ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER
New Today
Location : Novato, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-24
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 07/25/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Description
Come Join Our Team!
THE CITY OF NOVATO IS RECRUITING
FOR
ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER
*This recruitment remains open and ongoing until filled*
First Review Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025
The City of Novato is seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Associate Civil Engineer to join our Public Works Department. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to play a key role in the planning, design, and delivery of a wide range of public infrastructure projects that directly serve our community.
We are looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative team member who brings strong technical skills and sound judgment to their work. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in civil engineering principles and practices, including public infrastructure design, construction management, and review of private development plans. Experience with budgeting, environmental compliance, and coordination with agencies, consultants, and the public is highly desirable.
This position offers the chance to manage meaningful capital improvement projects, oversee consultant contracts, and contribute to efforts that enhance the safety, functionality, and sustainability of Novato's streets, drainage systems, and other critical infrastructure. The successful candidate will enjoy a balance of field work, project management, and community engagement, along with the opportunity to present projects before decision-making bodies such as the Planning Commission and City Council.
Novato values innovation, service, and professionalism. If you're a dedicated engineer who wants to make a tangible impact through public service and infrastructure excellence, we invite you to apply and grow your career with us.
Additional Benefits
- 9/80 work schedule, every other Friday off
- Accrue vacation at a rate of 80 hours per year, to start
- Provided with 40 hours of sick leave upon hire
- 14 paid holidays per year
- Monthly health premium paid by the City up to $2,893.54, depending on enrollment
- Free parking on site
- Office is within walking distance of terrific restaurants, shopping, and the downtown SMART station
DEFINITION
To perform a variety of responsible professional engineering work involving the planning, permitting, design, and construction of a variety of capital improvement projects and/or private development projects, from conception to completion; to oversee, review and approve the work of outside consultants; to perform professional engineering studies; and to receive, research and respond to inquiries from the public and outside agencies.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level in the professional Engineer series and is distinguished from the Assistant level by the ability to perform the full range of duties assigned with only occasional instruction or assistance as unusual or unique situations arise and by the requirement to possess registration as a Professional Engineer.
This class is distinguished from the Senior Civil Engineer in that the latter is the advanced journey and performs the more complex professional engineering duties which includes providing direct supervision to lower level professional and technical staff.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from a Senior Civil Engineer or other assigned supervisor or manager; may provide technical or functional supervision to technical staff.
Example of Duties
ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS -Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
- Prepare plans and specifications for the design, construction, and maintenance/operation of a variety of public works facilities and projects; provide estimates in connection with the construction or maintenance of a variety of engineering projects to include street lighting, street resurfacing, general street improvements, drainage and other capital improvement and public works projects as assigned; and ensure conformance to City standards and practices.
- Research project design requirements and perform related calculations; conduct plan checks to ensure contractor compliance with City and various environmental regulatory standards; prepare time and material cost estimates, especially as related to existing or anticipated project budgets.
- Review and process private development plans for subdivisions, commercial, and residential projects; ensure that such plans comply with City standards and requirements; develop project conditions.
- Prepare engineering studies and reports; participate in coordinating public works-related activities with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies, citizens, consultants, and developers.
- Act as project manager over the administration of apportionment of assessments; prepare and coordinate the Engineers Reports for assessments districts involving private development related activities; and prepare staff report for the annual assessment presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council.
- Review and assist with land development plans, construction documents and encroachment permit applications as assigned.
- Receive, research and respond to a variety of questions and inquiries from residents, contractors, and developers regarding City procedures, property information and project status.
- Represent the department and City at community, local and regional committees, commissions and meetings; respond to questions and provide technical support as required.
- Prepare bid documents including Request for Proposals, technical specifications, bid advertisements and draft contracts; assist with the selection and oversight of outside consultants.
- Prepare staff reports; make presentations to City Council, Planning Commission and Design Review Commission, as required; attend and represent department at various local, regional and public meetings.
- Prepare, review and interpret special engineering analysis and reports.
- Coordinate, create, review or assist with engineering plans, charts, diagrams, graphs, tables, sketches, exhibits and staff reports for the Planning Commission, City Council and other uses.
- Draft and monitor grants and applications to secure funding; oversee consulting and construction service contracts; conduct field inspections; and ensure project related information is received by appropriate staff, the public or agency in a timely manner.
- Investigate field problems and issues affecting property owners, contractors and maintenance operations; develop and recommend solutions.
- Perform and provide technical and professional engineering support for a variety of special project and studies.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Marginal Functions:
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of professional engineering as applied to a variety of public works, building/facilities construction, traffic, and/or private development projects.
- Methods, materials, and techniques used in the design, construction, and maintenance/operation of public works programs and activities.
- Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in the design, construction, installation, safety, upgrade and maintenance of general civil engineering, transportation, traffic management and studies, pavement management and drainage operations.
- Surveying, drafting, computer-aided design and modeling techniques and technology.
- Pertinent local, State, Federal rules, regulations and laws related to area of engineering assignment.
- Legal parameters of land development such as Subdivision Map Act.
- Principles and practices of traffic engineering and transportation planning.
- Project budgeting techniques and capital project management.
- Recent developments, current literature and sources of information regarding civil and structural engineering.
- Principles and practices of customer service.
- Techniques and principles of effective interpersonal communication.
- Principles and practices of safety management.
- Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment, including use and application of word processing, spreadsheet, database programs and specialized engineering applications.
- English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Ability to:
- Perform the full range of professional public works engineering duties including preparation of plans, specifications, maps, deeds, legal descriptions, the conduct of special engineering studies, and construction management.
- On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
- Interpret and apply City standards and regulations and engineering policies and procedures as well as applicable laws and regulations related to area of engineering assignment.
- Prepare accurate estimates of costs, schedules, personnel, materials and other resources related to engineering project responsibilities; make recommendations related to existing or anticipated project budgets.
- Work effectively with a variety of internal and external customers to accomplish goals and objectives; deal firmly and courteously with citizens, developers, consultants, and contractors.
- Check engineering plans and specifications; prepare and check engineering reports and studies.
- Analyze and prepare technical reports.
- Obtain information through interview, to handle multiple assignments, to work with interruption, and to deal firmly and courteously with citizens, developers, consultants, and contractors.
- Read, understand, analyze, and use blueprints, construction plans, technical drawings, engineering plans and specifications and reports; reduce, interpret and apply field notes.
- Perform engineering and mathematic calculations with speed and accuracy; perform other engineering duties; and write technical reports as assigned.
- Project and analyze costs; research and write grant drafts; understand and assist with negotiation of contracts.
- Attend public meetings in the evening to perform the requirements of the job.
- Investigate, analyze and resolve engineering field conditions and issues.
- Prepare clear, complete, accurate, timely and concise written correspondence and reports.
- Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective, tactful and positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including various cultural and ethnic groups.
- Foster and contribute to a work environment that supports and exhibits honesty, diversity, integrity, trust and respect.
- Demonstrate teamwork by contributing to the overall success of the organization with flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
- Provide high quality and fiscally responsible services to the Novato community, while delivering responsive customer service.
- Demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit by generating new, innovative ideas and development of better methods to accomplish tasks and complete projects.
- Use principles of effective office safety including use of equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintaining safe personal and common workspaces.
Additional Information
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of progressively responsible experience similar to an Assistant Engineer with the City of Novato.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or related field.
License and Certificates:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license and proof of automobile liability insurance as required by the position.
Possession of current registration and a Professional Civil Engineer as issued by the State of California.
Working Conditions and Environmental Conditions:
Work in a typical office environment utilizing computers. Occasional attendance at night and weekend meetings and events is required. Duties require positions to, on a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
SELECTION PROCESS
It is important to complete all required application materials, including the supplemental questionnaire and any required additional documents. All applications will be screened for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications. Qualified applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to continue in the selection process which may consist solely of an application screening, or may include a written examination, skills assessment, oral appraisal interview, assessment center, or other activity selected by the Human Resources Department and the hiring department. As a result of the selection process an eligibility list of qualified candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies as long as the eligibility list remains active. Candidates who score the highest in the selection process will be required to pass a reference and background exam prior to receiving a conditional job offer. Candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment will be required to pass a pre-employment medical and drug screen examination prior to receiving a final job offer.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Only online applications will be accepted. To be considered for this exciting opportunity, candidates must complete an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. The supplemental questionnaire is part of the application; please provide sufficient detail to enable your answers to be rated.
FIRST REVIEW APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59PM on Sunday, August 10, 2025
Accommodation: Applicants who may require special assistance in any step of the selection process should advise Human Resources by emailing hr@novato.org upon submittal of application.
The City of Novato is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary:
Starting salary is generally the first step of the range listed; however, advanced step appointments may be approved based upon qualifications when warranted. Subsequent salary increases within the range are scheduled yearly and may be granted based upon satisfactory service.
9/80 work schedule with closures on alternate Fridays. Employees work nine hours per day and eight hours per day on the working Friday.
Benefits:
The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). In compliance with AB 340, CalPERS retirement formula is either 2% at 55; employee contributes 9.5% of salary, or 2% at 62; employee contributes 7.25% of salary, depending on eligibility.
The City provides a specific dollar amount to each employee based on the employee's benefit enrollment level to apply to medical, dental, life and disability insurance. The dental program and life insurance policy are mandatory. Health, vision and disability options are available. Employees who do NOT enroll in a healthcare plan through the City will receive up to $250 per month as an addition to their gross earnings.
Other Benefits Information:
- Employee Assistance Program: A City-paid EAP is available for employees and members of their household.
- Long-term Disability Insurance is provided as an optional benefit. Employee pays $9.78 per month if opting in.
- State Disability Insurance (SDI) is provided. Employee pays 0.6% of salary (pre-tax).
- Deferred Compensation Savings Plans (457) are available to employees through a deferred compensation program.
- Employee must pay an amount equal to 1.45% of salary toward Medicare. An equal amount is paid by the City.
- The City does not participate in Social Security.
Leaves:
- The City offers 14 paid holidays;
- 80 hours of vacation after 1 year (graduates to 21 days for 20 years of service); Employees currently working for another agency (state, federal or local) will have their vacation rate adjusted to account for their years of service with that public agency.
- New employees will receive 40 hours of sick leave on their start date. (unused leave applied to service credit at retirement).
01
I understand that this position requires that I successfully complete and pass a pre-employment physical, fingerprinting (LiveScan), and drug screen.
- Yes
- No
02
I certify that all information provided on my application and supplemental questionnaire is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge; and I understand that all information is subject to verification; and that false or incomplete information will result in disqualification from the selection process or dismissal, if hired.
- Yes
- No
Required Question
- Location:
- Novato
- Job Type:
- FullTime