EPORT 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 an active eligible list that is set to expire on February 18, 2027.
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.
The Associate Engineer (Civil) classification is used in the Water & Sewer Utilities Department (Water & Sewer) and the Department of Public Works (DPW). Both Water & Sewer and DPW conducted a recruitment in November 2025 to initially fill four (4) vacancies; one (1) in Water & Sewer, and three (3) in Public Works (Design Division, Land & Property Development Division, and Traffic Engineering Division).
An eligible list comprised of fifteen (15) candidates was established in February 2026. 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. After the three candidates were hired, twelve (12) candidates remained 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. One (1) candidate failed to respond to their interview request and was removed from the eligible list, leaving ten (10) candidates remaining on the eligibility list.
One vacancy remained in DPW (Traffic Engineering Division). During the FY 2026-27 budget, one position was added to support the DPW Infrastructure Bond Team, totaling two (2) vacancies in DPW.
All candidates remaining on the list were invited to department second-round interview for both DPW positions. One (1) candidate failed to respond to their interview request and was removed from the eligible list. One (1) candidate failed to show up for his interview and was removed from the eligible list. One (1) candidate was extended an offer and declined. One (1) candidate was extended an offer and accepted a position with DPW (Traffic Engineering).
Currently six (6) candidates remain on the eligible list, all of whom had been invited to interview for the open vacancies. One (1) candidate waived their interview for the remaining position in DPW (Bond Infrastructure). During the department second interview, which consists of key hiring managers for the vacancy, the department determined that although the candidates on the eligible list meet the minimum qualifications of the position, which consists of two (2) years of experience in civil engineering office and field work, they do not possess the desirable qualifications for the vacant position for the following reasons:
- No or insufficient experience in Capital Improvement project delivery,
- No or insufficient experience in the public sector,
- No or insufficient relevant engineering experience,
- Failure to demonstrate strong project management skills,
- Failure to demonstrate strong communication skills, and
- Failure to demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders including but not limited to developers, consultants, contractors, utility companies, other City departments, field staff, outside agency staff, and the public.
This is a journey level position supporting infrastructure engineering, and the desirable qualifications are essential in order for candidates to be successful in the job. Candidates must possess the ability to effectively work in the position during their probationary period as they are expected to have a strong baseline of the experience in the aforementioned desirable qualification areas.
The eligible list is currently set to expire on February 18, 2027. 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: Marco Mercado, Assistant Director of Human Resources
Approved by: Ashley Lancaster, Acting Director of Human Resources