Senior Engineer

Salary : $142,224.00 - $183,264.00 Annually
Location : City of Monterey, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 24-0904
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Opening Date: 05/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: MEA


Description
ABOUT THE POSITION: The Senior Engineer is a senior management level classification in the City of Monterey's Public Works Department. This position is responsible for planning, engineering, design, bidding, and construction management of a wide range of municipal infrastructure projects, including streets, pavement rehabilitation, sidewalks, sanitary sewer and storm drainage systems, parking lots, traffic facilities, park upgrades, buildings and wharf renovations, ADA upgrades, and other capital and neighborhood improvement projects.


The ideal candidate will possess the ability to design and manage multiple Public Works projects simultaneously and be a proven project manager whose track record clearly identifies seasoned project management skills. The candidate will have experience effectively supervising professional and technical staff as well as managing design consultants and construction contractors in a public agency environment. The candidate must have strong communication skills, and possess the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
CASH HIRING INCENTIVE: $12,000.00 annual cash bonus per year paid quarterly.

SUMMARY: Under general administrative direction, manages, provides technical policy guidance and directs the activities of professional and technical engineering personnel performing highly technical and administrative functions in connection with the design, maintenance, construction, and operation of projects and systems.


DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This advanced journey-level class is populated with multiple incumbents. Senior Engineers perform the most complex professional civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering work requiring a substantial level of professional training. Incumbents may also lead professional and technical personnel on a team or project basis. Assignments require the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in scheduling, assigning, and coordinating the work with that of other units. Senior Engineer is distinguished from Principal Engineer in that the latter manages broad professional engineering categories. The classification of Senior Engineer is distinguished from that of Associate Civil Engineer in that the former serves as project or team leader and performs the most complex and highly skilled engineering work while the latter is the journey level in the engineer series.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY:
Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES:
The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

Application Process

A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.

As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check. Depending on the position, as a condition of employment, the selected candidate may also be required to pass a physical exam including a drug screen and a federal background check to gain access to military and police facilities and systems.Positions that require work on a military installation will involve job duties performed on-site and therefore require passing a background check conducted by the Department of Defense (DoD).
Candidates who successfully progress through all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list is active for 12-months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions, regular part-time, and part-time temporary seasonal, determined to have similar duties and requirements.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the position has been filled. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Monterey provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Monterey does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, coordinate, supervise and design complex engineering projects, ensuring that codes, standards and project requirements are met; plans and develops programs, budgets and staff for a wide variety of engineering activities.
• Manage and direct (a) team(s) of professional engineers, technicians and related professionals, including consultants, engaged in the preparation of engineering studies and/or construction contract documents by assigning tasks, establishing priorities, allocating resources and monitoring progress to assure the quality, cost effectiveness and performance of engineering work.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of engineering designs, specifications, and cost estimates for a wide variety of capital improvement projects.
• Manage projects through planning, scheduling and monitoring critical milestones to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Direct and participate in research projects, including studies, processes, and code revisions; recommend action; monitor procedures to meet regulatory requirements; provide engineering support to other City staff; and supervise the planning of facilities and construction projects.
• Assist in the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures and administrative directives in accordance with applicable laws, ordinances, codes, standards, rules, regulations, and legislative policies and procedures by interpreting, explaining, monitoring, and evaluating the organization's functional activities.
• Coordinate all activities within a unit, with other sections of the engineering office and in the field, outside agencies, and consultants/contractors; resolve differences among engineers to ensure effective functioning of engineering activities; identify problems, develop and compare alternatives and make decisions or recommendations for effective problem resolution.
• Meet and confer with developers, contractors, engineers, consultants, local and/or regional regulatory agencies, and the general public relative to City policies, regulations, and procedures; coordinate and resolve conflicts.
• Manage grant efforts including pursuing and applying for grants, documenting expenditure, preparing progress reports and ensuring compliance with grant regulations.
• Plan, organize and direct the administration and management of construction contracts; review, evaluate and make recommendations for and/or approves contracts, contract modifications, specifications, related documents, and the settlement of claims.
• Write, and/or review and approve reports, memos, recommendations, routine correspondence and other documents.
• Interview, select, train, monitor, and evaluate departmental staff and consultants to ensure that work methods and work flow are effective; assure that written objectives are prepared for all professional employees; monitor the work of and evaluate, counsel and discipline subordinate staff as necessary; and review and approve technical training programs for engineers and technicians.
• Conduct meetings and make presentations to Boards, Commissions, committees, approval agencies, staff and the general public for the purpose of providing accurate information, explaining policies, providing recommendations and/or solutions for engineering projects.
• Represent the City and consult with government officials, business and civic organizations in connection with specific departmental issues.
• Oversee Department programs such as sewer management, storm drain management, pavement management, and capital improvement projects.
• Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:


Education: Completion of Bachelor's Degree from a college or university in Civil Engineering or related engineering field.


Experience: Seven (7) years verifiable professional civil engineering work experience, which includes three (3) years experience equivalent to the Associate Engineer level or higher


An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:

• Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California in one of the following disciplines: Civil, Mechanical, Environmental, or Traffic Engineering is required.

Supplemental Info
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering, including Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, codes, standards, rules, and regulations applicable to the planning and design, construction, and maintenance;
• Principles and practices of modern municipal Civil Engineering design and construction;
• Pertinent Federal, State and Local laws, codes, and regulations;
• Principles and practices of project management and construction administration;
• Methods, material and techniques used in the design and construction of public works projects;
• Principles of budget preparation and administration and capital project financing, particularly in a public agency;
• Preparation of grant reimbursement requests, particularly state and regional transportation funding procedures;
• CEQA and NEPA regulatory permitting processes associated with the design and construction of public works projects;
• Computer use, including word processing, data base management, spreadsheets, graphics, GIS and computer aided drafting;
• Principles of cost estimating and contract administration;
• Principals of supervision and training and providing work direction;
• Engineering mathematics including geometry, trigonometry and design principles;
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy;
• Oral and written communication skills, including grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary;
• Technical aspects of field of specialty, such transportation, storm water, mechanical engineering;
• Record-keeping and report preparation techniques;
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations, and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public;
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Skill in:

• Producing, evaluating and overseeing complex engineering projects;
• Supporting and guiding subordinate engineering staff through projects;
• Planning, scheduling, directing, motivating, monitoring and evaluating the work of engineering and technical personnel;
• Budgeting for staffing and for capital and major maintenance projects;
• Overseeing complex programs, studies and processes;
• Ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures;
• Training and developing subordinates in professional and technical areas and procedural changes;
• Utilizing resources, such as staff, budget and contractors, to resolve problems and expedite project goals;
• Interacting tactfully and courteously with co-workers, subordinates, department heads, members of Boards, Commissions, agencies and the general public to promote and maintain productive working relationships;
• Handling difficult and sometimes hostile situations; convey technical ideas and information in a clear and concise manner to be understood by listeners with varying ability to understand technical language;
• Consulting with or make presentations to department personnel, officials, consultants, committees, clients and community groups;
• Reading, reviewing, evaluating and interpreting technical materials, research reports, and scientific studies;
• Organizing written information in a logical sequence to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, contracts and other documents to support project activity;
• Applying skills in the application of specific engineering theory to practical field and office problems;
• Analyzing and investigating complex engineering problems and determine an effective course of action for resolution; review and analyze information from a variety of sources;
• Dividing complex problems and issues into components for analysis;
• Identifying sources of information which may help to clarify and/or resolve issues and complaints;
• Gathering, evaluating and interpreting pertinent information, data and evidence;
• Establishing sound conclusions or logical recommendations with consideration of the ramifications and impact of decisions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Demands

• Standing & Walking - Primarily sedentary classification although standing in work areas and walking in public works sites may be required.
• Sitting - Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time.
• Lifting - Ability to safely lift up to 35 pounds; this requirement includes bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.
• Climbing - Ability to ascend 10 ft. or more up ladder(s).
• Manual Dexterity - Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as accurate field measuring, repair and calibration of instruments, operating a computer keyboard; copying, and adding machines.
• Visual - Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.
• Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Mobility - Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.
• Reflexes - Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations.
• Ability to function in confined spaces and/or hazardous environment.
• Wear and operate in protective equipment as assigned, when working in hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions, including but not limited to head protection, eye protection, respiratory protection, hand protection, foot protection, knee protection, and full body protection.

Environmental Elements

Employees perform most work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. However, some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various public works sites with exposure to inclement weather, noise, dust, grease fumes, gases and potentially hazardous chemicals. May be required to respond to calls on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
This is a summary of benefits for employees holding classification in the Management Employees' Association ("MEA") bargaining unit. This summary is for information purposes only. More specific details regarding these benefits can be found in the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and MEA
FLSA Status: Exempt
Retirement: CalPERS 2.7% @ 55 with highest year formula is provided for current City of Monterey employees or new employees who were hired prior to January 1, 2013, and who are currently active or have been active within six months of the date of hire in the CalPERS retirement system. The employee retirement contribution for these employees is 11% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The CalPERS retirement formula for new employees who do not meet the criteria stated above is 2% @ 62 with highest three-year compensation. The employee retirement contribution is 7.75% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The City participates in the Medicare portion of Social Security.

Health Plan Spending Fund: For plan year 2026, the City shall make a non-elective employer contribution to the flexible benefits plan on behalf of each active employee in this unit for use for health insurance, dependent dental insurance, additional life insurance, dependent care, and/or health care expenses through a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account in the following amounts:

Employee Only = $1,086.89

Employee + 1 = $2,223.60

Employee + 2= $2,872.83

Cash in lieu of benefits = $300.00

Dental: Fully paid employee premium by the City.

Vision: Fully paid premium for employee and eligible dependents by the City.

Life Insurance : $50,000 policy paid by the City, with an option to purchase additional coverage up to $350,000.

Short Term / Long Term Disability Plan : The City provides a Short Term/Long Term Disability Plan.

Deferred Compensation: City will match employee paid contributions to a maximum of $150.00 per month. Participants may contribute up to the maximum annual limit as specified by IRS guidelines.

Flexible Spending Account: The Section 125 Plan provides for an employee to set pre-tax dollars aside, through a payroll deduction, for reimbursement of health care and dependent care expenses.

Group Legal: Subject to provider limitations, the City will continue to provide a Group Legal Services Plan for employees represented by MEA through an employee-paid premium. Participation in the program shall be voluntary and consistent with the provider's requirements that the potential pool of participants must include a minimum of 200 employees.

Tuition Reimbursement: Subject to department approval,employees may be eligible for an allowance of $2,000 per fiscal year, per employee for reimbursement for costs incurred for job-related course textbooks, seminars, conferences, and other accredited courses.

Fitness Pass: Fitness Pass Program available to use the City of Monterey Sports Center.

Fitness Activity Plan: Employees are eligible to participate in a Fitness Activity Plan, allowing them to work out off-duty in exchange for leave time accrued in a Fitness Leave Bank. Employees may accrue up to 40 hours per year (10 hours per quarter), with a maximum of 80 hours allowed in the bank. The Fitness Leave Bank has no cash value, and accrued time does not expire.

City Recreation Program Fees: Resident Rates for City Recreation classes and programs for employees and immediate family household members.

Employee Assistance Program : Fully paid confidential counseling and referral service for employee and eligible dependents.

Voluntary Unpaid Leave : With advance approval, an employee may take up to forty (40) hours of unpaid leave per calendar year.

Management Leave : Management employees shall be provided with eighty (80) hours of management leave at the beginning of each calendar year. Newly hired managers will be awarded leave on a prorated basis depending on hire date.

Holidays : 14 paid days annually plus 1 floating holiday.

Sick Leave : 12 days per year. *

Vacation : 1-5 years/10 days; 6-10 years/15 days; 11-15 years/ 17 days; 15+ years/20 days; 20+ years/23 days per year. *

*Relocation assistance, sick leave and vacation balances and initial vacation accrual rate negotiable.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Candidate selected will serve up to one-year probationary period.
• Candidates who pass the testing process will be placed on an eligibility list. This list may be used to fill additional positions (including subordinate positions) that become available during the life of the list.
• This bulletin is for informational purposes only and does not supersede rules regulations, ordinances and resolutions currently in effect.
• Pursuant to the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, employees must show proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
• The City of Monterey is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01


Please indicate your highest level of education.

• Masters Degree or Higher in Related Field
• Masters Degree or Higher in Non-Related Field
• Bachelor Degree in Related Field
• Bachelor Degree in Non-Related Field
• Associates Degree in Related Field
• Associates Degree in Non-Related Field
• High School Diploma or GED
• No High School Diploma or GED

02


Please select the option that best describes your experience in verifiable professional civil engineering.

• 15 years or more
• 10-14 years
• 8-9 years
• 7 years
• 5-6 years
• Less than 5 years

03


Please select the option that best describes your experience at the level of Associate Engineer or higher.

• 10 years or more
• 6-9 years
• 3-5 years
• Less than 3 years

04


Please select the option that best describes your professional experience while employed with a government agency.

• 10 years or more
• 6-9 years
• 3-5 years
• 1-2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None/Priv

05


Please select the option that best describes the maximum number of employees you have supervised at one time.

• 10 or more people
• 4-9 people
• 1-3 people
• None

06


Do you possess a valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California in one of the following disciplines: Civil, Environmental, or Traffic Engineering?

• Yes
• No

07


If yes, please provide certification number(s). If no, write 'N/A.'
08


Please select all of the following categories of infrastructure improvement projects in which you have experience. Check all that apply.

• Roads and Street
• Parking Lots
• Asphalt Pavement Rehabilitation
• Traffic Control
• Storm Drain and Flood Control Facilities
• Sanitary Sewers
• Parks and Trails
• Building Renovations
• ADA Ramps
• None

09


In 250 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note: The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.The Senior Engineer is a management level position that will be required to direct and supervise the work of subordinate engineers. Please describe your supervisory experience along with a lesson you have learned during your career. Please include in your response how you foster staff advancement, keep staff motivated and set priorities for yourself and your team.
10


In 250 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note: The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.The Senior Engineer is responsible for all aspects of project delivery. Please describe a project where you were responsible for obtaining (through a governmental action) and maintaining the project budget for a Public Works project. How did you ensure the project stayed within approved budgetary limits?
11


In 250 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note: The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.Please describe the most complex engineering project that you were directly involved with. Please be specific as to your role in the project and the specific tasks that you performed. Briefly identify a challenge on this project and how you resolved the issue.
Required Question