REPORT TO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Abolish the Eligible List for Associate Engineer (Civil) (Job Code 321)
Report
ACTION AND AUTHORITY
The Associate Engineer (Civil) (Job Code 321) classification is used in the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Water & Sewer Utilities Department (Water & Sewer). There is currently an eligible list for Job Code 321.
Eligible lists generally shall remain in force for a period of one year (if not extended) for non-sworn positions, pursuant to Civil Service Rules, Sec. 4.3. The Water & Sewer Utilities Department and Department of Public Works is requesting to abolish the Associate Engineer (Civil) (Job Code 321) eligible list based on the authority of Civil Service Rules, Sec. 4.8(a), which states, Eligible Lists may be abolished by the Director of Human Resources either, “If the list contains fewer than five (5) names, or “Notice of abolishment of an eligible list shall be mailed to all eligibles whose name appear on the list, at time of recruitment to establish a new list.”
DISCUSSION
Under direct supervision, the Associate Engineer (Civil) performs field and office work in design, construction and/or maintenance programs; provides technical assistance in the implementation of plans and programs; and may work with the public and consultants on various projects providing guidance and information. This classification is a journey level professional engineer expected to perform the full range of professional engineering duties. Incumbents may exercise direct supervision over professional and paraprofessional engineering staff.
Both Water & Sewer Utilities and Public Works departments conducted a recruitment in February 2025 to initially fill two (2) vacancies; one (1) in DPW (Land and Property Division) and one (1) in Water & Sewer. Due to promotions in both departments that recently occurred, there are now three (3) vacancies; two (2) in DPW (Land and Property Division and Traffic Engineering Division) and one (1) in Water and Sewer. Currently, an eligible list comprised of ten (10) candidates was established in April 2025. In total, three (3) candidates were hired from the eligible list; two (2) candidates were hired in DPW and one (1) candidate was hired in Water and Sewer. At this time, there were seven (7) candidates remaining on the eligibility list.
After the hiring as described above, one (1) candidate requested to be removed from the eligible list after being extended an offer and declining the offer, and another candidate was offered one of the Associate Engineer (Civil) positions, but declined the offer since they accepted a higher level position in their current agency and requested not to remain on the eligible list. At this point, there remains five (5) candidates remaining on the eligibility list.
All five (5) candidates currently on the eligible list were interviewed by both the Water & Sewer Utilities and Public Works departments seeking to identify candidates for the current openings which require two (2) years of experience in civil engineering office and field work, experience with water or wastewater infrastructure, and other desirable qualifications. Only one (1) candidate was interested in being interviewed for present vacancies and the other four (4) declined. After considering the qualifications necessary for the current opening, the departments did not elect to extend an offer to the candidate.
The eligible list is currently set to expire on April 1, 2026. After receiving approval to abolish the eligible list, Human Resources will conduct another recruitment and create a new eligible list for Associate Engineer (Civil) (Job Code 321).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional cost to the City other than administrative staff time and expense.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Civil Service Commission agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve abolishing the eligible list for Associate Engineer (Civil) (Job Code 321)
Staff
Reviewed by: Ashley Lancaster, Acting Assistant Director of Human Resources
Approved by: Marco Mercado, Acting Director of Human Resources