • Oversees and manages the work of external consultants.

  • Participates in the development of processes and standardized approaches to capital planning and asset management.

  • Analyzes district project needs and critical facilities and life cycle cost calculation to determine the best project selection.

  • Evaluates prepared justification by different stakeholders and/or prepares well-written project justification for capital projects, including scope, schedule, and budget.

  • Performs preliminary design of water supply, distribution, and transmission facilities to define project scope, schedule, and budget accurately.

  • Performs quality control of written justifications, project estimates, and the capital program submittal for each district.

  • Gathers and analyzes supply, storage, water quality, and operations data to properly propose capital improvements.

  • Works with the Rates Department to understand the companywide rate case process, participates in the Company's rate case filings, and facilitates the rate impact discussions. This may include multi-disciplinary meeting coordination and follow-ups.

  • Provides quality assurance and responses for California Public Utility Commission tours, data requests, rebuttals, and settlements.

  • Travels to Company districts periodically to visit project sites and performs follow-ups and coordinates meetings to understand and document districts' future project needs. This might need an overnight stay.

  • Participates in presentations to internal and external staff regarding proposed capital projects.

  • Analyzes capital project completion results and makes recommendations for improvement.

  • Trains Company staff on how to properly access and create project justification documents for proposed capital projects.

  • Participates in and supports the Company's Continuous Improvement program and projects.

  • Performs work on-site at assigned location

  • Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field and or equivalent relevant experience; Master's or Ph.D. degree preferred.

  • Two years of experience working in an engineering capacity with water system planning, design, construction, and cost estimating is highly desirable.

  • California Professional Engineer registration is preferred and EIT registration is strongly preferred.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear and concise project justifications, procedures, and detailed instructions.

  • Ability to communicate well with others and maintain effective working relationships, both verbally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language.

  • Knowledge of capital project planning and budgeting is preferred.

  • Knowledge of water systems modeling, design, engineering, and operations is preferred.

  • Knowledge of Asset Management principles is preferred.

  • Knowledge of PUC/GRC rules, regulations, and rate case filings is highly preferred.

  • Strong project management skills, including knowledge of scheduling, prioritization, and coordination. Knowledge of PMI project management principles is preferred.

  • Ability to efficiently manage and prioritize multiple projects and tasks.

  • Ability to make technical decisions and provide technical assistance when needed.

  • Ability to estimate the cost of projects to develop high-level budgets.

  • Experience with GIS and hydraulic modeling is highly preferred.

  • Experience and a high level of competency with Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

  • Public presentation and speaking skills.

  • Negotiation experience preferred.

  • Experience with utilities cost estimate and basis of estimate is highly preferred.

  • Experience with WQ regulations and water treatment plants design, operation, and maintenance is highly preferred.

  • Experience with electrical equipment used in urban water systems is highly preferred.

  • Valid California Driver's License.

Salary Range: $118,993.19 - $171,803.91

Deadline to submit resume is OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawai'i Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, Texas Water Service,and Washington Water Servicedo not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.