About the Department

COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

THE CITY OF NOVATO IS RECRUITING

FOR

ASSISTANT ENGINEER

Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026

The City of Novato is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our Public Works team as an Assistant Engineer. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an aspiring civil engineer to gain hands-on experience supporting the planning, design, permitting, and construction of a wide range of capital improvement and private development projects that directly serve the Novato community.

Working under the general supervision of the Deputy Public Works Director or other engineering leadership, the Assistant Engineer performs professional engineering work of increasing complexity while developing a strong understanding of City standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements. This position is actively involved in all phases of project delivery, from initial planning and design support through construction and completion, while also assisting with engineering studies, cost estimates, and technical analyses.

The Assistant Engineer contributes to both public infrastructure and private development efforts, including plan review, permit processing, field inspections, and coordination with developers, contractors, consultants, and other City departments. The role also includes responding to inquiries from the public and outside agencies, helping ensure projects are processed efficiently, accurately, and in alignment with applicable codes, regulations, and City standards.

In addition to technical responsibilities, this position offers meaningful exposure to project coordination, report preparation, and fieldwork, along with opportunities to develop strong professional communication and problem-solving skills. The Assistant Engineer is expected to build effective working relationships, support team objectives, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality, fiscally responsible public services.

If you are eager to begin your career in civil engineering, enjoy applying technical knowledge to real-world infrastructure and development projects, and thrive in a collaborative, service-oriented environment, we encourage you to apply. The City of Novato values innovation, professional growth, and a commitment to excellence in serving our community.

Benefits

9/80 work schedule - every other Friday off
Potential for hybrid scheduling available upon completion of probation
Up to $3,039 contributed monthly towards health benefits, dependent upon enrollment level
Accrue 80 hours of vacation to start
Provided with 40 hours of sick leave upon hire
14 paid holidays per year
Ability to earn professional leave
Free parking on site
Office is within walking distance of terrific restaurants, shopping, and the Downtown SMART Station

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To perform a variety of professional engineering work involving the planning, permitting, design, and construction of a variety of capital improvement projects and/or private development projects, from conception to completion; to assists with professional engineering studies; and to receive, research and respond to inquiries from the public and outside agencies.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level class in the professional Engineer series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience and work under general supervision while learning job tasks. The Assistant Engineer class is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Associate Civil Engineer. Additionally, the Associate Civil Engineer requires registration as a Professional Engineer.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Deputy Public Works Director or other assigned supervisor or manager.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS - Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

Prepare the more routine plans and specifications for the design, construction, and maintenance/operation of a variety of public works facilities and projects; learns to provide estimates in connection with the construction or maintenance of a variety of engineering projects to include street lighting, street resurfacing, general street improvements, drainage and other capital improvement and public works projects as assigned; and ensure conformance to City standards and practices.
Research project design requirements and perform related calculations; learn to conduct plan checks to ensure contractor compliance with City and various environmental regulatory standards; prepare time and material cost estimates.
Assist with the review and processing of private development plans for subdivisions, commercial, and residential projects.
Assist with the preparation of engineering studies and reports; participate in coordinating public works-related activities with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies, citizens, consultants, and developers.
Review and assist with land development plans, construction documents and encroachment permit applications as assigned.
Receive, research and respond to the more routine questions and inquiries from residents, contractors, and developers regarding City procedures, property information and project status.
Assist with the preparation of bid documents including Request for Proposals, technical specifications, bid advertisements and draft contracts.
Assist with the development of engineering plans, charts, diagrams, graphs, tables, sketches, exhibits and staff reports for the Planning Commission, City Council and other uses.
Conduct field inspections and ensure project related information is received by appropriate staff, the public or agency in a timely manner.
Investigate field problems and issues affecting property owners, contractors and maintenance operations; develop and recommend solutions.
Perform and provide technical and professional engineering support for a variety of special project and studies.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Marginal Functions:

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

General principles and practices of professional engineering as applied to a variety of public works, building/facilities construction, traffic, and/or private development projects.
Basic methods, materials, and techniques used in the design, construction, and maintenance/operation of public works programs and activities.
Basic surveying, drafting, computer-aided design and modeling techniques and technology.
Pertinent local, State, Federal rules, regulations and laws related to area of engineering assignment.
Basic legal parameters of land development such as Subdivision Map Act.
Current developments and trends related to professional public works engineering.
Principles and practices of customer service.
Techniques and principles of effective interpersonal communication.
Principles and practices of safety management.
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment, including use and application of word processing, spreadsheet, database programs and specialized engineering applications.
English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Ability to:

Perform professional engineering computations and learn to check, design, and prepare engineering plans, studies, profiles, and maps.
On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
Learn and understand City standards and regulations and engineering policies and procedures.
Learn applicable laws and regulations related to area of assignment.
Learn to prepare accurate cost estimates and make related recommendations.
Learn to analyze and prepare technical reports.
Learn to obtain information through interview, to handle multiple assignments, to work with interruption, and to deal firmly and courteously with citizens, developers, consultants, and contractors.
Read, understand, analyze, and use blueprints, construction plans, technical drawings, engineering plans and specifications and reports; reduce, interpret and apply field notes.
Learn terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in the design, construction, installation, safety, upgrade and maintenance of general civil engineering, transportation, traffic management and studies, pavement management and drainage operations.
Learn to perform engineering and mathematic calculations with speed and accuracy; perform other engineering duties; and write technical reports as assigned.
Learn design, construction, installation, upgrade and maintenance of traffic engineering and transportation projects, including signals, signs, striping, etc.
Learn to use specialized software relevant to assigned duties.
Learn to use and care for electronic and mechanical instruments, equipment and tools used in assigned area of work.
Learn to project and analyze costs; research and write grant drafts; understand and assist with negotiation of contracts.
Attend public meetings in the evening to perform the requirements of the job.
Investigate, analyze and resolve engineering field conditions and issues.
Prepare clear, complete, accurate, timely and concise written correspondence and reports.
Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective, tactful and positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including various cultural and ethnic groups.
Foster and contribute to a work environment that supports and exhibits honesty, diversity, integrity, trust and respect.
Demonstrate teamwork by contributing to the overall success of the organization with flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
Provide high quality and fiscally responsible services to the Novato community, while delivering responsive customer service.
Demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit by generating new, innovative ideas and development of better methods to accomplish tasks and complete projects.
Use principles of effective office safety including use of equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintaining safe personal and common workspaces.

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

Experience:

No professional experience required. Previous technical engineering experience highly desirable.

Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance as required by the position.
Possession of an Engineer-In-Training Certificate (E.I.T.) is desirable.

Other Qualifications

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

Physical Skills: Able to use standard office equipment, including a computer; sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist, and maintain sustained posture in a seated or standing position for prolonged periods of time; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the telephone, and to make public presentations; lift and carry up to 5lbs of files, and materials.

Work Environment: Mobility to work in a typical office and/or field setting.

Ability to: Travel to different sites and locations; drive safely to different sites and locations; maintain a safe driving record; work protracted and irregular hours and evening meetings or off shift work for meeting attendance or participation in specific projects or programs; available for evening meetings.

SELECTION PROCESS

It is important to complete all required application materials, including the supplemental questionnaire and any required additional documents. All applications will be screened for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications. Qualified applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to continue in the selection process which may consist solely of an application screening, or may include a written examination, skills assessment, oral appraisal interview, assessment center, or other activity selected by the Human Resources Department and the hiring department. As a result of the selection process an eligibility list of qualified candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies as long as the eligibility list remains active. Candidates who score the highest in the selection process will be required to pass a reference and background exam prior to receiving a conditional job offer. Candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment will be required to pass a pre-employment medical and drug screen examination prior to receiving a final job offer.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Only Online Applications will be accepted. To be considered for this exciting opportunity, candidates must complete an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. The supplemental questionnaire is part of the application; please provide sufficient detail to enable your answers to be rated.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026

Accommodation: Applicants who may require special assistance in any step of the selection process should advise Human Resources by emailing [email protected] upon submittal of application.

The City of Novato is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Benefits

Salary:
Starting salary is generally the first step of the range listed; however, advanced step appointments may be approved based upon qualifications when warranted. Subsequent salary increases within the range are scheduled yearly and may be granted based upon satisfactory service.

9/80 work schedule with closures on alternate Fridays. Employees work nine hours per day and eight hours per day on the working Friday.

Benefits:
Click here for the City's Benefit Information page.

The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). In compliance with AB 340, CalPERS retirement formula is either 2% at 55; employee contributes 9.5% of salary, or 2% at 62; employee contributes 7.25% of salary, depending on eligibility.

The City provides a specific dollar amount to each employee based on the employee's benefit enrollment level to apply to medical, dental, life and disability insurance. The dental program and life insurance policy are mandatory. Health, vision and disability options are available. Employees who do NOT enroll in a healthcare plan through the City will receive up to $250 per month as an addition to their gross earnings.

Other Benefits Information:

Employee Assistance Program: A City-paid EAP is available for employees and members of their household.
Long-term Disability Insurance is provided as an optional benefit. Employee pays $9.78 per month if opting in.
State Disability Insurance (SDI) is provided. Employee pays 0.6% of salary (pre-tax).
Deferred Compensation Savings Plans (457) are available to employees through a deferred compensation program.
Employee must pay an amount equal to 1.45% of salary toward Medicare. An equal amount is paid by the City.
The City does not participate in Social Security.

Leaves:

The City offers 14 paid holidays;
80 hours of vacation after 1 year (graduates to 21 days for 20 years of service); Employees currently working for another agency (state, federal or local) will have their vacation rate adjusted to account for their years of service with that public agency.
New employees will receive 40 hours of sick leave on their start date. (unused leave applied to service credit at retirement).

Supplemental Questions

I understand that this position requires that I successfully complete and pass a pre-employment physical, fingerprinting (LiveScan), and drug screen.

I certify that all information provided on my application and supplemental questionnaire is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge; and I understand that all information is subject to verification; and that false or incomplete information will result in disqualification from the selection process or dismissal, if hired.

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: City of Novato
Address: 922 Machin Avenue

Novato, California, 94945
Phone: 415-899-8978
Website: https://www.novato.org/government/human-resources/current-job-openings/