What are the responsibilities and job description for the ASSISTANT ENGINEER (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT) position at City of Torrance?
Description
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance is recruiting for an Assistant Engineer to be part of the Community Development Team!
The Department
The Community Development Department oversees and initiates plans for: economic growth; commercial, industrial, and residential development and re-development; zoning; code enforcement; permitting; and building inspections. The Department has 70 employees over 10 different divisions: Administration, Development Services, Environmental & Noise Abatement, Downtown, Housing, GIS, Plan Check, Building Inspection, Engineering, and Permit Center.
The Division
The Engineering Services Division provides plan checking and permitting services for construction work proposed in the public right of way to ensure high quality public improvements (specifically non-capital improvement related work). The Engineering Services Division processes land development documentation (certificates of compliance, easements, easement vacations, lot tie agreements, subdivision maps and certificates of correction) and also provides field inspection for non-capital improvement work in the public right of way. The Division is supported by our GIS team which provides infrastructure information, aerial imagery and geographic information.
The Position
The Assistant Engineer is the entry/journey class in the professional level engineering series. This position performs professional level engineering work in the development, construction and maintenance of the City's public infrastructure (City-maintained utilities and street improvements). The Assistant Engineer reviews and approves engineering plans, drawings and specifications, cost estimates, contract provisions, legal descriptions, and maps, ensuring compliance with all subdivision policies and local and state codes, ordinances and regulations; investigates and resolves public complaints and problems; prepares and presents reports and agenda items to the City Council and City Commissions; coordinates projects with other City departments, agencies and utility companies; and performs related duties as required.
For more information about the duties of the position, click here.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education and Experience
Required
Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
Graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering and one to two years of professional engineering office experience; or possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate and four years of responsible engineering experience.
Experience or training in CAD applications for computers is desired.
License and/or Certificates
Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid California State driver's license.
A valid certificate of registration issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers is desirable.
Ideal Candidate
Successful Candidates Will Possess The Following
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. First review of applications will be those received by Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Application submission will remain open until the position is filled. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is a possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only Those Candidates Who Best Meet The City And Department's Needs Will Be Invited To Participate In The Examination Process, Which Will Consist Of The Following Components
Oral Interview: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.)
Department Interview: Tentatively scheduled for the week of August 24, 2026.
SPECIAL NOTES
Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about the City of Torrance.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
In addition, the City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Engineers and Torrance Fiscal Employees bargaining unit, visit:: MOUs/Salary Resolutions - City of Torrance (torranceca.gov)
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit: Employee Services - City of Torrance (torranceca.gov)
RETIREMENT BENEFITS – The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history. I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job. I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application. I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application. I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.
What is your highest level of education completed?
Please specify the degree(s) you possess and the major course of study for each. Example: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. Please type "N/A" if not applicable.
05
Do you possess a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate?
Do you possess a valid certificate of registration issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers?
Indicate the number of years of professional engineering office experience that you possess.
Do you have experience or training in CAD applications for computers?
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance is recruiting for an Assistant Engineer to be part of the Community Development Team!
The Department
The Community Development Department oversees and initiates plans for: economic growth; commercial, industrial, and residential development and re-development; zoning; code enforcement; permitting; and building inspections. The Department has 70 employees over 10 different divisions: Administration, Development Services, Environmental & Noise Abatement, Downtown, Housing, GIS, Plan Check, Building Inspection, Engineering, and Permit Center.
The Division
The Engineering Services Division provides plan checking and permitting services for construction work proposed in the public right of way to ensure high quality public improvements (specifically non-capital improvement related work). The Engineering Services Division processes land development documentation (certificates of compliance, easements, easement vacations, lot tie agreements, subdivision maps and certificates of correction) and also provides field inspection for non-capital improvement work in the public right of way. The Division is supported by our GIS team which provides infrastructure information, aerial imagery and geographic information.
The Position
The Assistant Engineer is the entry/journey class in the professional level engineering series. This position performs professional level engineering work in the development, construction and maintenance of the City's public infrastructure (City-maintained utilities and street improvements). The Assistant Engineer reviews and approves engineering plans, drawings and specifications, cost estimates, contract provisions, legal descriptions, and maps, ensuring compliance with all subdivision policies and local and state codes, ordinances and regulations; investigates and resolves public complaints and problems; prepares and presents reports and agenda items to the City Council and City Commissions; coordinates projects with other City departments, agencies and utility companies; and performs related duties as required.
For more information about the duties of the position, click here.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education and Experience
Required
Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
Graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering and one to two years of professional engineering office experience; or possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate and four years of responsible engineering experience.
Experience or training in CAD applications for computers is desired.
License and/or Certificates
Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid California State driver's license.
A valid certificate of registration issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers is desirable.
Ideal Candidate
Successful Candidates Will Possess The Following
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the nuances and complexities of civil engineering in a municipal context;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and present information to City leadership, commissions, and the public;
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments, maintain accurate project records, and meet deadlines;
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, consultants, contractors, utility providers, regulatory agencies, and community members;
- Customer-focused approach with the ability to respond professionally to public inquiries and resolve concerns with tact and diplomacy; and
- Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively while exercising sound judgment within established engineering policies and procedures.
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. First review of applications will be those received by Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Application submission will remain open until the position is filled. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is a possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only Those Candidates Who Best Meet The City And Department's Needs Will Be Invited To Participate In The Examination Process, Which Will Consist Of The Following Components
Oral Interview: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.)
Department Interview: Tentatively scheduled for the week of August 24, 2026.
SPECIAL NOTES
Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about the City of Torrance.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
In addition, the City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Engineers and Torrance Fiscal Employees bargaining unit, visit:: MOUs/Salary Resolutions - City of Torrance (torranceca.gov)
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit: Employee Services - City of Torrance (torranceca.gov)
RETIREMENT BENEFITS – The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?
- Yes
- No
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history. I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job. I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application. I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application. I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.
- Yes
- No
What is your highest level of education completed?
- High School Diploma or GED
- Some College Coursework
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree or higher
Please specify the degree(s) you possess and the major course of study for each. Example: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. Please type "N/A" if not applicable.
05
Do you possess a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate?
- Yes
- No
Do you possess a valid certificate of registration issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers?
- Yes
- No
Indicate the number of years of professional engineering office experience that you possess.
- None
- Less than one year
- More than one year, but less than two years
- More than two years, but less than three years
- More than three years, but less than four years
- Four years or more
Do you have experience or training in CAD applications for computers?
- Yes
- No
- Required Question