Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer

Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer

Salary

$169,509.86 - $282,516.26 Annually

Location

Santa Maria, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

FY 26-00148

Department

Public Works

Division

P/W Engineers

Opening Date

07/08/2026

Closing Date

8/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits

OPPORTUNITY

This recruitment is for one full-time Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $169,509.86 - $206,000.00 (DOE/DOQ)

Additional Compensation: 5% for Related Masters Degree

Application Deadline: August 02, 2026

First Interview: Week of August 17, 2026

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

The City of Santa Maria is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government, over 700 employees, an annual budget of approximately $367 million, and serves approximately 113,041 constituents. Santa Maria is located on the beautiful central coast of California and covers over 23 square miles. The City harmoniously balances maintaining coastal and agricultural lands while promoting business. The City of Santa Maria has been recognized nationally as an All-America City by the National Civic League and offers community festivals, reasonably priced housing, and quality schools. Santa Maria is in proximity to a local airport, beaches, cultural arts, institutions of higher education, and wineries.

The Department of Public Works is responsible for ensuring that City-owned transportation infrastructure and facilities, transit services, and capital improvement programs are designed, engineered, constructed, maintained, and/or modified in a presentable and safe condition. The department coordinates a variety of activities and services, including the preparation of plans and specifications for public works-related construction projects; the design and inspection of public facilities; and ensuring the proper installation of all public improvements made in new subdivisions, such as streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, water mains, sewer lines, and drainage.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City Engineer reports directly to the Department Director and is responsible for the management and operation of the Engineering Division. The Engineering Division is responsible for the delivery of the City's capital improvement projects; managing and implementing the City's growth mitigation program; drafting and enforcing City standards and specifications; ensuring development is designed and constructed consistent with the City's Municipal Code, relevant land use documents, the Subdivision Map Act, and applicable standards and specifications; active management of the City rights-of-way, including utility undergrounding, management and issuance of encroachment permits, including recommendations on traffic control, striping, and signalization; and tracking and documenting final construction of City infrastructure. The City Engineer provides supervision and technical direction to professional and non-professional staff and performs related work as assigned. The City Engineer may act in the capacity of Department Director in the absence of the Director.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking and strategic public works professional who possesses a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and licensed as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California. They bring extensive experience delivering capital improvement projects, managing complex public infrastructure programs, and leading multidisciplinary engineering teams. The successful candidate will have a strong background in municipal engineering, land development, infrastructure planning, and regulatory compliance. They are an effective communicator and collaborative leader who can balance technical expertise with business acumen, demonstrating the ability to develop staff, manage resources, and guide the organization through complex challenges and opportunities. In addition, the ideal candidate embraces innovation, values public service, and is committed to constructing and maintaining infrastructure that supports the City's long-term vision, economic vitality, and quality of life.

REQUIRED APPLICATION ATTACHMENTS

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Copy of Professional Civil Engineer License

DUTIES

In addition to the broad duties and responsibilities of the Organizational/Enterprise Leader (Non-Safety) classification, the Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Plans, directs, and organizes the work of a large and multi-disciplined engineering staff in the areas of capital projects, land development, transportation, and special projects.
• Coordinates and manages capital projects, including developing the overall budget and schedule.
• Prepares and reviews construction plans (in-house and consultant-generated), estimates, site investigations, specifications, and the report for the construction and/or improvement of public facilities and infrastructure.
• Supervises and manages the preparation of requests for professional services and recommends award of contract; interviews prospective consultants; provides technical and procedural information; keeps current with regulations, litigation, and legislation concerning public works activities.
• Reviews and approves public infrastructure plans for development to ensure they are designed and constructed consistent with the City's Municipal Code, relevant land use documents, the Subdivision Map Act, and applicable standards and specifications.
• Meets with developers and contractors to facilitate projects and resolve issues; coordinates Engineering Division projects with other City departments and outside agencies; represents the Engineering Division at various meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Archives, stores, documents, and updates the geographical information system databases for all newly constructed or modified City infrastructure.
• Reviews operational procedures to stay current and compliant with applicable policies and quality control standards; recommends and initiates changes to departmental procedures, policies, and regulations, including City standards and specifications.
• Selects Engineering Division employees; develops and establishes work methods and standards; conducts or directs staff training and development; reviews and evaluates employee performance; executes disciplinary action.
• Serves as the City's Legally Responsible Person for State Water Resources Control Board and/or Regional Water Quality Control Board permits.
• Reviews and signs Public Improvement Plans (PIP's).
• Serves as Engineer of Record, including signing and sealing plans and studies prepared by in-house Engineering Division staff.
• Developing, updating, and implementing the City's Growth Mitigation Program and fees consistent with Assembly Bill 1600 and subsequent legislation.
• Directs the conduct of studies; the preparation and presentation of a variety of reports regarding engineering-related issues; reviews, edits, writes, and signs Council agenda reports; presents staff reports, studies, and findings to City Council, citizen commissions and committees, community groups, and others as needed.
• Initiates and participates in the preparation of departmental budget; monitors expenditures; and makes recommendations on staffing and equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Experience and/or education equivalent to a bachelor's degree in civil engineering.
• Possession of a current and valid Professional Civil Engineer license issued by the California State Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.
• Six years of experience as an engineer, including current technical/professional knowledge of the complex principles, methods, standards, and techniques associated with the profession of civil engineering.
• Three years of experience as a supervisor, with demonstrated experience building and developing staff in a technical environment.
• Possession of a valid California Drivers License, Class C or higher, by date of appointment. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet the Citys liability requirements to drive for City business.
• Mastery of the core competencies listed below and the ability to immediately demonstrate these competencies, consistent with the positions level in the leadership series and the specific work assignment.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strategic Leader

In addition to the Strategic Leader competencies listed below, incumbents should have a solid foundation of Individual Contributor, Front Line Supervisor, and Middle Manager core competencies identified by the organization:

• Mission Focus - understand and support the organizations mission, believe in it, value it, and display commitment.
• Visioning - imaginative, able to create a vision of the future, communicate it clearly and enthusiastically to others.
• Strategic Thinking - act with the future in mind, understand the factors influencing strategy, and consider future impact when weighing decisions.
• Business Thinking - see the organization as integrated and interlocking; understand the impacts of changes.
• Diplomacy - work within the organizations power network; recognize personal agendas, balance internal politics, and work well with elected officials.
• Global Mindset - see their city role in a larger context within the community, region, and beyond; value diversity and other points of view, identify partnership opportunities, and exhibit coalition-building skills.
• Risk Taking - willingness to take calculated chances to achieve goals; gracefully accept failure, learn, & move forward.
• Leadership Identification - identify with leaders and enjoy positions of responsibility and authority.
• Presentation Skills - comfortable and confident in front of an audience; effectively deliver messages and engage with the public and stakeholders.

SELECTION PROCESS

The completed electronic application packet will include the online application and digital attachments.

APPLICATION RANKING

The application, including resume and cover letter, will be evaluated and scored. The candidates final score and rank will be determined by their complete application packet, upon meeting the employment standards of the position, and will be certified to the Eligibility List.The most qualified applicants will be screened and invited to a selection interview with a panel of subject matter experts.

Note: Only those applicants who best fit the needs of the Hiring Department will be considered for this opportunity.

Prior to an offer of employment, the selected candidate may undergo a background check to the satisfaction of the City.

If you experience technical (computer-related) difficulties or need help attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at +1 (855) 524-5627.

The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/human-resources/salary-group-agreements.

Retirement

The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.

Health Insurance

Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.

The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment.

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per

bargaining unit.

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage

All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Employee Assistance Program

The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.

Wellness Program

Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The Citys Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work.

Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members.Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.

Mentorship Program

This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants leadership skills and promote professional growth.

Succession Planning

The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.

Deferred Compensation

Employees may participate in the Citys 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.

The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).

Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)

Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.

Holidays

The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employees discretion.

Vacation

The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.

Sick Leave

Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.

Management Leave

Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.

Educational Incentive Program

In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.

Tuition Reimbursement

Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.

Auto Allowance

Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.

Telephone/PDA Stipend

Management level employees may receive a telephone and/or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.

Bilingual Pay

Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his/her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Employer City of Santa Maria

Address 110 East Cook Street, Room 1

Santa Maria, California, 93454

Phone 805-925-0951 ext. 2203

Website http://www.cityofsantamaria.org