Civil Engineering Associate

Civil Engineering Associate

Salary

$105,518.40 - $124,176.00 Annually

Location

Santa Ana, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

1810GE-0826-080 (O)

Department

OC Public Works

Opening Date

09/02/2026

Closing Date

9/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

CAREER DESCRIPTION

CIVIL ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidates qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Civil Engineering Associate positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PT).

OC INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS/OC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES/OC PUBLIC WORKS

OC Infrastructure Programs provides engineering services for roadways in unincorporated areas and regional flood control programs throughout Orange County. This includes programming, design, legislation tracking, project management, traffic safety, and development coordination services.

OC Development Services oversees the planning and development entitlement requirements for private and public projects within the County's unincorporated areas. This includes permit processing, inspection services and management of zoning, building and code regulations - all to ensure safe and responsible property development and community standards.

OC Public Works provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, to cities, and to other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through efficient delivery and maintenance of public works infrastructure, planning, and development services. OC Public Works core values are integrity, accountability, service and trust.

OCPW is a unique County department comprised of ten (10) service areas: Administrative Services, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction; OC Development Services; OC Environmental Resources; OC Facilities Design & Construction and CUF; OC Facilities Maintenance & OC Fleet Services; OC Infrastructure Programs; OC Operations & Maintenance.

Click here for more information on OC Public Works.

Click here for more information on the County of Orange.

THE OPPORTUNITY

OC Public Works is seeking an experienced, non-registered civil engineering professional to perform a variety of field and office civil engineering work as a Civil Engineering Associate. Positions at this level are responsible for journey-level assignments and perform independent engineering analysis and recommendations while generally working under the project leadership of Civil Engineers. Assignments may involve complex or specialized engineering projects across roadway, active transportation, flood control, hydrology, hydraulics, and infrastructure project development.

OC Infrastructure Programs is currently recruiting for four (4) Civil Engineering Associate positions. Assignments include two positions within the Project Development Unit, one position withing the Hydrology Unit, and one position within the Flood Design Unit.

OC Development Services is currently recruiting for one (1) Civil Engineering Associate position. Assignment will be withing the Building and Safety Unit.

Responsibilities and duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Developing and evaluating infrastructure projects
• Performing and coordinating civil engineering analyses and studies
• Developing project programming and delivery documents
• Preparing, reviewing, and coordinating engineering plans, specifications, reports, studies, calculations, and other technical documents
• Managing and coordinating projects and consultants
• Conducting field investigations and site evaluations
• Reviewing plans and engineering calculations for residential and nonresidential construction projects

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

Recent experience with using computer modeling software for urban planning and/or CADD (Computer Aided Drafting & Design) systems is highly desirable, but not required.

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Project development and project management
• Roadway, bridge, bikeway, or ADA design
• Flood control and hydraulic engineering design
• Hydrology and floodplain management
• Drainage and stormwater engineering

In addition, the ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in the following core competencies:

Technical Expertise & Knowledge

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering
• Working knowledge of County of Orange regulations, standards, and details
• Preparing accurate engineering computations and performing moderate to complex mathematical calculations
• Computer literate with demonstrated knowledge of MS-Office applications and with other engineering software programs such as AES (Advanced Engineering Software), WSPGW (Water Surface Pressure Gradient for Windows), HEC RAS, AutoCAD and Civil3D

Problem Solving & Analytical Skills

• Experienced in identifying problems, solving them, acting decisively, and showing good judgment
• Isolating causes from symptoms, and compiling information and alternatives to evaluate problems or issues
• Involving others as appropriate and gathering information from a variety of sources
• Finding a balance between studying the problem and solving it

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to clearly and concisely convey technical and/or complex information to a diverse workgroup
• Ability to draft and interpret technical reports and memos
• Demonstrate a high degree of motivation and willingness to learn
• Maintain a professional perspective and objective demeanor when varied situations occur
• Review and handle complex projects involving several functional groups
• Recognize and embrace the value of safety both in the field and in the office
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with management, Orange County elected officials and representatives, external agencies, and with the public as necessary

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California Drivers License, Class C or higher, is required by date of appointment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Please click here for details on the Civil Engineering Associate classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)

Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Online Assessment (Proctored, Weighted 100%)

Applicants who meet qualifications will be invited to participate in one or more job related assessments. Applicants will be notified of their test date and access code, if applicable. Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible List

Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Based on the Countys needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Veterans Employment Preference

The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION

Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Brian Quinlan at brian.quinlan@pw.oc.gov or 714-667-9750.

EEO INFORMATION

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Please note that Extra Help employees are not eligible for the benefits listed.

Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.

http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information

01

INSTRUCTIONS: The information you provide on this questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your level of expertise during the recruitment process. Be as specific as possible and include all information requested. If you do not have the experience in an area, please answer "N/A". Statements such as "see application" or "see resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a response. All employers, education, and/or training referenced on this questionnaire must be listed in your application. Do you understand these instructions?

• Yes

02

Do you possess a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher?

• Yes
• No

03

Please select the option which best describes your experience and education as it relates to the minimum qualifications for the position. Please note the Work Experience section of your application should support your selection. A copy of your degree or unofficial transcript showing that a degree was conferred must be attached to your application. Please attach the required documents to avoid disqualification in the recruitment process. NOTE Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

• Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering or a related field from an accredited college along with one (1) or more years of professional work experience in the principles of Civil Engineering post college graduation
• Possession of a valid certificate as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) issued by the California state licensing board for professional engineers along with one (1) or more years of professional work experience in the principles of Civil Engineering post receipt of EIT
• Masters degree in Civil Engineering or a related field from an accredited college
• None of the above

04

In reference to question #3, please describe your professional experience related to civil engineering, such as reviewing of engineering technical reports for verification of design parameters and integrity, and managing the design and preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates for public works projects. In your response, please include:

• Employer
• Length of employment
• Job duties and responsibilities

05

Do you possess a valid certificate as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) issued by the California state licensing board for professional engineers? If yes, a copy of your valid certificate must be attached to your application. Please attach the required documents to avoid disqualification in the recruitment process.

• Yes, and I have attached a copy of my certificate
• No

06

Please select the job assignment(s) in which you have at least six (6) months of experience/education. Select all that apply. The disciplines you select must be supported by your application.

• Buildings/Facilities
• Bridge Design
• CADD/Computer Modeling Software
• Capital Projects
• Construction
• Development Support
• Environmental Engineering
• Flood Control/Design
• Hydrology
• Hydraulic Engineering Design
• Landfills/Waste & Recycling Facilities
• Project Management
• Project Development
• Regulatory Permits
• Road Design
• Traffic Design/Engineering
• Urban Planning and Model Simulations
• Water Quality Engineering
• Engineering Surveying
• No experience

07

For each discipline you selected in question #7, briefly describe your specific experience, education and/or training. In your response, please include:

• Employer, education, and/or training
• Length of experience
• Job title and job duties, if applicable

Required Question

Employer County of Orange

Address 400 W CIVIC CENTER DRIVE

Santa Ana, California, 92701

Phone 714-834-2555

Website https://hrs.oc.gov