What are the responsibilities and job description for the ASSISTANT ENGINEER (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT) position at City of Torrance?
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The Department
Advancing a Safe, Accessible and Sustainable Built Environment
The Community Development Department oversees a number of divisions including Building & Safety, Engineering, Planning, Environmental (Code Enforcement), Housing, and the Geographic Information System (GIS) Divisions. The Department consists of a total of 67 employees, with multiple disciplines and backgrounds, make up the Department’s services and specialties.
The Division
The Engineering 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 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 Engineering Division is supported by our GIS team which provides infrastructure information, aerial imagery and geographic information.
The Position
The Assistant Engineer plays an integral part within the Engineering Division. This position will collaborate with different City departments including Public Works, Transportation, and Community Services; as well as the Current Development, Planning, and Building divisions of Community Development. The Assistant Engineer designs and develops engineering plans, drawings and specifications, cost estimates, contract provisions, legal descriptions, and maps, ensuring compliance with subdivision policies and local and state codes, ordinances and regulations; investigates public complaints and problems and takes appropriate action to resolve them; assigns, reviews and coordinates the work of subordinate technical engineering personnel, and performs related duties as 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:
- Proven knowledge and experience in the nuances and complexities of civil engineering in a municipal context;
- Proficiency in developing clear and detailed maps, comprehensive reports, and engaging presentations to effectively communicate technical information and project insights to diverse audiences;
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows software applications, such as spreadsheets, databases, and engineering computing applications, AutoCAD and ESRI GIS software;
- Capacity to read and understand construction plans, technical reports and specifications;
- Demonstrated ability to perform field inspections to gather or verify utility and feature locations and data; as well as research and evaluate information relevant to the GIS;
- Strong aptitude for making logical, well-reasoned judgments and decisions by analyzing data and considering all relevant factors to achieve optimal outcomes;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to represent the City in meetings and presentations to various groups, including community groups, other governmental agencies, and the public using tact and diplomacy;
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment; and
- Natural aptitude to excel in collaborative team settings that value open communication, shared responsibility, and mutual support.
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. The first review of application will be those received by Sunday, July 13, 2025. 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 component:
Panel Interview: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2025)
The tentative test date will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.
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. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 no later than five (5) business days before the test date. For further information, click here.
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.
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!
Salary : $6,772 - $9,083
