Our Engineering Department is looking for someone to join their dynamic team that has a strong sense of accountability and strives to achieve great results!
The City of Vista's Engineering Department is seeking an energetic, motivated team player to serve as an Assistant Engineer on the City's Land Development team. The land development team performs plan checks on grading and public improvement plans for private development projects. Our department issues permits for construction of single family homes, small and large subdivisions and commercial projects. The City's mission is to provide outstanding services to improve the quality of life of all Vista residents and to enhance the uniqueness of our community, reflecting our core values: respect, fairness, teamwork, integrity, compassion and stewardship
Under the direct supervision of our Senior Engineer, the Assistant Engineer will perform a variety of working-level professional engineering duties, answer questions of the public, and perform related work as required.
Positions in this class perform journey-level engineering duties in the review, evaluation and design of public works projects. Incumbent may be assigned to train and review the work of other engineering staff of the unit. Positions in this class perform work which has some variation, and which allows or requires a limited range of choice in the application of defined engineering methods. Incumbents receive instructions when tasks are assigned and have some latitude in selecting work methods. Work is generally reviewed upon completion.
- Reviews private development projects for compliance with City of Vista ordinances and standards, County of San Diego standards, professional engineering standards of care, Region 9 water quality regulations, San Diego regional standard drawings, and standard specifications for public works construction;
- Evaluates grading and improvement plans, reviews hydrology and hydraulic reports, provides comments on Storm Water Quality Maintenance Plans, review of parcel and final maps for conformance with zoning, grading and public works standards and codes;
- Performs preliminary and final checks, inspects public works projects as needed;
- Collects and analyzes data in the field and office, consults with the public, contractors, engineering consultants, developers and others on public works standards, fees, and other related items;
- Reviews, investigates and makes recommendations regarding complaints from citizens;
- Files plans and maps; updates maps and plans; makes copies of plans and maps;
- Performs basic design and engineering calculations;
- Performs a variety of professional staff work, collection and compiling data, composes agreements, staff reports, and legal descriptions; uses computer aided drafting software; calculates checking and permit fees;
- Checks boundary adjustment maps;
- Writes legal descriptions;
- Communicates with the public at the counter and over the telephone; calculates using a computer; measures distances; calculates curb, gutter and street grades;
- Performs basic construction administration;
- Checks work in progress and upon completion;
- Operates City vehicles;
- May develop exhibits and presentations for Commissions, Boards and City Council meetings;
- Attends meetings as required and performs other related tasks as assigned.Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position.
Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position.
Education/Experience
A typical qualifying entrance background is a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field; and at least two (2) years of experience performing responsible entry-level professional engineering review, design and engineering plan checking work. Working knowledge of Auto CAD is desirable.
Certification with the State of California as an Engineer-in-Training is preferred.
Knowledge Of
- Principles and practices of Civil Engineering as applied to public works engineering such as streets, sewer, storm drains, and grading;
- Basic physics, chemistry and mathematics, including calculus as applied to civil engineering;
- Basic engineering design, construction practices, drafting, inspection and surveying;
- Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works, buildings, and utilities;
- Various computer software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, QuicNet, Synchro AutoCAD and applicable federal, state, and local laws and procedures governing engineering projects
Skill In
- Interpreting engineering design plans; understanding project specifications, cost estimates and
- Safely operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
Ability To
- Effectively communicate with contractors, engineers, and the public;
- Prepare and interpret engineering plans and specifications;
- Prepare accurate and concise reports; perform basic computer operations;
- Operate current office equipment and software applications;
- Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices;
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions and establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee in this class must be able to work both in an indoor office environment or outdoors in a field environment (depending on position). The employee may have to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work related objects and/or work products based on position specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Use of a personal vehicle during employment may also be required to travel within and out of City to attend meetings.
Application Procedure
A City application form and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and received online by the closing date. Please apply online at www.vista.gov. All other employment inquiries can be directed to the City of Vista, Human Resources Office, Telephone: (760) 726-1340.
Selection Process
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply!
- SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Recruitment Closes- Thursday, November 6th, 2025 Virtual Oral Board- Week of November 17th Department Interviews- Mid-December
- Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change.
