Assistant Engineer

Santa Margarita Water District

Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Assistant Engineer (Engineer-in-Training) to support the planning, design, construction, and operation of water, recycled water, and wastewater infrastructure. This full-time, entry-level professional engineering position plays a key role in delivering capital improvement projects, preparing engineering plans and specifications, coordinating with consultants and agencies, and supporting the District’s long-term infrastructure and reliability goals.

This position is ideal for an early-career engineer who is building experience toward professional licensure and is interested in gaining broad exposure to public-sector engineering, project delivery, and utility operations.

About the Role

Under general supervision, the Assistant Engineer (EIT) performs a wide range of professional engineering duties in support of capital projects and ongoing system planning. This is the entry-level classification in the Engineering series and is designed to provide progressive technical and project experience under the direction of licensed engineers.

The role focuses on developing core competencies in engineering analysis, design review, construction support, consultant coordination, and regulatory compliance. As experience and proficiency increase, the Assistant Engineer assumes increasing responsibility and complexity of assignments and may advance to the journey-level Engineer classification.

Meet Santa Margarita Water District

Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region’s largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters a sense of camaraderie and purpose as we do work that truly matters.

Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve the District’s goals and solve challenges with a shared commitment that is not often found in governmental agencies.

Santa Margarita Water District’s values include:

Exemplary service excellence
Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive
Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency
Environmental and resource stewardship
Employee development and leadership training
Building relationships that strengthen communities

Essential Functions:
What You Will Do

Support planning, design, and construction of water, wastewater, and recycled water facilities, pipelines, pump stations, and reservoirs
Review master plans, improvement plans, engineering studies, drawings, and specifications for compliance with District standards and regulations
Perform engineering calculations, cost estimates, and schedule analyses for capital and operational projects
Assist with preparation of plans, specifications, bid documents, Requests for Proposals, and engineering reports
Coordinate with consultants, contractors, developers, and other agencies; review submittals and assist with contract administration and change orders
Track project schedules, budgets, and progress; prepare status reports and staff presentations
Participate in field investigations and construction inspections to verify conformance with plans, specifications, and safety standards
Support permitting, environmental compliance, and interagency coordination efforts
Provide technical assistance to operations and maintenance staff on infrastructure, hydraulic, and system performance issues
Assist with master planning, water supply and demand studies, asset condition assessments, and reliability analyses

What You Bring

Strong foundation in civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering principles
Ability to perform engineering analysis, interpret technical documents, and prepare clear written reports
Working knowledge of design standards, construction practices, and regulatory requirements for water and wastewater utilities
Proficiency with engineering software, including CAD, GIS, and standard office applications
Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with engineers, inspectors, consultants, and operations staff
Interest in professional growth toward licensure and increasing technical responsibility

Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines:
Education, Experience, and Certification

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in civil, mechanical, environmental engineering, or a closely related field, and at least one (1) year of professional engineering experience, which may include internships or cooperative education, preferably with a water or wastewater utility or public agency.

Possession of an Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) certificate is required.

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