Associate Engineer (Civil)
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Associate Engineer (Civil)
Salary
$134,379.60 - $171,995.40 Annually
Location
Santa Clara, CA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
73-25-321
Department
Multiple
Opening Date
11/26/2025
Closing Date
12/24/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
4
Weighting Plan
100% Oral
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
The City
The City of Santa Clara is a "full service" city - one of only a few communities in the Bay Area that has its own police, fire, library, recreation, and electric, water, and sewer utilities, as well as all of the other departments and civic amenities expected in a thriving community. Santa Clara is a family-oriented and business-friendly city, led by a city government that has developed an award-winning ethics program and a commitment to fostering public trust. Located in Santa Clara County at the southern tip of San Francisco Bay, about 45 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Clara is a strategic regional hub, with convenient access to freeways, airports, railroads, expressways, light rail, and other public transportation.
The Positions
This announcement is for four (4) Associate Engineer positions as described below:
Position 1: Water & Sewer Utilities
Santa Clara Water & Sewer Utilities' mission is to provide customers a dependable supply of safe, potable water, environmentally-sound wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal. Furthermore, recycled water is offered for approved uses including irrigation and industrial processes, where available. Water & Sewer Utilities operates and maintains the City's water and recycled water distribution system and sewer collection system consisting of approximately 335-miles of water mains, 33-miles of recycled water mains, and 270 miles of sewer mains.
The Water & Sewer Utilities department seeks an engineer with excellent project management skills; strong oral and written communication skills; a proven record of preparing and administering consultant contracts and agreements; experience preparing construction documents; experience designing, managing, maintaining and/or operating water, recycled water and sanitary sewer utilities; experience reviewing land development projects; experience working in a team environment on major construction projects, including working collaboratively with contractors, technicians, field staff, outside agency staff, and the general public. For more information about the Water & Sewer Utilities department, please visit the departmentwebsite (https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-g-z/water-sewer-utilities) .
Under direct supervision, the Associate Engineer (Civil) performs high-level, fast paced engineering work related to the permitting and design and construction of water, recycled water, and sewer projects within the City. In addition, the Associate Engineer prepares construction documents such as improvement plans, specifications, estimates and schedules for water and sewer projects. Responsibilities also include procurement of consultant and construction contracts for the design and construction of water and sewer projects including the preparation of requests for proposals (RFP), administration of the bidding and awarding process, preparation of Council agenda items, and administration of the consultant and construction contracts. This incumbent will review new developments and proposed public and/or commercial utilities improvement projects for compliance with City, County, State and Federal government regulations and standards. The Associate Engineer is expected to plan, organize, and prioritize a diverse workload of projects and tasks including technical and administrative tasks, and exercise independent judgment and decision making in resolving problems.
Position 2, 3, and 4: Department of Public Works
The City of Santa Clara's Department of Public Works seeks a results-oriented and innovative engineer to serve out the Department's mission to provide the highest quality public works services to the residents of Santa Clara, the development community, and our customers in a responsible and efficient manner. The Department has focus areas that include Engineering Services and Operations and Maintenance. Engineering Services is comprised of four engineering divisions: 1) Design, 2) Field Services, 3) Land and Property Development, and 4) Traffic Engineering as listed below. The Operations and Maintenance focus area includes operations and maintenance of public roadways, parkways and boulevards, City trees, street sweeping, environmental programs, storm drain systems, fleet, solid and mixed waste/recyclables, and City facilities. For more information about the Department of Public Works please visit the departmentwebsite (https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-g-z/public-works) .
Design Division : There is currently an Associate Engineer position vacancy in the Design Division. This division manages capital improvement planning and programming related to pavement management, City bridges, Americans with Disabilities Act public facilities, storm drain facilities, and sanitary sewer systems. Additionally, the division provides capital project delivery services for a variety of City projects related to traffic safety/operations, roadways, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, storm drains, sanitary sewers, public buildings, libraries, and parks as a part of the City's capital improvement program. The division also coordinates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the City's Community Rating System (CRS) program to maintain the City's Class 7 rating which provides flood insurance benefits to residents.
Under direct supervision, the Associate Engineer position performs high-level fast-paced work related to capital project delivery including project management, project administration, budget and cost tracking, technical review and coordination of project plans and specifications, preparation of engineering reports, and resolution of engineering design challenges.
Land & Property Development Division : There is currently an Associate Engineer position vacancy in the Land & Property Development Division. This division is responsible for providing efficient and effective engineering services to support private development projects during the entitlement/planning, design, and construction phases. The division works closely with customers, developers, utility companies and the community to ensure projects comply with City standards. The division is also responsible for reviewing and approving encroachment permits, easement dedications, street/easement abandonments, subdivision maps, processing encroachment agreements, and collecting development-related fees. Additionally, the division provides customer counter services to the public at the City's permit center.
Under direct supervision, the Associate Engineer position performs high-level, fast-paced work related to engineering permitting within the public right of way. This includes reviewing and approving improvement plans and ensuring compliance with City standards and design criteria. The Associate Engineer is expected to plan, organize, and prioritize a varied workload of technical and administrative tasks while using sound engineering judgement to resolve challenges.
Traffic Engineering Division: There is currently an Associate Engineer position vacancy in the Traffic Engineering Division. This division is responsible for traffic engineering, traffic impact analysis reviews, development review, bicycle and pedestrian improvement planning, grant administration, and traffic signal maintenance and operation services for the City. The division also investigates resident/business inquiries related to street parking, traffic calming, intersection controls, and bicycling and pedestrian travel on public streets. In addition, this division coordinates with other agencies such as the Valley Transportation Authority, County of Santa Clara Roads and Airports Department, Caltrans, and the cities of San Jose, Cupertino, and Sunnyvale related to projects, programs, and grant opportunities. Under direct supervision, the Associate Engineer position performs high-level, fast-paced work related to transportation planning, development review, and grant programs. This includes reviewing traffic impact analysis for private and public projects, leading development of transportation studies, and researching, tracking, preparing applications, and administering various transportation grants. The Associate Engineer is expected to plan, organize, and prioritize a diverse workload of technical and administrative tasks while using sound engineering judgement and professionalism in resolving complex challenges.
For all position vacancies in Public Works , the ideal candidate will have relevant engineering experience; excellent project management skills; strong oral and written communications; experience working in a team environment; the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders including but not limited to developers, consultants, contractors, utility companies, other City departments, field staff, outside agency staff, and the public.
Future Openings may include the following division:
The Field Services Division provides construction management, construction inspection, materials testing, and surveying for capital improvement projects such as pavement rehabilitation, traffic signals, storm and sanitary sewers, parks, building improvements and other public improvements. The Field Services Division also provides construction inspection and coordination for developer/private construction of public improvements within the City's right-of-way.
Additional Information:
Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write "see resume, NA, or personnel file."). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, and 3) Supplemental Questionnaire. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application packets may be submitted online through the "Apply Now" feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov . Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of December 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM.
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED ABOVE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.
The annual salary range for this position is $134,379.60 - $171,995.40 Annually. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from a college or university that is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Two (2) years of experience in civil engineering office and field work.
Possible Substitutions:
A Master's Degree in any branch of Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited college or University may be substituted for one (1) year of experience
LICENSES & CERTIFICATION
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at time of appointment and for duration of employment
Possession of a State of California Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certificate or Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California is required at time of appointment and for duration of employment
Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California is desirable
Other licenses and certificates directly related to the Civil Engineering field (e.g. Geotechnical Engineer, Traffic Engineer, Structural Engineer, Land Surveyor, Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Developer (QSD), Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Practitioner (QSP))is desirable
Current city employees appointed to Associate Engineer (Civil) prior to September 1, 2015 are waived of the required State of California Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certificate or Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.
May be required to work shifts, weekends, and odd and unusual hours in the performance of duties and emergency situations.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Incumbents assigned to the Field Services position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually, and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.
Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofsantaclaraca/classspecs/843372)
Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.
Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other @type of visa which requires an employer application.
PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS: Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.
The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov .
City of Santa Clara Benefit Summary Overview for Bargaining Unit #4
Professional Engineers
This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara's benefits available to Bargaining Unit #4 employees in 2025. In the event of any conflict between the information in this summary and the applicable official plan documents, City Manager's Directives (CMDs), Personnel and Salary Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the applicable official plan documents, CMDs, Personnel and Salary Resolution, or MOU will prevail over this summary. Benefits are subject to change.
Retirement:
Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
Classic Employees: 2.7% @ age 55 formula - employee pays 8.00% of gross pay, minus $61 bi-weekly
New Employees: 2.0% @ age 62 formula - employee pays 7.00% of gross pay
Medicare and Social Security (FICA)
Employee pays 6.20% up to $10,918.20 (Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay
Health Insurance:
The City contributes up to 100% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan for Employee Only and Employee + 1 Dependent plans, and up to 90% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan of the Employee + 2 or More Dependents plan
Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis
No cash difference is paid if an employee elects a plan cheaper than the max City contribution
To be eligible for the City's contribution toward health, employees must be on a paid status for at least 80 hours in the month prior to the month of coverage
Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire
Employees hired on or after 1/1/2024 who opt-out of City-offered health insurance and provide annual attestation and acceptable proof of alternative required coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable, are eligible for a cash-in-lieu amount of $250/month. Contact Human Resources for more details
Dental Insurance:
Choice of two Delta Dental plans; enrollment is mandatory
City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire
Vision Insurance:
Choice of two VSP plans
City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire
Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA):
City contributes $50.00 a month toward employee's VEBA account
Account funds may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses after separation from the City and after age 50 (pre-tax)
Life Insurance:
City pays for $50,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage
Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment
Additional optional insurance may be purchased by the employee for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent children
State Disability Insurance (SDI):
Employee pays 1.2% of gross pay (includes Paid Family Leave)
7 day waiting period. Weekly paid leave for absences due to non-work related injuries/illnesses. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information
Paid Family Leave (PFL):
Up to 8 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period to care for a family member or to bond with a new child
No waiting period. Weekly paid leave benefit. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information
Deferred Compensation:
Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions
Employee may contribute up to the lesser of the IRS maximum or 100% of gross compensation into a pre-tax 457(b) account or a post-tax Roth 457(b) account (or a combination of the two accounts) subject to IRS rules
Additionally, the City contributes $166.00 a month toward the 457(b) plan for employees in classifications not in SVP. The City contributes $330.00 a month toward the 457(b) plan for employees in classifications in SVP. This dollar amount will factor into the above mentioned IRS rules and limits
Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan):
Employee may contribute up to $3,300 per year in pre-tax dollars to a health care spending account
Employee may contribute up to $5,000 per year in pre-tax dollars to a dependent care spending account
Employee may contribute up to $325 per month in pre-tax dollars to a commuter benefit plan
Vacation:
Vacation is accrued bi-weekly, cannot use vacation during first 6 months of City service
For 1 - 4 years of service: 10 days (80 hours)/year
For 5 - 9 years of service: 15 days (120 hours)/year
For 10 - 15 years of service: 21 days (168 hours)/year
For 16 - 20 years of service: 22 days (176 hours)/year
For 21+ years of service: 24 days (192 hours)/year
Maximum vacation accrual is 400 hours
Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 60 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out the following calendar year
Sick Leave:
Sick leave is accrued bi-weekly for equivalent of 96 hours per calendar year with no maximum accrual
Up to 48 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for family illness
Up to 32 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for personal leave
Employee may convert sick leave to vacation once per calendar year (annual maximum conversion is 96 hours sick to 48 hours vacation)
Partial sick leave payoff provision on retirement depending on years of service
Compensatory Time Off (CTO):
Employees may accrue CTO in lieu of overtime hours up to a maximum of 240 hours
16 hours of PCTO is credited to employees each January 1st (prorated if hired after January 1st)
Holidays:
Seventeen paid eight-hour holidays per year (13 & 4 holidays between 12/25 to 1/1 of following year and an additional 32 hours of floating holiday for calendar year 2025
Personal Safety Equipment Reimbursement:
Reimbursement up to $200/calendar year toward the purchase or repair of specified protective personal safety equipment (per MOU)
Professional Registration:
The City will pay cost of Professional Engineer registration fee. Employees eligible for $3,600 per year in premium pay for attaining and continued maintenance and possession of Professional Engineering Certification
Tuition Reimbursement Program:
Up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program:
Confidential counseling to employees and dependents. Up to maximum of five (5) consultations per family member per incident per year
City paid benefit
Retiree Medical Reimbursement Program:
Employees who retire from the City with at least ten (10) years of service shall receive reimbursement to help cover retiree single health insurance premiums. The reimbursement maximum includes the PEMHCA minimum.
Up to age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to$425/month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)
After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $254/month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)
Alternate Work Schedule:
An employee, subject to the conditions of the employee's job assignment, may propose an alternate work schedule as described in City Manager's Directive #71. Proposal must be made to the Department Head through the immediate supervisor
Resident Status:
Engineers will be permitted to pay the "resident" rate rather than the non-resident rate for City programs and activities so long as the employee's sign-up or participation will not interfere with a resident's access to or ability to participate in the applicable program or activity
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, omissions, stating "see resume" or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question completely, and in your own words (without the use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools, including but not limited to Chat GPT, Microsoft AI, or any other AI tool), and that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?
Yes
No
02
Please select the option below that best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for the Associate Engineer (Civil).
A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from a college or university that is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) AND at least two (2) years of experience in civil engineering office and field work
A Master's Degree in any branch of Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited college or University AND at least one (1) year of experience in civil engineering office and field work
I do not meet the minimum qualifications
03
Please describe how your education and/or experience meet the minimum qualifications of this position.
04
Possession of a State of California Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certificate or Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California is required at the time of appointment and for the duration of employment. Please select the option below that best describes how you meet this requirement. Please attach any certificates or licenses to your application.
I possess a State of California Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certificate or am registered as a Civil Engineer in the State of California.
I do not currently possess a State of California Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certificate but will possess one by the time of appointment
I do not currently possess a State of California Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certificate and will not possess one by the time of appointment.
05
Please indicate which positions you are interested in. Please note, you will need to answer ALL supplemental questions:
Department of Public Works - Traffic Division
Department of Public Works - Design Division
Department of Public Works - Land and Property Development Division
Water & Sewer Utilities
06
Describe your role, responsibilities, and experience related to the design and construction and/or review of public improvements such as sidewalk, driveways, utilities (water, storm drain, sewer, etc.). If none, indicate N/A.
07
Describe a past project where you had to balance operational performance, planning objectives, and stakeholder input. How did you evaluate trade-offs, incorporate community or agency feedback, and ensure the final solution aligned with broader agency goals If none, indicate N/A.
08
Provide an example of your project management experience that illustrates your abilities for managing several, concurrent projects. Include information on key issues involved, coordination and collaboration methods, tools utilized, and the results. If none, indicate N/A.
Required Question
Employer
City of Santa Clara
Address
1500 Warburton Ave.
Santa Clara, California, 95050
Phone
408-615-2080
Website
http://www.santaclaraca.gov
Please verify your email address Verify Email
