Description
Launch Your Public Works Career Where Your Contributions Matter
If you’re an early‑career civil engineer who wants real responsibility, real projects, and real community impact, the City of Lafayette is a place where your skills won’t sit on the sidelines. Here, you’ll work on visible public works projects, gain hands‑on field experience, and collaborate with seasoned engineers who are invested in your growth—all in a city known for its quality of life, strong community values, and professional excellence.
Lafayette offers the best of both worlds: a welcoming, small‑town atmosphere with convenient access to the Bay Area’s transportation network, cultural attractions, and recreational destinations. The City is served by BART at the Lafayette Station, with downtown San Francisco just a 30–35 minute ride away. Prefer to drive? Easy access to Highway 24 connects you quickly to the East Bay and beyond. Working for the City of Lafayette means more than a paycheck. It means enjoying a balanced, high‑quality lifestyle in a community that values thoughtful growth, green spaces, and public involvement.
Build Your Career. Serve Your Community. Grow with Lafayette.
If you’re looking for a place where your engineering skills will be put to work — and where your contributions truly matter — the City of Lafayette is ready to welcome you.
If you're ready to join our Team as our next Assistant Engineer, submit your resume and cover letter and apply today!
Ideal Candidate
What You'll Do
This position offers variety, responsibility, and hands‑on experience. As an Assistant Engineer, you won’t be limited to desk work — you’ll spend significant time in the field performing your own construction inspection and seeing projects take shape. Because inspection is a core part of the role, you’ll be comfortable working outdoors year‑round in active construction environments, including around vehicle traffic, heavy equipment, and open trenches. You’ll also provide professional support to fellow engineers, other City departments, contractors, and residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, design, and inspect civil engineering construction projects located primarily within the Public Right of way (streets, storm drains, traffic signals, retaining walls, etc.)
- Review construction plans for compliance with City, State, Federal, and industry standards
- Review engineering calculations and participate in pre‑design, construction, and utility coordination meetings
- Provide construction administration, contract management, and public outreach support
- Represent the City in regional transportation and funding discussions
- Assist with encroachment permits and related inspections
- Participate in Clean Water Program activities and reporting
- Respond to and investigate citizen inquiries and concerns
- Prepare and present staff reports to City Council and Commissions
This is a challenging and rewarding role in a fantastic city — and you’ll be surrounded by smart, dedicated, and genuinely enjoyable colleagues who take pride in their work and who want you to succeed and grow.
Who We're Looking For
We’re seeking soon-to-be and recent college graduates with a strong foundation in civil engineering, curiosity about public-sector work, and the motivation to learn by doing. This role is designed to help you grow into a confident, well-rounded public works engineer. We need you to bring:
- A solid understanding of civil engineering fundamentals and an interest in public works
- Graduation (or upcoming graduation) from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Experience with - and a willingness to increase proficiency in - CAD and GIS
- Relevant internships, cooperative education, or academic project experience in civil engineering, construction, or public infrastructure (in lieu of full-time professional experience)
- An Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate, or the ability and willingness to obtain one
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work respectfully with contractors, coworkers, and the public
- A willingness to take initiative, ask questions, and grow into increasing responsibility
Benefits
- Retirement: Up to 15% City‑paid contributions to a 401(a) plan, including a 5% match (total potential of 20%); optional 457 plan available (City does not participate in CalPERS)
- Health & Dental: City covers 95% of premiums for employees and eligible dependents, or offers an allowance equal to 15% of salary toward deferred compensation if you have alternate coverage
- Life Insurance: Fully paid $50,000 policy
- Additional Benefits: Optional Vision, FSA, Commuter, and supplemental life insurance plans
- Time Off: 11.5 days of starting vacation accrual, 12 sick days annually, 13 paid holidays, plus one floating holiday
- Commuter Benefit: 50% reimbursement for BART commuting costs
- Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling, financial coaching, legal resources, and more for employees and eligible dependents