Engineering Technician, Specialist

Engineering Technician, Specialist

Salary

$92,245.92 - $111,003.36 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations- See Job Description, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-3248-01 (O/PW)

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

06/11/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Notice of change: Open until filled, first application review will be on 7/6/2026 at 4:59 PM PST.

Salary: $92,245.92 - $111,003.36 Annually

We are accepting applications to fill a full-time Engineering Technician, Specialist vacancy with the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department. The current vacancy is in the Flood Control District - Hydrology Section.

We are also accepting applications to establish an employment list for future Full-Time, Part-Time, Civil Service Rule 1414*, and Extra-Help Engineering Technician, Specialist vacancies for multiple divisions (Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Transportation, and Flood Control) in multiple locations (Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, etc.). Please make sure you select on your application which location(s) and division(s) you are willing to accept current and future employment.

THE POSITION: Under direction, performs the most technically complex paraprofessional civil engineering duties in such areas as: construction, contract administration, hydrology, database management, materials testing, development review and permitting, or other engineering specialties; and performs related duties as required.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills and experience (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Project)
• Ability to prepare and write clear and concise technical documents and communication, and keep records organized accordingly
• Ability to maintain and build large databases utilizing software to provide reports for permit compliance
• Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and manage competing deadlines
• Ability to exercise good judgement, high ethical standards, and dedication to assigned tasks with attention to detail
• Knowledge of RWQCB Waste Discharge Requirements and Title V operating permits
• Experience working with automated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems to critically analyze the operational status of various environmental management systems, including but not limited to gas-to-energy systems, combustion equipment, wastewater treatment systems, and stormwater conveyance systems
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally with managers, executives, operations staff, other agencies, vendors, and regulators
• Experience in procurement of goods and service contracts with vendors and contractors along with the desire to be a good steward of public funds
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle high stress situations, thrive under pressure and adapt to change

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is a specialized, multiple-option class. Work in this class is characterized by the complexity of the assignments and by the independence with which an incumbent performs. Incumbents in this class may be assisted by and/or supervise other technicians.

Examples of Duties

Note: The following is not intended to be a comprehensive list.

• Construction: Oversees construction projects of substantial complexity; leads and participates in construction inspection; prepares final labor and materials reports; recommends approval of construction work and contract payments.
• Contract Administration: Tracks operational contracts for environmental management systems; schedules contractors for maintenance of technical operating systems including SCADA, landfill gas collection, liquid collection and gas-to-energy systems; coordinates competitive bidding on projects; writes public notices relating to construction projects.
• Hydrology: Oversees hydrologic telemetry and flood hazard warning system; analyzes and interprets rainfall, streamflow, and reservoir data; prepares hydrology reports; trains technicians in rainfall data collection and analysis.
• Design: Coordinates the design work of complex engineering projects; reviews the designs, calculations, and cost estimates of other technicians; trains and assists technicians in the various functions of CAD software and other specialized applications.
• Materials Testing: Leads and participates in field and lab inspections and tests of construction materials; certifies material test results; recommends materials of construction; prepares material testing reports; and trains technicians in testing procedures and equipment.
• Compliance Reporting and Permitting: Assists in the preparation of various reports to regulatory agencies; collects and analyzes field data in order to maintain environmental compliance at all times; assists in acquiring regulatory permits.
• Development Review and Permitting: Informs public and private agencies regarding conditions for development; coordinates the issuance of permits for private or commercial construction and road right-of-way construction work; leads and participates in construction inspection.
• Field Work: Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot and repair various hydrometeorological equipment; maintain accurate logs and records; work independently and at times in remote areas; Work in inclement weather (rain); drive a vehicle in remote areas that may be unpaved and unlighted.

Employment Standards

• Four (4) years of paraprofessional civil engineering experience, including at least one year of journey-level experience in Hydrology. Completion of 24 semester units or 36 quarter units of college-level courses in civil engineering or a closely related subject, such as soils erosion, soils testing, blueprint reading, mathematics, computer graphics, hydrology, environmental science, geology, geography, water resources, or other physical sciences may be substituted for one year of the required general experience; OR,
• One (1) year of experience in hydrology performing duties equivalent to Engineering Technician II with Santa Barbara County; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License may be required for some positions.
• The ability to perform physical tasks of moderate difficulty may be required for some positions in this class.
• The ability to be on standby 24/7 to respond to maintenance needs of electrical equipment may be required.

Knowledge of: algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and drafting; civil engineering and construction practices; computer assisted applications; engineering methods, practices and techniques relating to the assigned specialty.

Ability to: work independently; perform complex engineering calculations; read and interpret engineering plans and specifications; conduct technical research; collect and analyze data; prepare clear and concise reports; meet and consult with engineers, contractors and others on technical matters; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; train staff.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking assessment to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a 12-month probationary period.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

BENEFITS: For more information on County benefits, please visit here. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Open until filled, first application review will be on 7/6/2026 at 4:59 PM PST. Postmarks are not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Collin Graham, Recruiter: CGraham@countyofsb.org

Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/3087/Engineers-Technicians-Association
• This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01

Do you have an international degree? If yes, please attach your documentation from Evaluation Service that shows you meet the education U.S. standard and your transcripts. Below is a link to a list of Evaluation Services you can use. http://www.naces.org/members.html You are required to attach to your application at the time you apply.

• Yes, I do have an international degree and will attach required documents.
• I have an international degree, but do not have the required documents. I understand that I do not qualify.
• Not applicable

02

To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Posting, or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. To qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements listed below at the time of application. It is the applicants responsibility to provide all supporting information on their application or on this supplemental questionnaire and not on your resume. All information will be verified that it is true and correct. Please check which best describes your experience.

• Four (4) years of paraprofessional civil engineering experience, including at least one year of journey-level experience in Hydrology. Completion of 24 semester units or 36 quarter units of college-level courses in civil engineering or a closely related subject, such as soils erosion, soils testing, blueprint reading, mathematics, computer graphics, hydrology, environmental science, geology, geography, water resources, or other physical sciences may be substituted for one year of the required general experience;
• One (1) year of experience in hydrology performing duties equivalent to Engineering Technician II with Santa Barbara County.
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• None of the above - I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

03

Are you substituting one year of general experience with the completion of 24 semester units or 36 quarter units of college-level courses in civil engineering or a closely related subject, such as soils erosion, soils testing, blueprint reading, mathematics, computer graphics, hydrology, environmental science, geology, geography, water resources, or other physical sciences? If so, you must list the college course title, course number, and units below. Also, please attach your unofficial transcripts to your application.

04

If you selected A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed... for the preceding supplemental question, then please describe in detail your combined training, education, and experience that qualifies you for this position. If you did not select this option, then please put "N/A".

05

Please select the Public Works Division you would like to work in. Please select ALL that apply.

• Resource Recovery and Waste Management
• Transportation
• Flood Control
• None of the above

06

Do you have experience working with public agencies?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you open to working nights, weekends, and holidays as needed?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have experience working in inclement or challenging weather conditions? If yes, please describe your experience.

09

I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. We ask that when answering the following questions that you are honest and truthful. Misrepresentation or falsification of information on an application or on the supplemental questionnaire are grounds for disqualification. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules

• I understand

10

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have working in surface or groundwater hydrology?

• 5 or more years of experience
• 3 years but less than 5 years of experience
• 1 year but less than 3 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• None - I do not have this experience

11

Examination Question: Do you have work experience analyzing and interpreting data or information collected from environmental monitoring equipment?

• 5 or more years of experience
• 3 years but less than 5 years of experience
• 1 year but less than 3 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• None - I do not have this experience

12

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have working with electronic field equipment?

• 5 or more years of experience
• 3 years but less than 5 years of experience
• 1 year but less than 3 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• None - I do not have this experience

13

Examination Question: Do you have experience troubleshooting electronics or other equipment?

• Yes
• No

14

Examination Question: Do you have experience working in design, construction, and tool use?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty