Senior Civil Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

-------------------

The City of San Luis Obispo is recruiting for a Senior Civil Engineer! This recruitment will establish an eligibility list for the Development Projects specialty area.

This recruitment will remain open until the position has been filled. Due to this being a continuous recruitment, the posting can close any time without notice, therefore prompt application is encouraged.

Applications submitted by 11:59pm on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, will be given first consideration. The first round of interviews has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2025, so please hold that date.

We are also currently recruiting for a Senior Civil Engineer - Utilities (Water/Wastewater) specialty area. If you are interested, we encourage you to apply for that opportunity as well.

Please note: Hiring incentives are not guaranteed but may be valued up to $5,000 for positions deemed hard to fill by the Director of Human Resources. For those candidates who live 50 or more miles from San Luis Obispo County, relocation assistance may be available.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

The Engineering Development Review division of the Community Development Department is seeking a talented Senior Civil Engineer to join its dynamic team of engineering and permitting staff. The ideal candidate will have experience reviewing development entitlement packages and construction documents. This position is a great opportunity for someone looking to impact the way the City of San Luis Obispo thoughtfully delivers its stated goals while ensuring proper regulatory compliance and sound engineering design. The chosen candidate will work closely with division and department leadership to mentor and supervise division staff in a variety of engineering and permitting focus areas while also receiving support for professional advancement, technical growth, and exceptional work-life balance!

JOB SUMMARY

Performs complex and difficult professional engineering work to successfully deliver public works infrastructure projects in the areas of development, capital improvement, and/or water/wastewater utilities;oversees infrastructure maintenance programs; performs related work as assigned. Employees are assigned to a specialty area but may perform work in any specialty.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

Employees in this class complete complex professional and technical work in the preparation of plans, specifications, designs, estimates, schedules, inspections, and project management activities for engineering programs and projects. This class is distinguished from the Supervising Civil Engineer in that the latter is the highest-level class in the City’s professional engineering series with managerial responsibility for a section engaged in professional engineering and technical support work. This class is distinguished from Engineer III in that the latter is not required to possess a Professional Civil Engineer license.

SUPERVISION

---------------

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Receives general direction from a Supervising Civil Engineer or another higher-level manager within a framework of established policies and procedures.

Provides technical and/or function direction to professional and technical staff. May directly supervise assigned staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

----------------------

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Researches, designs, prepares, and evaluates plans, specifications, requests for proposal, cost estimates, and other documents for a variety of engineering projects; coordinates this work with that of other City departments, outside agencies, contractors, and consultants.
  
• Reviews and updates engineering standards and standard specifications.
  
• Manages engineering projects and environmental studies; may supervise staff or manage contracts with consultants to accomplish projects.
  
• Examines plans, calculations, and specifications for construction, alteration, and repair projects, or as needed to assist in approvals for engineering projects.
  
• Coordinates work activities with other divisions, departments, jurisdictions, and private entities; prepares reports and presentations for public and private bodies.
  
• Represents the City before local, state, and federal regulatory agencies; may apply for and obtain permits.
  
• Applies for and ensures the proper use of grant funding, including preparation of required paperwork and following grant guidelines.
  
• Interprets and administers applicable ordinances relating to project requirements.
  
• Prepares and reviews engineering reports, legal descriptions, and project related correspondence.
  
• Acts as project engineer when working with other departments, other jurisdictions, and agencies and responds to questions related to projects and engineering policy.
  
• Prepares contract specifications, requests for proposals, and plans for engineering projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and funding source requirements.
  
• Inspects and evaluates ongoing engineering projects to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
  
• Monitors systems and procedures for contract administration to ensure compliance with technical and legal requirements.
  
• Assists with enforcement of Post-Construction Stormwater regulations, including reporting to Regional Water Quality Control Board.
  
• Performs difficult engineering work; provides engineering services and consultation to a variety of field and office personnel.
  
• Prepares a variety of studies, written correspondence, reports, procedures, ordinances, contracts, and other materials.
  
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
  
• Participates on a variety of interdisciplinary committees and commissions and represents the City regarding engineering issues to a variety of community and stakeholder groups.
  
• Communicates orally, in writing, through graphic representations, and statistical summaries with colleagues, managers, employees, the public, organized employee groups, and representatives of various organizations.
  
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.
  

Development Projects Specialty: In addition to the duties listed above, incumbents assigned to this specialty may perform the following duties:

• Examines public and private engineering plans, subdivision maps, specifications, designs, cost estimates, and legal descriptions for a variety of construction and maintenance and/or private development projects to ensure compliance with engineering standards and specifications.
  
• Manages projects that involve working closely with external stakeholders, developers, and other third parties.
  
• Assists with enforcement of floodplain management regulations and Drainage Design Manual, including reporting to FEMA and reviewing and approving plans.
  
• May serve as a Supervising Civil Engineer on a relief or as-assigned basis.
  

Capital Projects Specialty: In addition to the duties listed above, incumbents assigned to this specialty may perform the following duties:

• Performs project management and engineering work for more complex public works construction projects.
  
• Submits projects for competitive bids; analyzes bids and makes recommendations for acceptance.
  
• May serve as a Supervising Civil Engineer on a relief or as-assigned basis.
  

Water/Wastewater Utilities Projects Specialty: In addition to the duties listed above, incumbents assigned to this specialty may perform the following duties:

• Performs engineering work for the complex designs of water and wastewater construction projects.
  
• Manages new and existing infrastructure, which involves reading and interpreting process and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID).
  
• Manages system integration of process equipment with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).
  
• Manages small and large electrical systems with the help of electrical engineering consultants.
  
• Oversees plant development from conception to completion, including managing timelines, budgets, and resources.
  
• Communicates with internal and external stakeholders regarding water and wastewater capital improvements for preservation of public health and the environment.
  
• May serve as the Deputy Director on a relief or as-assigned basis.
  

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering design and construction, particularly as related to the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of infrastructure.
  
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and programs regarding planning and engineering, including the California Environmental Quality Act.
  
• Principles and practices of land surveying, particularly as related to compliance with the Subdivision Map Act and the Land Surveyor�s Act.
  
• Principles and practices of project management and evaluation, including goal setting and the development of objectives, work planning, scheduling, and organization.
  
• Principles and practices of cost estimation and contract administration in a public agency setting.
  
• Principles, practices, and constructability of public works projects.
  
• Legal requirements and regulations for public works engineering, including the Public Contract Code.
  
• Basic supervisory principles and practices.
  
• Basic budgetary principles and practices.
  
• Recent developments, current literature, and informational resources regarding private development, municipal development, and capital improvement projects.
  
• Stormwater control plans and Post-Construction Stormwater regulations.
  
• Principles and practices of hydrology and hydraulics in a municipal setting.
  
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment and computer applications related to the work.
  
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
  
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person, in writing, and over the phone.
  

Development Projects Specialty: In addition to the knowledge listed above, incumbents assigned to this specialty must have knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering design and construction as they relate to the review and approval of private development projects.
  
• Public and private engineering improvements, subdivision maps, specifications, designs, cost estimates, and legal descriptions for a variety of private development projects.
  
• Development review and entitlement processes.
  

Capital Projects Specialty: In addition to the knowledge listed above, incumbents assigned to this specialty must have knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and processes associated with project management, design, and construction of construction projects.
  
• Public contracting and competitive bid processes and procedures related to construction projects.
  

Water/Wastewater Utilities Projects Specialty: In addition to the knowledge listed above, incumbents assigned to this specialty must have knowledge of:

• System processes for treating water and wastewater to minimize environmental impacts.
  
• Contaminants, water quality standards, and environmental regulations.
  
• Construction and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities that withstand environmental factors.
  
• Hydraulic and fluid mechanics for treatment process through design of pipes, pumps, tanks, and specialized equipment.
  

Ability to

• Research, design, prepare, and evaluate plans, subdivision maps, and specifications for a variety of City public works and private development projects.
  
• Examine public and private engineering plans, specifications, designs, cost estimates, and legal descriptions for a variety of construction and maintenance projects.
  
• Manage capital improvement plan projects, contracts for services, and environmental studies.
  
• Examine plans, calculations, and specifications for public works construction, alteration, and repair projects to ensure compliance with engineering standards and specifications.
  
• Direct the work of staff, consultants, and/or contractors on a project specific basis.
  
• Prepare clear and concise reports, specifications, ordinances, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
  
• Interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
  
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the course of work.
  
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.
  
• Work in a team atmosphere and participate on a variety of departmental and City-wide committees to enhance the provision of all City services.
  

Development Projects Specialty: In addition to the abilities listed above, incumbents assigned to this specialty must have the ability to:

• Work collaboratively and respond to inquiries and requests from the community.
  
• Seek and gain acceptance or consensus from internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Represent the City in a professional manner at public meetings.
  
• Read, understand, and interpret entitlements, including development agreements, and proactively address and enforce conditions of approval and project requirements.
  

Capital Projects Specialty: In addition to the abilities listed above, incumbents assigned to this specialty will be required to have the ability to:

• Plan, schedule, and execute complex public infrastructure maintenance and replacements while forecasting and addressing community impacts.
  
• Effectively prioritize and deliver a broad list of projects of varying complexity.
  
• Work collaboratively with other team members to review and maintain quality control over projects.
  
• Prepare and present complex project updates at public meetings.
  

Water/Wastewater Utilities Projects Specialty: In addition to the abilities listed above, incumbents assigned to this specialty will be required to have the ability to:

• Learn to read and interpret process and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID) to manage new and existing infrastructure.
  
• Learn to manage system integration of process equipment with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).
  
• Work with electrical engineering consultants to manage small and large electrical systems.
  
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources using construction practices to oversee plant development from concept to completion.
  
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders regarding water and wastewater capital improvements for preservation of public health and the environment.
  

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

--------------------------

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in civil, structural, or mechanical engineering, or a related field;

and

Four years of professional engineering experience in the specialty area;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
  
• Must possess California registration as a Professional Civil Engineer, or registration in another state with the ability to obtain California registration within 6 months.
  
• An appropriate graduate degree is desirable.
  

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Live Scan Fingerprinting - DOJ
  

For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.

Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.