Associate Engineer/Architect

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 8/28/26, 9/11/26 (final).

About the Role

Positions in this series perform a variety of professional engineering and/or architectural activities in connection with the planning, design, construction, alteration, code enforcement, surveying, testing of materials, contract administration, and/or management of public works projects. These projects include, but are not limited to:

• Buildings and other structures
• Streets, highways, and bridges
• Sewer, water, and drainage pipeline systems
• Water supply and wastewater treatment
• Solid waste management
• Airports and parks
• Site improvements

Knowledge and Abilities

Applicable to All Options

• Engineering and design analysis
• Engineering and architectural procedures and principles
• Construction practices and safety requirements
• The strength, properties, and use of materials in building construction
• Principles and techniques of personnel management, training, and supervision
• General knowledge of City, County, State, and Federal building codes and regulations, and the principles upon which the codes and regulations are based
• Report and specification writing
• Plans and specification requirements

Building Design Option

• Effective space utilization
• Contracts and the legal relationships between owner, architect, consultant, contractor, and sub-contractor
• Drafting practices and techniques
• Program requirements
• Interrelationship between human and environmental factors as they apply to building design

Building Inspection Option

• Principles and practices applicable to the structural evaluation and design of complex buildings and structures
• Construction code requirements including, but not limited to, occupancy safety, fire resistive construction, approved standards, and State disability accessibility requirements
• Building permit procedures used by local governments

Abilities

• Prepare plans and specifications
• Review plans and specifications and recognize and require needed changes prior to approval
• Make estimates of materials, labor, and other elements entering into the cost of building construction, remodeling, and maintenance
• Supervise the work of office staff; establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Prepare correspondence, schedules, and technical reports

Requirements

• Current registration as a Civil Engineer or Architect in the State of California.
• Two years of experience in the design, construction, or plan review of multi-story buildings and facilities for human occupancy.

Note: If the word “experience” is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Applicants must submit proof of educational or certificate/license requirements with the application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Special Requirements

• A valid Driver's License, Class C or higher, is required prior to appointment to all positions in this class series. Failure to maintain a valid California Driver's License may constitute cause for termination.
• Per Assembly Bill 717, positions assigned to the Building Inspection Division are required to obtain a certification from a recognized state, national, or international association within two years of hire or assignment. Some positions require one year of verifiable experience in the appropriate field and one year thereafter to obtain certification. Failure to meet certification requirements may constitute cause for termination.
• Positions may require completion of a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education every three years.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Work Hours: Frequent: working in excess of 40 hours a week; Occasional: working irregular hours, particularly during emergency situations.
• Emotional/Psychological: Frequent: having public contact, making decisions affecting health and safety of employees/residents, responding to changing priorities.
• Visual: Frequent: good overall vision, reading, close-up work, and peripheral vision. Some positions require the ability to discern the full spectrum of colors.
• Hearing: Frequent: hearing normal speech and on the telephone.
• Talking: Frequent: talking in person and on the telephone.
• Mobility: Frequent: performing keyboard operations and sitting for long periods. Occasional: walking on uneven terrain at construction sites, etc.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.