Civil Engineer

Qualifications:  
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Junior: The equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering field obtained by the time of appointment, or possession of an Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) certificate and 0 to 2 years’ experience. This class is distinguished by the reliance on instructions and pre-established guidelines. Works under immediate supervision and does not typically require exercising independent judgment.

Assistant: The equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering field. In addition, three (3) to five (5) years of professional level civil engineering experience. (Possession of a Master's degree in a Civil Engineering field or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience.) Or possession of an Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) certificate with 3 to 5 years of professional level civil engineering experience. This class is distinguished by the ability to lead others, a certain degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Works under supervision, typically reports to a supervisor or a manager.

Associate: Possession of valid Certificate of Registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration. In addition, the equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering field; and five or more years of professional level civil engineering experience, two years of which must have been in a position which involved serving as project engineer or resident engineer on civil engineering related projects. (Possession of a Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the project, or resident engineer level experience) This class is distinguished by the ability to lead others, a wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Relies on judgment and experience, typically reports to a supervisor or a manager. It is distinguished from the other classes by the depth and breadth of the duties, performing the most complex functions with a high degree of proficiency and concurrent need for extensive an intense experience in civil engineering functions.

Senior: Possession of valid Certificate of Registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration. In addition, the equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering field; and ten (10) or more years of professional level mechanical engineering experience, five (5) years of which must have been in a position which involved serving as project engineer or resident engineer on construction projects. (Possession of a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the project, or resident engineer level experience) This class is distinguished by the ability to lead others, a wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Relies on judgment and experience, typically reports to a supervisor or a manager. It is distinguished from the other classes by the depth and breadth of the duties, performing the most complex functions with a high degree of proficiency and concurrent need for extensive an intense experience in mechanical engineering functions.

Distinguishing Characteristics: 

Factors that affect position allocation in the engineering career series include: Independence of action and decision-making responsibility; complexity and size of program or project assignment; level of supervisory responsibility; requirements for registration as a professional engineer in California.

Junior: This is the entry level in the professional engineering series. Under direct supervision, performs difficult and complex technical engineering support work involved with the operation, maintenance and repair projects and programs for the Authority facilities; may act as project planner/coordinator on repair, maintenance and construction projects; may participate on a project team on Civil Engineering Department projects & programs; may perform survey work on a survey crew, and may do manual and computer aided drafting work.

Assistant : Under general supervision, performs difficult and complex technical engineering support work involved with the operation, maintenance and repair projects and programs for the Authority facilities; may act as project planner/coordinator on repair, maintenance and construction projects; may participate on a project team on Civil Engineering Department projects & programs; may perform survey work on a survey crew, and may do manual and computer aided drafting work.

Associate/Senior : Under general direction, performs difficult professional engineering work involved with the operation, maintenance and repair projects and programs for the Authority facilities; may act as project engineer on major repair, maintenance and construction projects; may act as project/program manager for Civil Engineering Department projects & programs; may supervise and train junior engineering staff members.

License Requirement:

Driver License: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License may be required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Possession and proof of a good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) consecutive years. Failure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis. The driving record will not contribute to an increase in the Authority’s automobile insurance rates.

Possession of an Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certificate, (Junior and Assistant level), or valid Certificate of Registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration (Associate and Senior level) is required.

Abbreviated Job Description: The duties listed are illustrative only and are not meant to be a complete and exhaustive listing of all of the duties and responsibilities of the classification. Under general direction of the Civil Engineering Manager, the Civil Engineer series performs a wide variety of technical field and office engineering work associated with the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (Authority) activities/programs and facilities. Manages and performs project design, project management, and construction management of capital improvement projects for general facilities; leads project group, participates in selection of and manages consultants, reviews and approves projects for conformance Authority standards, reviews projects for conformance to long range plans; performs system modeling; and related duties as required.

Examples of duties: The duties listed are illustrative only and are not meant to be a complete and exhaustive listing of all of the duties and responsibilities of the classification; Develops preliminary and final cost estimates, designs, plans, and develops technical specifications for the repair, maintenance, monitoring and construction projects on Authority structures, facilities and programs. Prepares requests for proposals and contract/bidding documents for work performed by outside contractors/consultants. Provides project inspection/coordination/management and contract administration functions on assigned projects/programs. Prepares, reviews and provides comments on environmental assessments, feasibility studies, environmental impact reports/studies and encroachment requests that affect the Authority facilities/programs. Develops and implements policies and programs for Authority activities and projects to ensure compliance with all appropriate regulatory agencies and laws. Participates in the development of programs and models associated with Authority activities/programs and projects. Prepares comprehensive reports associated with Authority projects and programs/activities. Investigates, reviews drawings, and prepares comments/recommendations on projects that affect Authority activities/programs and facilities. Meets with developers and outside engineers/consultants to discuss concepts and general requirements on proposed projects/programs affecting Authority activities and facilities. Participates in the development and management of the Authority 10-Year Extraordinary O&M and Capital Improvement Projects/Programs. Serves as Authority engineer on repair, maintenance, monitoring and construction projects. Participates and represents the Authority in coordination with other utilities, regulatory agencies, governmental bodies, planning agencies, trade and professional associations, technical groups, and developers. Prepares correspondence related to engineering projects. Prepares and files Authority designs, surveys, plans and drawings in accordance with Authority file management structure. Represents the Authority at meetings and conferences as delegated. Provides support to the Engineering Manager in making presentations regarding engineering project/issues to the Board of Directors. Performs related duties as assigned.

Requires the Knowledge of: Fundamentals of engineering theory, principles, methods, and materials utilized in the design of repairs, maintenance and construction of civil works including roads, bridges, water conveyance systems, and other structures. Principles of surveying, soil mechanics, fluid mechanics, water resources and structural engineering. Preparation and maintenance of records, drawings, and reports related to construction activities. Budget development for projects on the long-term replacement plan. Contract administration and legal principles. AutoCAD, ArcView, Enercalc & Adobe Acrobat software. Trimble Geo7xGPS unit and conversion applications. Algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as used in the preparation and maintenance of engineering drawings and maps. Report writing and presentation skills. Fundamentals of project management which includes planning and scheduling.

Must possess the Ability to: Analyze engineering problems and make viable and sound technical recommendations. Prepare comprehensive reports. Deal firmly and tactfully with contractors. Supervise the work of others as assigned. Effectively prepare and present technical engineering information. Work under pressure towards time deadlines. Regularly and consistently meet attendance/punctuality requirements. Follow instructions, work independently and cooperatively with others, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co‑workers, outside agencies, and the public. Read, understand, and interpret moderately difficult technical materials. Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Design, plan, organize, manage, and develop civil engineering related projects. Prepare and carry out budgeting and training activities, as required. Prepare and monitor project schedules. Oversee the development of plans, specifications, and maintenance activities for projects. Ensure proper completion and inspection of major construction projects. Direct the preparation and review of engineering studies and reports. Use computer systems and software packages related to engineering analysis and functions at an intermediate or advanced level.

Typical Physical Activities include, but are not limited to: Travel to conduct Authority business. Hear normal conversation in person and/or on the telephone, with or without electronic aids. See to read fine print. Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time. Use hands and fingers repetitively to manipulate small objects and print or write legibly. Frequently lift up to 25 pounds. Reach with hands and arms. Speak in a normal voice to be able to be heard and understood on the telephone. Ability to traverse uneven ground at construction sites. Hearing and vision within normal ranges with or without correction.

Environmental Factors include: Exposure to the sun: 10% to 25% work time spent outside a building and exposed to the sun. High temp: occasional work time in temperatures between 80-100 degrees. Irregular or extended work hours: Occasionally required to change working hours or work overtime.

How to Apply:

Visit or visit our job opportunity page at All applications must be received no later than the application deadline listed above.

A resume and cover letter are required. Failure to include either will disqualify your application. 

The San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority was established in January of 1992 and consists of member agencies that provide water service to approximately 1,200,000 acres of irrigated agriculture, 2 million people, and 130,000 acres of wetlands within the western San Joaquin Valley, San Benito and Santa Clara counties.One of the primary purposes of establishing the Authority was to assume the operation and maintenance (O&M) responsibilities of certain United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Central Valley Project facilities, and do so at an optimum level and at a lower cost than the USBR.The Authority serves the information and representation needs of our members by developing, providing and disseminating information to legislative, administrative and judicial bodies concerning a variety of issues such as: Sacramento and San Joaquin Delta exports, water supply, water quality, water development, conservation, distribution, drainage, contractual rights, surface and groundwater management, and any other common interest of the member agencies. The governing body of the Authority consists of a 19-member Board of Directors classified into five divisions with directors selected from within each division. Each Director, and respective Alternate Director, is a member of the governing body or an appointed staff member of his or her agency.The Delta-Mendota Canal delivers approximately 3,000,000-acre feet of water within the Authority service area. Of this amount, 2,500,000-acre feet are delivered to highly productive agricultural lands, 150,000 to 200,000-acre feet for municipal and industrial uses, and between 250,000 to 300,000 acre-feet are delivered to wildlife refuges for habitat enhancement and restoration.The Authority, with its current staffing of 103 employees, continues to provide the leadership necessary to pursue additional reliable water supply for its Member Districts and deliver the water with a reliable system in a cost efficient manner.