Assistant City Engineer

Description

City of Mission Viejo Invites Applications for

ASSISTANT CITY ENGINEER

$56.11 - $83.69 per hour

Up to 2% COLA effective November 25, 2025

APPLY BY: 3:00 P.M., FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2025

SEARCH SCHEDULE: Online applications must be completed & submitted no later than 3:00 p.m. on the filing deadline. NeoGov will reject all applications started prior to 3:00 p.m., but not submitted by 3:00 p.m. No exceptions will be made to the closing deadline. Please plan accordingly.

The first round of Zoom interviews is scheduled for September 16, 2025. Only one date will be available for an applicant to attend. The City will not accommodate applicant scheduling requests for alternate dates. It is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly when you apply.

The City of Mission Viejo is accepting applications from qualified applicants for the position of Assistant City Engineer. The eligibility list established for this position may be used to fill future full-time, part-time or temporary Assistant City Engineer vacancies.

Currently, there is one (1) full-time vacancy in the Public Works Department assigned to City Hall. This position is scheduled to work Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may vary depending on the needs of the City including on-call and callback assignments, after-hours emergency response, weekend assignments, and special events. This classification is FLSA exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

Your impact

This is a single-position mid-management supervisory classification in the Public Works Department. The incumbent is responsible for providing professional-level support to the Director of Public Works/City Engineer. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background.

Some essential duties include:

• Prepare plans and specifications and manage the construction of various Public Works Capital Improvement Projects including but not limited to roadway widening projects and street resurfacing projects.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate technical engineering personnel and administrative support staff; plan, coordinate and oversee work and confer with staff regarding project priorities and programs.
• Assist in the selection and supervision of consultant professional engineers for the development of plans, specifications, studies and reports; administer professional service contracts.
• Review engineering plans, specifications and documents; review and approve grading and encroachment permits; check computations and specified materials for accuracy and compliance with regulations and laws.
• Review and make recommendations on technical reports and studies; prepare project status reports.
• Prepare City Council agenda items on public works engineering matters and attend meetings as required.
• Oversee the City's Pavement Management Program and the City’s N.P.D.E.S. programs.
• Track the upgrade, repair and replacement of public infrastructure projects and facilities, including the preparation and administration of CIP plans and budgets.
• Provide direction to City and private inspectors.
• Prepare letters, memoranda, and other written correspondence relative to engineering matters; investigate and respond to public complaints.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of budgetary and annual Capital Improvement Budget Report.
• Coordinate engineering-related activities with other City departments and divisions, and with outside agencies such as O.C.T.A, the County of Orange, Caltrans, and the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board.
• Represent the Director of Public Works/City Engineer in their absence.

Applicants are encouraged to review the entire Assistant City Engineer job descriptions by visiting the City’s website at https://cityofmissionviejo.org

YOUR TEAM

The Mission Viejo Public Works Department is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents and businesses. They are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a strong work ethic to join their team.

The department's mission includes providing essential services and implementing improvement projects for the community. Key activities include maintaining and improving public roads, enhancing traffic flow and safety, managing waste and recycling programs, overseeing stormwater pollution prevention, and supporting development initiatives. Additionally, the department actively engages in community outreach to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. If you're passionate about making a difference, consider joining their committed team!

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Knowledge of managing and administering Capital Improvement Projects;
• Knowledge of managing and administering various grant funding sources;
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures;
• Knowledge of water quality and solid waste programs principles and policies;
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations;
• Knowledge of basic principles, practices, procedures and standards related to City public works and engineering infrastructure development and maintenance;
• Knowledge of computer applications related to the work, including computer-aided drafting concepts and applications, including Geographical based Information Systems (GIS) programs;
• Someone who can utilize effective oral communication techniques when representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational and regulatory organizations and with property owners, developers, contractors and the public; and
• Ability to provide a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of engineering as applied to private development projects and public works, utilities, and construction projects.
• Principles of capital improvement cost estimation, project management and contract administration.
• Modern methods, materials and techniques used in the design and construction of a wide variety of public works engineering projects, Subdivision Map Act and subdivision agreements and conveyances.
• Applicable federal and state laws and regulatory codes relevant to civil engineering design and construction and water quality.
• Construction inspection practices.
• Basic principles of supervision and training.
• Computer applications related to the work, including computer-aided drafting concepts and applications, including Geographical based Information Systems (GIS) programs.
• Methods, materials and techniques used in the construction of public works projects.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, direction, review, and training.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational and regulatory organizations and with property owners, developers, contractors and the public.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Safe work practices.

Skill in:

• Coordinate the preparation of specifications, cost estimates, work schedules, plans, maps and reports.
• Make complex engineering computations.
• Interpret and apply federal, state and local standards and regulations as well as engineering plans and specifications.
• Recommend and implement goals and objectives, and check plans.
• Supervise the construction of a wide variety of public works engineering projects.
• Planning, recruiting, scheduling, assigning, directing, and reviewing the work of staff.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Plan, organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
• Effectively representing the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
• Using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Making effective public presentations.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Operating a motor vehicle safely.

Experience and Training and License/Certificate

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field and four (4) years of civil engineering experience, preferably in a public agency setting. Some supervisory experience is desirable but not required. Possession of a Master’s Degree is highly desirable and may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

License and Disclosures

Must possess a valid certificate or registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California.

A driver’s license is not required, but the employee must be able to arrange reliable and timely transportation to offsite facilities and locations to complete essential functions of the position.

The City of Mission Viejo’s Conflict of Interest Code requires this position to file financial disclosure statements in accordance with State and local laws.

Benefits Overview
The following description is a general overview of the benefits provided to City of Mission Viejo benefit eligible employees. For specific details, please review the Human Resources Policies, Management and Budget Policies, Administrative Regulations, and official plan documents, or contact the Human Resources office at 949.470.3060.

Employees of the City are currently covered under the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). While the City does not participate in the Social Security System, federal mandate requires new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare insurance coverage.

Retirement

Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are CalPERS Members –

A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo within less than a six (6) month break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 60 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. Employees are required to contribute the full 7% member contribution, plus an additional 1.5% towards the employer rate.

A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo with a six (6) month or more break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.5%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.

Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are Not CalPERS Members –

Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.5%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.

Employer's Contribution Rate –

Beginning July 1, 2025, the employer's normal cost contribution rate is 11.96%, which reflects the employee pick-up of 1.5% of the employer rate.

Retiree Benefits

Employees Hired On or After December 2, 2006 –

The City's Retiree Health Savings Plan is a defined contribution health reimbursement plan, which is intended to help employees offset post-retirement healthcare costs by allowing employees to contribute pre-tax dollars from their current wages with an additional contribution from the City, into an account that can be accessed upon retirement. To be eligible for the full benefits of the RHS Plan, an employee must reach age 55 with a total of 15 years of service with the City of Mission Viejo.

The RHS Plan requires mandatory contributions from both the employee and the City. Contributions to the RHS Plan will commence for an employee beginning with the first pay period that occurs after the eligible employee's completion of one year of service with the City. Eligible employees will be required to contribute 1.5% of their salary. Deductions will be pre-tax and will be taken from each paycheck.

Starting the same date, the City contribution will be $100 per month ($50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time employees, $75 per month ($37.50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .750 to .999, and $50 per month ($25 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .500 to .749, after the completion of the waiting period. This program is administered by MissionSquare.