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Temporary Civil Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Civil Engineering Intern

Concord, CA · On-site

$25 - $34.11/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 ...

Civil EIT

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$74K - $104K/yr

S.) in Civil Engineering or similar accredited engineering degree. * Minimum of 1 year of ... Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid ...

Civil EIT

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$80K - $112K/yr

S.) in Civil Engineering or similar accredited engineering degree. * Minimum of 1 year of ... Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid ...

Civil EIT

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $112K/yr

S.) in Civil Engineering or similar accredited engineering degree. * Minimum of 1 year of ... Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid ...

Civil EIT

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$80K - $112K/yr

S.) in Civil Engineering or similar accredited engineering degree. * Minimum of 1 year of ... Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid ...

Civil Project Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Civil Project Engineer Oakland, CA Full-time First, the good news: The world now has over 2 ... Review, confirm, and provide design input for all temporary and permanent access roads, equipment ...

Civil Project Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Civil Project Engineer Oakland, CA Full-time First, the good news: The world now has over 2 ... Review, confirm, and provide design input for all temporary and permanent access roads, equipment ...

Showing results 21-40

Temporary Civil Engineer information

What is a temporary civil engineer?

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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary civil engineer?

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 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.

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.

Can you work remotely as a temporary civil engineer?

Temporary civil engineers typically work on-site at construction sites, project locations, or engineering offices, but some roles may offer remote or hybrid work options depending on the employer and project requirements. Remote work is less common due to the hands-on nature of civil engineering tasks, site inspections, and collaboration with field teams, but certain design or planning tasks can sometimes be performed remotely with appropriate software tools. Certifications and experience in project management or design software can facilitate remote work opportunities in this field.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Resident Engineer-PE Heavy Civil Transportation

NV5

Fresno, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
NV5 is a leading provider of tech-enabled engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting solutions for the built environment. We specialize in engineering design, asset management, and geospatial data analytics to support infrastructure resilience and building systems performance throughout the entire asset lifecycle.
NV5's 5,000 consulting engineers, inspectors, and analysts play a critical role in shaping our communities through resilient infrastructure that will stand the test of time and efficient smart building systems for optimized facility environments.
With more than 100 offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 assists clients with planning, designing, building, testing, certifying, and operating infrastructure assets that improve the communities where we live and work.
Build California's next generation of transportation infrastructure.
Are you a structure-focused engineer who enjoys being at the center of complex bridge and transportation projects? Join our team as a Resident Engineer/Structure Representative and take ownership of the technical quality, field coordination, and contract compliance of major structures work.
You'll work directly with contractors, project teams, designers, and agency stakeholders to resolve challenges, evaluate construction methods, and ensure bridge and structural elements meet contract requirements, engineering standards, and safety expectations. From reviewing shop drawings and temporary works to verifying field dimensions and observing construction, your expertise will directly influence the safety and success of the project.
This position offers the opportunity to apply your bridge-construction knowledge while contributing to meaningful transportation improvements across California.
Responsibilities
  • Lead technical and administrative oversight of structural construction activities.
  • Verify contractor work complies with contract documents, approved shop drawings, plans, specifications, and authorized changes.
  • Review and evaluate shop drawings, product data, samples, testing documentation, and contractor quality-assurance plans.
  • Perform or oversee calculations and acceptance of temporary works, including falsework, temporary shoring, working platforms, and temporary supports.
  • Verify horizontal and vertical field controls and confirm that structural dimensions and elevations meet project requirements.
  • Inspect construction progress, materials, equipment, procedures, and workmanship for compliance with specifications and established standards.
  • Confirm compliance with applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including Cal/OSHA and SWPPP obligations.
  • Identify construction issues, document deficiencies, and coordinate corrective action with the contractor and project leadership.
  • Prepare technical reports, correspondence, recommendations, and status updates for internal review and client submission.
  • Apply engineering principles, applicable codes, and established construction practices to evaluate the technical adequacy of project work.
  • Support project records management, including report preparation, reproduction, organization, and document distribution.
What You Bring
  • Experience with bridge, structural, or heavy-civil transportation construction.
  • Ability to interpret structural plans, specifications, shop drawings, and contract documents.
  • Knowledge of construction inspection, quality assurance, temporary works, and field-control procedures.
  • Understanding of regulatory requirements, including Cal/OSHA and stormwater compliance.
  • Strong analytical, documentation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with contractors, engineers, inspectors, public agencies, and other project stakeholders.
Why This Role Matters
As the Resident Engineer/Structure Representative, you will play a direct role in protecting the quality, safety, and long-term performance of critical transportation infrastructure. Your decisions in the field will help ensure that every structural element is built correctly, documented thoroughly, and delivered to the highest engineering standards.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
  • California Professional Engineer (PE) License
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience with heavy civil transportation projects, including bridge and/or structural construction
  • Caltrans construction methods and practices, minimum of 5 years' experience
  • Relevant past work experience performing field engineering tasks of increasing responsibility
  • Knowledge of stress analysis, structural mechanics, and strength of materials.
  • A thorough understanding of Cal-OSHA practices and procedures.Knowledge of Caltrans and Greenbook construction practices and the physical characteristics and properties of various bridge construction materials including concrete.
  • Experience in the following areas: foundations, pile driving and CIDH piles, concrete prestressing, bridge deck construction, cast-in-place wall construction, falsework, and shoring.
  • Ability to use an automatic level and transit for the purpose of verifying line and grade.
  • Thorough understanding of Caltrans field methods, practices, and construction office procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Business Development experience
  • Local agency and rail experience
  • Stormwater Pollution and Prevention Plan implementation
  • Multi-discipline and agency coordination

The pay range for this California position is $180,000.00- $200,000 per year. Base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.
All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.
NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.
NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US