Associate Civil Engineer or Sr Civil Engineer

Associate Civil Engineer or Sr Civil Engineer

Salary

$135,702.78 - $187,014.55 Annually

Location

San Diego, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

00321

Department

Engineering

Opening Date

04/20/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Duties

Ideal Candidate

Are you a Civil Engineer who can design water/wastewater infrastructures in a time sensitive manner? Do you possess exceptional problem-solving skills? If so, we would like to hear from you. The ideal candidate will administer and evaluate consultant proposals and bids and assist in drafting and finalizing proposals and contract documents for bidding and award.

Did your military service involve planning infrastructure projects, managing construction efforts, analyzing technical data, or coordinating complex operations? We're looking for individuals with strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage projects from planning through completion, capabilities often developed through military service. If you served in roles such as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) Officer or Navy Seabee (BU/CE/EA), Army Engineer Officer (12A), Marine Corps Combat Engineer (1371), or Air Force Civil Engineer (3E career field), your background could make you an excellent fit for our team.

Experience in project planning, design review, construction management, contract coordination, and infrastructure analysis directly aligns with this position. These roles often require managing timelines, budgets, and contractors while ensuring quality and compliance, core functions of this role. Bring your leadership, technical expertise, and mission-focused mindset to a career supporting critical public infrastructure and community development.

The Otay Water District offers excellent benefits, a balanced work/life environment and is a leader in the industry.

About the Position and Department

We currently have one (1) vacancy and are looking to appoint at either of the following levels depending upon qualifications and experience: Sr. Civil Engineer or Associate Civil Engineer. This position is in the Design/Planning/Water Resources Section of the Engineering Department and reports directly to an Engineering Manager. The position is responsible for the planning, design, construction management and overall project management of Otay Water District Facilities.

The Engineering Department is responsible for the Planning, Budgeting, Design and Construction, and inspection of all Otay Water District facilities as well as the administration of all developer and new customer construction and service applications. Projects include planning, engineering and design facilities for water, recycled water, sewer and support facilities, such as pipelines, reservoirs, pump stations, wells ponds, and a treatment plant. The Engineering Department also manages a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of approximately $19 million (2026). The Department has a staff of approximately 29 employees, supplemented by the services of consultants.

Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection. However, for the earliest consideration, please submit your application materials by May 4, 2026. For information on the recruitment process, please go to the Employment section of our website www.otaywater.gov or click here.

Examples of Duties

Both Sr. Civil and Associate Civil Engineer Duties Include:

• Assists with the development and implementation of the District's Strategic Plan and Performance Measures and Asset Management Program.
• Prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Represents and participates in the District in administrative hearings, public meetings, related investigations and inter-agency coordinated efforts.
• Plans, schedules, and monitors progress on projects to assure completion on schedule and within budget. Recommends changes to meet goals.
• Prepares design calculations, detailed drawings, and specifications for various water, wastewater, and reclamation facility projects.
• Drafts and finalizes proposals and contract documents for bidding of contractor services. Administers and evaluates proposals and bids. Prepares and presents Board staff reports recommending action.
• Administers consultant selection process and reviews, evaluates, and reports on work prepared by consultants. Administers consultant contracts.
• Prepares and finalizes reimbursement and financing agreement with developers.

Sr. Civil Engineer Duties Include:

• Serves as a project manager on District projects, directing the work of assigned project staff and consultants in the planning, design, and construction of District facilities.
• Administers the design and preparation of major capital projects utilizing consulting engineering firms or in-house staff; prepares costs estimates; reviews drawings and specifications for compliance with District standards; interprets specifications and District policies and initiates or reviews change orders.
• Assists with input and preparation of the fiscal year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget and monitors budget expenditures.
• Initiates and approves purchasing requisitions.
• Prepares, analyzes and maintains a variety of computerized reports and records.
• Assists with resolution of technical and complex issues.
• Assesses and monitors workload. Identifies opportunities for improvement and reviews with Engineering Manager and/or the Chief, Engineering and implements improvements.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the section's annual budget. Directs the forecast of additional funds needed for equipment, materials, and supplies. Monitors and approves expenditures. Directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Represents the District in negotiations with developers, contractors, and consultants on fees and charges associated with design and construction of new facilities; and reviews, evaluates, and reports on work prepared by consultants and administers consultant contracts, including approval of invoices.
• Researches, applies and follows up on grant applications.
• Actively researches new sources of both potable and recycled water.
• Provides staff assistance to the Chief, Engineering.
• Directly manages the District's documents such as Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), Water Facilities Master Plan (WFMP), Wastewater Master Plan (WWMP) and others as required.
• Provides guidance as project manager and evaluates work of professional and technical staff.
• Conducts construction site inspections to follow project progress and resolves problems related to drawings, materials, and workmanship; approves change orders or obtains necessary authorizations.
• Actively participates in District facility planning and the Capital Improvements Program, including determination of projects, budgets and scheduling.
• Designs and conducts investigations, studies, tests, and uses computer modeling to evaluate District facilities and operations.
• Prepares reports and analyses, develops recommendations and projects requirements related to District and area expansion in response to projected service demands.
• Interprets policies and procedures established by regulatory agencies and researches new materials and methods for inclusion in District construction standards.
• Interprets data from tests made on materials in field and laboratory for conformance to construction documents.
• Provides technical guidance to District personnel; serves as an interpreter and liaison between Section personnel and professional engineers; and chairs and participates in meetings related to project planning, design and construction.

Associate Civil Engineer Duties Include:

• Serves as a project manager on minor and major District projects, directing the work of assigned project staff and consultants in the planning, design, and construction of District facilities.
• Makes construction site inspections to follow project progress and resolves problems related to drawings, materials, and workmanship; approving change orders or obtaining necessary authorizations.
• Designs and conducts investigations and studies, researches and develops recommendations, and prepares reports associated with District facilities and operations.
• Coordinates and reviews the work of engineers, consultants, technicians, drafters, inspectors, and surveyors assigned to a project.
• Interprets data from tests made on materials in field and laboratory for conformance to construction documents.
• Analyzes hydraulics, prepares computer models, and tests pipelines to establish rate of flow and pressure for operations purposes. Collects and evaluates data to project future pipeline and storage requirements.
• Conducts and participates in meetings related to project planning, design, construction, and inter-agency coordination.
• Prepares agendas and issues comprehensive meeting minutes.
• Performs as Staff Engineer for the Maintenance, Operations, and Construction Sections. Serves as an interpreter and liaison between Section personnel and professional engineers.
• Participates in continuous improvement; develops standards, guidelines, and productivity indicators; and documents processes of same.

For the complete job description go to the Employment section of our website

www.otaywater.gov or click here.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

• A valid California Driver's License.
• A valid certificate of registration as a Professional Civil Engineer issued by the State of California.

Minimum Experience, Education, and Training Requirements

Experience

Senior Civil Engineer: Five (5) years experience in civil engineering preferably performing planning, design and project management for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water facilities, including three (3) years of experience managing consultants.

Associate Civil Engineer: Three (3) years experience in civil engineering preferably performing planning, design, and project management for water, wastewater and recycled water facilities projects and operations.

Education

Both positions require a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.

The Sr. Civil Engineer and Associate Civil Engineer are exempt positions.

Otay Water District is a Smoking, Tobacco and Nicotine Free Campus. All Otay Water District employees are at-will pursuant to California Water Code, Section 71362.

Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status. These benefits do not apply to temporary appointments.

Scheduled salary increases include the following:

• July 1, 2024: 6% Cost-of-Living Adjustment
• July 14, 2025: 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment
• July 13, 2026: 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment
• Annual Merit Increases: Eligible employees are eligible for 3% merit increase on an annual basis until they reach the top of their salary range, based on meeting expectations on their performance review.

Vacation: 12 days/year, increasing to a max of 23 days/year.

Sick Leave: 8 days/year, increasing to max of 15 days/year.

Paid Holidays: 14 days/year, including employees birthday and two floating holidays.

Alternative Work Schedule: A 9/80 work schedule may be available based on the needs of the department. Upon approval, employees would work 80 hours over 9 days and enjoy one day off every two weeks. Some Operations department staff may be subject to a 4/10 work schedule (four 10-hour days within a week).

PERS Retirement: The District contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement plan that includes a lifetime benefit determined by a set formula (years of service, age at retirement, and final compensation). Employees hired after January 1, 2013, are subject to the Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).

Employee Contributions:

New Member (hired on or after 1/1/13 who are new CalPERS members or do not have reciprocity with CalPERS):

• Are enrolled in the 2% at age 62 formula based on the employees 36 months of highest average annual compensation limit set by CalPERS.
• District and employees share the normal employee CalPERS service contribution cost. Employees contribute 7.5% of salary toward the employee CalPERS service contribution cost up to the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS.

Classic Member (hired before January 1, 2013, or who have reciprocity with CalPERS):

• Are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 55 formula based on the employees single highest year annual compensation.
• Employees contribute 8% of salary towards the employee CalPERS service contribution cost.

The District is also a Social Security participant and the District and employee make contributions.

Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (457 Plan): Optional plan designed to provide employees with additional retirement income. Employees may elect to contribute a portion of their income on a pre-tax or post-tax basis through payroll deductions.

Medical/Rx Insurance: Choice of Blue Shield PPO, EPO, HMO or Kaiser HMO plans, 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% for dependent(s).

Dental Insurance: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% paid for dependent(s).

Vision: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 0% for dependent(s).

Flexible Benefits Plan: The District offers a healthcare and dependent care flexible benefits plan. The healthcare account reimburses the employee on a pre-tax basis for medical, pharmacy, dental and other related expenses not covered by the insurance plans. The dependent care account allows employees to pay for employment-related dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.

Group Term Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance: 100% premium paid by the District for employee and eligible dependent(s). Depending on employees annual earnings and/or position, amounts of Life and AD&D insurance range from $15,000 to $50,000. Eligible dependents have life insurance coverage of $1,000.

Voluntary Life Insurance: Employees may elect to cover themselves and eligible dependents for voluntary life insurance. The full cost of this insurance is paid by the employee via payroll deductions

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance: The District provides short-term and long-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of your income after a 30-day elimination period (90-day elimination period for long term disability) if totally disabled due to illness or injury.

Education Reimbursement Program: Employees are eligible to receive reimbursement for District approved courses not to exceed $3,000 per fiscal year.

Certification Incentive Program: Eligible District employees that obtain target certifications that exceed the minimum job requirements may qualify for either a base pay percentage increase or receive a monetary incentive.

Employee Assistance Program: Provides confidential referrals and counseling concerning personal, family, or work-related issues for employees and their dependents.

Free Onsite Workout Facility: The District has a fully equipped exercise room for employees to use before work, after work or during lunchtime.

Yoga Classes: On-site Yoga classes are offered during the lunch hour at the employees expense.

Retirement Benefits:

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) effective September 1, 2024: A Health Reimbursement Arrangement is an interest-bearing, employer-funded account created in your name to reimburse you tax-free in retirement for eligible medical expenses and premiums. Otay Water District makes deposits of employer contributions and mandatory employee contributions while you are employed, but you will not be able to access funds until retirement or separation of service, having met Otay Water District's vesting requirements.

Tier II Eligibility for All Full-time Regular Employees Hired On or After September 1, 2024:

All full-time, regular employees hired on or after September 1, 2024, will participate in a mandatory HRA Plan. The District and the employee will make contributions to the HRA Plan.

The District will contribute $4,000 annually to the employee's HRA from their latest date of hire until they retire or terminate from the District for a maximum period of twenty (20) years. The employee will contribute $1,000.00 annually (or $40 per pay period for the first twenty-five [25] pay periods of the calendar year) to their HRA from their latest date of hire until they retire or terminate from the District. There is a vesting schedule for this Plan as set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Otay Water District Employees Association, effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027.

01

Which best describes your highest level of education COMPLETED?

• I do not possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering.
• Bachelors and Masters Degree in Civil Engineering
• Bachelors Degree or higher in a related or other field.

02

If your Degree(s) is in a related field, please identify the degree and how it relates. If not applicable, please type N/A.

03

Select the position(s) you qualify for and are interested in.

• Sr. Civil Engineer
• Associate Civil Engineer

04

Select all the boxes that apply to the valid license/certification you currently have.

• Valid California Professional Civil Engineering License.
• Engineering-in-Training (E.I.T.) Certificate.
• I do not have the above license or certificate.

05

Which best describes your experience in Civil Engineering?

• I do not have any experience in Civil Engineering.
• I have less than 1 year of experience in Civil Engineering.
• I have 1-2 years experience in Civil Engineering.
• I have 3 years experience in Civil Engineering.
• I have 4 years experience in Civil Engineering.
• I have 5 or more years experience in Civil Engineering.

06

Which best describes your design experience with water, wastewater and reclaimed facilities?

• I do not have design experience with water, wastewater or reclaimed facilities.
• I have 1-2 years of design experience with water, wastewater and reclaimed facilities.
• I have 3-5 years of design experience with water, wastewater and reclaimed facilities.
• I have 6 or more years of design experience with water, wastewater and reclaimed facilities.

07

Describe your design and planning experience with water, wastewater, and reclaimed water facilities projects and operations. Please do not state "See Resume" or "See Application" or your application will be considered incomplete. If you do not have experience in this area, type N/A.

08

Which best describes your years of experience managing consultants in a planning, design, and project management environment?

• I do not have any experience managing consultants.
• I have 1-2 years of experience managing consultants.
• I have 3 years of experience managing consultants.
• I have 4-5 years of experience managing consultants.
• I have 6 or more years of experience managing consultants.

09

Describe your experience managing consultants and reviewing their quality of work. Please do not state "See Resume" or "See Application" or your application will be considered incomplete. If you do not experience in this area, type N/A

10

Which best describes your skill level and knowledge of AutoCad?

• I do not have any experience using AutoCad.
• I understand basic drawing commands and concepts such as viewports, model space, paper space, zooming and panning.
• I understand the above commands and concepts including external references, hatching, polylines, wipeouts, dimensioning and blocks. I also understand Land Desktop/Civil 3-D concepts such as points, alignments and profiles. (1)
• I understand the above commands and concepts including tables, styles, workspaces. I also understand Land Desktop/Civil 3-D concepts such as grading and surfaces

11

Describe your experience managing planning, design, engineering, and construction management of capital water, wastewater facilities, including experience with development services projects, and environmental science. Please do not state "See Resume" or "See Application" or your application will be considered incomplete. If you do not have experience in this area, type N/A.

12

What else would you like to tell us that would make you the ideal candidate?

Required Question

Employer Otay Water District

Address 2554 Sweetwater Springs Boulevard

Spring Valley, California, 91978

Phone 619-670-2222

Website https://www.otaywater.gov