Supervising Civil Engineer

Supervising Civil Engineer

Salary

$138,190.00 - $172,718.00 Annually

Location

City of San Luis Obispo, CA

Job Type

Regular Full Time

Department

CIP Project Engineering

Opening Date

08/03/2026

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB DESCRIPTION

NOW HIRING: Supervising Civil Engineer - Lead the Projects That Shape Our City

We're seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking engineering leader to help drive some of San Luis Obispo's most impactful public infrastructure projects. Our current opening is in the Public Works & Utilities Department within the Water/Wastewater Utilities Projects specialty - but this recruitment will establish an eligibility list that can support multiple specialty areas and future departmental needs across the City.

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 up to $10,000 may be available.

This recruitment will remain open until the position has been filled. Applications submitted by 11:59 pm on Monday, August 31, 2026, will be given first consideration. The first round of interviews has been scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, so please hold that date. Due to this being a continuous recruitment, the posting can close at any time without notice; therefore, prompt application is encouraged.

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs highly complex professional engineering work to successfully deliver public works infrastructure projects in the areas of development, capital improvement, and water/wastewater utilities; supervises a work team and manages a section engaged in professional engineering and technical support; performs related work as assigned. Employees are assigned to a specialty but may perform work in any specialty.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This multi-position class is the highest level in the City's professional engineering series. Employees in this class provide specialized engineering support and direction to a variety of private and public projects. Responsibilities include serving as a section head with responsibility for planning, organizing, directing, and reviewing the work of staff engaged in the preparation of engineering plans, specifications, designs, estimates, schedules, inspections, and project management activities for construction, maintenance, and/or development programs. This class is distinguished from the Deputy Director classifications by the latter's overall managerial responsibility for a comprehensive division comprised of development, capital improvement, or water/wastewater utilities engineering programs. This class is distinguished from Senior Civil Engineer in that the latter does not manage a section engaged in professional engineering work.

SUPERVISION

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Receives general direction from a Director or Deputy Director within a framework of established policies and procedures.

Direct supervision is provided to professional and technical staff. Project direction may be provided to contract staff and consultants.

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.)

• Plans, supervises, assigns, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of professional and technical engineering staff and coordinates their work with that of other City departments, outside agencies, contractors, and consultants.
• Directs, reviews, and participates in the preparation and/or examination of engineering plans, specifications, designs, requests for proposals, cost estimates, legal descriptions, and other documents for a variety of engineering projects.
• Manages engineering projects and environmental studies.
• Reviews and updates engineering standards and standard specifications.
• Develops and monitors systems and procedures for contract administration to ensure compliance with technical and legal requirements.
• Performs highly complex engineering work; provides engineering services and consultation to a variety of field and office personnel.
• Initiates, directs, and participates in the preparation of a variety of studies, procedures, ordinances, contracts, reports, written correspondence, and other materials.
• 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.
• Prepares contract specifications and plans for engineering projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and funding source requirements.
• Inspects and evaluates ongoing public works projects to ensure compliance with plans and specifications; conducts surveys to obtain field data for compliance purposes.
• Prepares requests for proposals and recommends the selection of consultants; performs contract administration; and monitors consultant and contractor work.
• Researches new materials and techniques; monitors new developments in civil engineering.
• Prepares and directs the preparation of a variety of studies, written correspondence, reports, procedures, ordinances, contracts, and other materials.
• Directs the maintenance of working and departmental automated and manual files.
• 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, or through graphic representations and statistical summaries with colleagues, managers, employees, the public, organized employee groups, and representatives of various organizations.
• May serve as the Deputy Director on a relief or as-assigned basis.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

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.

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.

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 designs of public works construction projects.
• Submits projects for competitive bids; analyzes bids and makes recommendations for acceptance.

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 employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• 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.
• Principles and practices of construction management, including plan and specification interpretation, claims avoidance and resolution, and public contract legal requirements.
• Legal requirements and regulations for public works engineering, including the Public Contract Code.
• 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 public and City staff, in person, in writing, and over the phone.

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.

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 public works construction projects.
• Public contracting and competitive bid processes and procedures related to construction projects.

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 professional and technical staff and/or contractors on a project or day-to-day 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 and supervise 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 to 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 related field;

and

Five years of professional engineering experience in the specialty area, including one year of experience working in a supervisory or lead capacity;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C drivers license and a satisfactory driving record.
• California registration as a Professional Civil Engineer.
• California registration as a Professional Land Surveyor is desirable.
• 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

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice

The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.

La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.

For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.

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

Retirement: California Public Employees 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.

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• Masters degree or higher
• Bachelors degree
• Associates degree or vocational equivalent
• Some college
• High School/G.E.D.
• None of the above

02

Did you major in one of the following fields?

• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Other Field - Related
• Other Field - Unrelated
• N/A - Did not attend college

03

If you answered "Other Field - Related" or "Other Field - Unrelated" to the previous question, please explain. Otherwise, please put "N/A".

04

How many years of professional engineering experience do you have in the speciality area (Water/Wastewater Utilities Projects) being recruited for?

• 9 years or more
• 8 years to 8 years 11 months
• 7 years to 7 years 11 months
• 6 years to 6 years 11 months
• 5 years to 5 years 11 months
• 4 years to 4 years 11 months
• 3 years to 3 years 11 months
• 2 years to 2 years 11 months
• 1 year to 1 year 11 months
• Less than 1 year
• No Experience

05

Does your professional engineering experience in the Water/Wastewater Utilities Projects specialty area include experience working in a supervisory or lead capacity?

• Yes
• No
• N/A - No professional engineering experience in the Capital Projects specialty area.

06

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, how many years of experience do you have in a lead or supervisory role? If you answered "No" or "N/A", please select "No Experience".

• 6 years or more
• 5 years to 5 years 11 months
• 4 years to 4 years 11 months
• 3 years to 3 years 11 months
• 2 years to 2 years 11 months
• 1 year to 1 year 11 months
• Less than 1 year
• No Experience

07

In detail, please explain your professional engineering experience within the speciality area being recruited for, including any supervisory or lead experience.

08

Do you have a California registration as a Professional Civil Engineer?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have a California registration as a Professional Land Surveyor? (Desirable not required)

10

Do you have a valid Class "C" California drivers license? If you do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license, do you have the ability to obtain one within six months of hire? Please select the answer that best applies.

• Currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license
• Do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license and HAVE the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
• Do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license and DO NOT HAVE the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire

11

Do you possess a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of San Luis Obispo

Address 990 Palm St

San Luis Obispo, California, 93401

Phone 805-781-7250

Website http://www.slocity.org