Graduate Civil Engineer

About the Role

This is beginning level civil engineering work. Employees in this class perform assignments of limited but increasing scope and complexity, intended to develop the knowledge and abilities of the engineer. Assignments require evaluative thinking and are carried out in accordance with standard engineering practices and general work instruction. Completed work is used as a basis by others to further engineering projects. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher-level engineer.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and benefits
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Hiring bonus of $1,500, paid in two installments:
  • $1,000 after completing three months of satisfactory full-time probationary employment
  • $500 after completing twelve months of satisfactory full-time employment

Requirements

Education

Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university, with major course work in civil, hydraulic, environmental, structural, or architectural engineering.
• For Construction unit positions only in Streets Department or Licenses and Inspections Department: Completion of a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited college or university in construction management, engineering technology, civil, hydraulic, sanitary, structural, or architectural engineering.
• Any equivalent combination of education that includes completion of a bachelor's degree program in an acceptable area of engineering.

Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within nine (9) months of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination. Candidates may not be hired until all requirements have been satisfied. Candidates must indicate their anticipated graduation date.

Residency and Preferences

• Residency Waiver: The usual requirement that candidates must be residents of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment has been waived. Residency in Philadelphia will be required no later than one (1) year after appointment.
• Preference for Philadelphia Residents: Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the examination date receive priority over others with identical test scores. Documentation of residence may be required.
• Preference Points for Open-Competitive Exams: Additional points may be added to final scores for:
  • U.S. Veteran’s Preference: 10 points for honorably discharged veterans (DD214, member 4, or NGB-22 required). Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also qualify.
  • Legacy Preference: 10 points for children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers killed or died in the line of duty.
  • National Volunteer Service Preference: Up to 5 points for completing a term of service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA, or at least 450 hours with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).
  • Philadelphia School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Preference: Up to 5 points for candidates who graduated from a CTE program within the last three years. CTE graduates are ranked directly below veterans if points would otherwise rank them above.

Exam and Eligibility

• Eligible List: Open-competitive only; no promotional preference for permanent City employees. The list is valid for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years.
• Training and Experience Evaluation: Applicants are scored based on submitted documentation (e.g., college transcripts, licenses, certifications). No in-person exam is required.
• Test Review: Candidates may review their test papers within 30 days of results being mailed to check for scoring errors or irregularities.
• Indebtedness Notice: As a condition of employment, candidates must certify they are current on all debts, taxes, fees, or judgments owed to the City or Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), or have entered a payment agreement. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of appointment.

An eligible list will be established the week of October 5, 2026 (date subject to change).