Assistant Engineer

Job Description:

Assistant Engineer

Description

Description

Ideal candidates will have experience in development review and/or capital improvement projects and possess a flexible, innovative mindset. With a strong focus on infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community-oriented service, Los Altos offers engineers the opportunity to lead impactful projects in a city renowned for its beautiful surroundings and engaged community. These roles offer flexible work schedules and growth potential within departments known for their collaborative culture and commitment to professional development. Join a team committed to innovation, excellence, and enhancing the quality of life for the community through thoughtful development— apply today!

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Development Services Department promotes orderly community development, preserving the city’s character while ensuring all public and private projects are safely and legally constructed and maintained. It has an approximate FY 2026 operating budget of $7.7 million and 22 full-time staff. Within the Development Services Department, the Land Development Division reviews development and renovation plans for private property; reviews and issues excavation permits for utility work and encroachment permits for various types of work in the public right-of-way; and inspects construction work on private property and the public right-of-way.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The engineers in the land development division streamline processes related to private developments and permit approvals, coordinating with multiple
departments to expedite services. At the assistant level, this engineer will perform professional engineering tasks related to the planning, design, construction, and operation of land development projects, ensuring compliance.

This is the first working level classification in the professional engineering series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic experience learn City systems, operations, practices, and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Assignments may vary with the skill and training of the incumbent. Positions at this level perform many of the duties required of the positions at the Associate Civil level but are not expected to function at the same skill level, exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods, and work product requires review, seal, and signature of a registered Professional Engineer.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
Ideal candidates are skilled technical professionals with strong interpersonal and collaborative skills. They will approach challenges with a data-driven
mindset, remaining efficient while emphasizing communication, customer care, and community service.

FLEXIBLY STAFFED
Positions in the professional engineering class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Associate Civil level are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant level; progression to the Associate Civil level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the incumbent 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 Civil level.

Examples of Duties

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that 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.

• Reviews and approves development plans; checks plans for conformance with regulations regarding line, grade, size, elevation, and location of structures; prepares plans, specifications, and project cost estimates; issues permits and coordinates permitting with public utility agencies.
• Participates in pre-design, construction, and utility coordination meetings; coordinates construction schedules with other projects, other City departments, and affected agencies; inspects construction of projects and ensures compliance with construction plans, specifications and public safety; provides public notices of projects.
• Coordinates and consults with other Engineering staff on technical projects and assignments.
• Plans, coordinates, and supervises the review, plan checking, and conditional approval of parcel maps, subdivision maps and related street improvement and grading plans for various private development projects.
• Investigates field problems affecting property owners, contractors, and maintenance operations; responds to citizen inquiries and complaints; provides information to the public at the front counter in person, via telephone, or other means of communication regarding grading, encroachment permits, right-of-way and property line information, utility information, slope stability, drainage, and groundwater issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of professional engineering experience performed in a learning or training capacity.

Licenses and Certifications :

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid certification as an Engineer-In-Training issued by the State of California.

Supplemental Information

ABOUT THE RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until our current vacancies are filled with a first review date of 8/25/2025.

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and answers to job-specific questions. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phase of the process will consist of interviews and pre-employment background check.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$120,557.51 - $146,538.41 Annually