Assistant/Associate Engineer Series

The District:
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions. 

The Position
Under direction, plans and oversees the planning, design and preparation of plans, specifications and cost estimates for water, sewage and recycled water systems.  This position will emphasize development driven hydraulic planning studies, facility condition assessments, capital asset management planning, and capital budgeting. Coordinates various planning efforts and serves as project manager related to capital improvement projects.  Incumbents may be assigned to work in any area including dams and storage, infrastructure planning, operations support and pipelines, and treatment and conveyance.

This is a professional engineering series.  Positions may be filled at any level in this series depending on the needs of the District and the qualifications presented by the applicant.  

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Act as Project Manager/Engineer for simple to moderately complex planning, design, and construction projects.
• Prepare correspondence and reports in a professional manner complying with District standards.
• Prepare agenda items and supporting material for Committee and Board action.
• Develop preliminary and final designs for a wide variety of engineering projects.
• Maintain a variety of records and prepare correspondence and reports in a professional manner complying with District standards
• Prepare contractual documents on design and construction projects.
• Review designs submitted by consultants, developers, and other entities for compliance with standards.
• Review shop drawings and other construction submittals for compliance with the approved plans and specifications.
• Prepare Requests for Proposals for retaining consultants.
• Review work of and give instruction to consultants.
• Comply with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.
• Responsible for all other work-related duties.

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

Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in civil, mechanical or electrical engineering or a related field, and experience as described below.  For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required. 

 

Experience:

• Assistant Engineer:  Six (6) months of professional engineering experience, preferably with a public agency or consultant/contract provider to a public agency.  Experience gained through college internship or other work-study program qualifies for this level.  An Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) Certificate and two (2) years of college may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree or equivalent requirement.  A California E.I.T. is highly desirable.

• Associate Engineer:  Three (3) years of professional engineering experience, preferably with a public agency or consultant/contract provider to a public agency AND registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.)* in the State of California.    

*Four (4) years of additional experience - for a total of seven (7) years of experience for the Associate Engineer or for a total of nine (9) years of experience for the Engineer - will be qualifying without registration as a P.E.

CAD experience is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 35 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks.   Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing. Occasional travel may be required to other worksites or conferences for meetings, training, or other work-related activities. The job may require sustained concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain. The employee should be able to manage work-related stress in a fast-paced environment.

These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions. 

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.  Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application.  To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert.  Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Spark Hire: As part of our interview process, candidates will participate in a one-way video interview conducted through Spark Hire. This interview allows candidates to showcase their ability to communicate clearly and confidently in a recorded format. During the interview, candidates will respond to a series of pre-recorded questions, demonstrating their verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ability to articulate their qualifications efficiently.

Writing Skills Assessment: This assessment is designed to evaluate candidates’ ability to communicate effectively and clearly through written content. Candidates will be tasked with crafting responses that demonstrate their proficiency in organizing thoughts, articulating ideas logically, and conveying information in a professional tone. This exercise will test grammar, clarity, and overall writing effectiveness in real-world contexts.

Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025): will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

Salary : $94,545 - $147,876