UTILITIES ASSISTANT OR ASSOCIATE WATER ENGINEER

City of Riverside

Riverside, CA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$44.05–$53.53 Per Hour
SKILLS
Administrative Policies, Analysis Skills, ArcGIS, Best Practices, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), Capital Project, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Construction, Construction Engineering, Contract Creation, Contract Requirements, Cost Engineering, Cost Estimates, Data Analysis, Data Cleaning, Data Collection, Data Sets, Dental Insurance, Disability Insurance, Documentation, Economic Analysis, Economics, Engineer in Training (EIT), Engineering, Engineering Management, Environmental Economics, Environmental Engineering, Establish Priorities, Feasibility Analysis, Health Plan, High School Diploma, Hydraulic Engineering, Hydrogeology, Industry Standards, Legal, Maintain Compliance, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Multitasking, Performance Analysis, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Project Engineering, Project Evaluation, Project/Program Coordination, Regulations, Reporting Skills, Retirement Plan, Safety Compliance, Staff Development, State Laws and Regulations, Systems Analysis, Technical Presentation, Technical Writing, Time Management, Truck Driver, Vision Plan, Water Quality Testing, Water Utility, White Papers, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Riverside, CA
POSTED
8 days ago

UTILITIES ASSISTANT OR ASSOCIATE WATER ENGINEER

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Riverside, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-7151-7156-01

Department

Public Utilities-Water

Division

PU-WATER UTILITY - ENGINEERING

Opening Date

06/25/2026

Closing Date

7/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

The Position

The City of Riverside, Public Utilities Department (RPU) is accepting applications for the position of UTILITIES ASSISTANT OR ASSOCIATE WATER ENGINEER to fill one (1) vacancy in the Water Engineering Planning Division. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.

Under direct general supervision, the Utilities Assistant Water Engineer performs supervisory and/or professional water engineering work in the design, investigation, and construction of water utility projects and performs related work, as required.

Under general supervision, the Utilities Associate Water Engineer performs supervisory and/or professional water engineering work in the design, investigation, and construction of water utility projects and performs related work, as required

Pay Ranges (Tier 2/3):

Utilities Assistant Water Engineer: $44.05/hr. - $53.53/hr.

Utilities Associate Water Engineer: $52.17/hr. - $69.91/hr.

Work Performed

When working as a Utilities Assistant Water Engineer typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Performs studies of technical, environmental, and economic feasibility, engineering field studies, and related studies pertaining to proposed and existing municipal facilities.
  • Prepares contracts and specifications for engineering and construction services.
  • Plans and performs their own work and completes special projects requiring engineering and technical ability as assigned.
  • Provides background information and documentation for management consideration on various projects.
  • Makes sound decisions on minor problems related to the work being performed based on established guidelines and principles and supervisor guidance.

In addition to above, when working as a Utilities Associate Water Engineer typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Plan and perform water construction engineering work professionally and accurately; participate in and complete water projects, water quality projects, and upgrades to the Water infrastructure requiring general engineering and technical ability.
  • Perform advanced studies of technical, environmental, and economic feasibility, engineering field studies, and related studies pertaining to proposed and existing municipal facilities; provide insight, expertise, supervision, and direction for water projects and initiatives.
  • Research, investigate, and discover activities pertaining to new and failed materials, engineering, and construction practices; provide recommendations and expertise regarding faulty materials and potential solutions.
  • Prepare, draft, and create contracts and specifications for engineering and construction services; effectively apply engineering knowledge to specific projects or problems needing engineering solutions.
  • Develop and update written directives for the department and for use by other employees to include engineering guidelines, standard material lists, standard specifications, and other technical and administrative policies and procedures as applicable; research activities pertaining to water materials and engineering practices.
  • Develop, coordinate, and assist in the water infrastructure activities and management of large engineering projects; assist in the identification of special and critical problems which have an important effect on other significant utility projects.
  • Prepare and review economic, hydraulic and hydrogeologic analyses and project justification reports.
  • Provide background information and documentation for management consideration on major projects and technical matters involving engineering theories, concepts, and principles.
  • Make sound decisions independently on major technical problems and methods related to the work being performed; monitor and oversee safety adherence and compliance.
  • Perform site visits to water facilities and construction sites to gather information, observe construction activity, or collect data.
  • Attend meetings with other City Departments and outside agencies to coordinate projects with other agencies.
  • Perform related work as required.

Qualifications

Qualifications for Utilities Assistant Water Engineer:

Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or in a closely related field.

Experience: One (1) year of experience in professional water utility or related engineering work.

Necessary Special Requirements:

  • Possession of an appropriate, valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
  • Possession of an Engineer-In-Training Certificate or Professional Civil Engineer Licensure in California is highly desired.

Highly Desired Qualifications for Utilities Assistant Water Engineer:

Knowledge in the following:

  • Knowledge of hydraulic modeling principles, hydraulic calculations, and the use of hydraulic modeling software (AquaTwin, InfoWater, Water CAD, WaterGEMS, etc.) to perform analyses of system shutdown impacts, future demand scenarios, fire flows, etc.
  • Knowledge of applicable water industry standards, regulations, and guidance documents, including AWWA standards, state drinking water regulations, fire flow requirements, and utility planning best practices.

Experience in the following:

  • Experience in the use of Excel to perform data cleaning and manipulation and analyses of large data sets.
  • Experience in the use of ArcGIS for preparing maps, project exhibits, and performing spatial analyses.
  • Experience in researching and investigating water system issues, water materials, and engineering practices,
  • Experience in project coordination with other Divisions, City Departments and outside agencies.

Ability to do the following:

  • Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on technical report writing and technical presentations.

Qualifications for Utilities Associate Water Engineer:

Education: A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or in a closely related field.

Experience: Two (2) years of experience in professional water utility or related engineering work.

Necessary Special Requirements:

  • Possession of an appropriate, valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
  • Possession of an Engineer-In-Training Certificate is required.
  • Professional Civil Engineer Licensure in California is highly desired.

In addition to Assistant level HDs above, Highly Desired Qualifications for Utilities Associate Water Engineer:

Experience in the following:

  • Experience in preparing water master plans, white papers and preliminary design reports.
  • Experience in the planning of new and replacement water facilities including wells, booster stations, pressure reducing stations, transmission pipelines and distribution mains.
  • Experience in preparing economic feasibility studies, engineering cost estimates, and economic analysis of water rate components.
  • Experience in developing Capital Improvement Projects prioritization list for replacement and rehabilitation of water distribution pipelines.

Ability to do the following:

  • Manage multiple assignments simultaneously, establish priorities, meet project schedules, and deliver high-quality technical reports.
  • Resolve planning conflicts with engineers, consultants and outside agencies.

Selection Process

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:

1) Completed Employment Application

2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire

FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide).

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:

If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

Positions that require, or may require, a California Commercial Driver's License are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre-employment process.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.

NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.

Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:

  • An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at Members - NACES or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/.
  • An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - General Unit

The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:

  • Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.

  • Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.

  • Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,687 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).

  • Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.

  • Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.

  • Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance equal to $100,000. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employees and eligible dependents (up to $300k).

  • Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $50 a month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.

  • Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the SEIU MOU for specific details.

  • Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.

  • State Disability Insurance - Automatic coverage administered by the Employee Development Department (EDD) of the State of California

  • Vacation Accrual - 0-4 yrs. = 80hrs, 5-9 yrs. = 120hrs, 10+ yrs. = 160 hrs.

For other special compensation, refer to the SEIU MOU.

For additional benefits information, please visit the following website: https://www.riversideca.gov/human/employee-hub/benefits/about-1

For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.

01

Instructions: The information on the application and your responses to the following supplemental questions will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum and/or highly desirable qualifications for the position in which you are applying. Detailed responses must be provided for each question in order to ensure qualifications are properly considered.

(*Do not refer to a resume in lieu of completing the supplemental questions).

Employers listed on this questionnaire must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application.

  • I understand.

02

Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

  • Less than High School Diploma or GED
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Some college coursework completed
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • PhD

03

Please indicate whether you possess a Bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university in any of the areas of major coursework below.

  • I do not possess a Bachelors Degree in any of the majors listed below
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Other related degree to an area above

04

Do you possess an Engineering-in-Training Certificate?

  • Yes
  • No

05

Do you possess a California Professional Civil Engineer License?

  • Yes
  • No

06

Indicate the years of experience in professional water utility or related engineering work.

  • Less than 1 year
  • More than 1 year, less than 2 years
  • 2 years, or more

07

Which of the following do you have knowledge in, check ALL that apply:

  • Knowledge of hydraulic modeling principles, hydraulic calculations, and the use of hydraulic modeling software (AquaTwin, InfoWater, Water CAD, WaterGEMS, etc.) to perform analyses of system shutdown impacts, future demand scenarios, fire flows, etc.
  • Knowledge of applicable water industry standards, regulations, and guidance documents, including AWWA standards, state drinking water regulations, fire flow requirements, and utility planning best practices
  • None of the above

08

Which of the following do you have experience with? Check ALL that apply:

  • Experience in the use of Excel to perform data cleaning and manipulation and analyses of large data sets.
  • Experience in the use of ArcGIS for preparing maps, project exhibits, and performing spatial analyses.
  • Experience in preparing water master plans, white papers and preliminary design reports.
  • Experience in the planning of new and replacement water facilities including wells, booster stations, pressure reducing stations, transmission pipelines and distribution mains.
  • Experience in researching and investigating water system issues, water materials, and engineering practices.
  • Experience in project coordination with other Divisions, City Departments and outside agencies.
  • Experience in preparing economic feasibility studies, engineering cost estimates, and economic analysis of water rate components.
  • Experience in developing Capital Improvement Projects prioritization list for replacement and rehabilitation of water distribution pipelines.
  • Knowledge of applicable water industry standards, regulations, and guidance documents, including AWWA standards, state drinking water regulations, fire flow requirements, and utility planning best practices.
  • None of the above

09

Please indicate the type of valid drivers license you currently possess.

  • None
  • Class A
  • Class B
  • Class C
  • Out of State License

10

Certification: I understand that I cannot update my application once it has been submitted. Therefore, I have fully completed ALL sections, provided full descriptions of my duties and responsibilities for each employer, and have fully answered ALL questions on the Supplemental Questionnaire. (Do not refer to a resume or other documentation, as it will not be reviewed.) Employers noted on the Supplemental Questionnaire must also be included and fully detailed on the Application.

  • I understand.

Required Question

Employer City of Riverside

Address 3900 Main Street

Riverside, California, 92522

Phone 951-826-5808

Website http://www.riversideca.gov

About the Company

C

City of Riverside