Construction

Construction Engineer

The County of San Diego invites your interest in an excellent career opportunity! Construction Engineer Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis. Job offers will be made after successful completion of interviews. The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment.

Future Salary Increases

** June 2026 – 6.5% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 3% Market Adjustment)

** June 2027 – 6% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 3% Market Adjustment)

As a Construction Engineer with the County of San Diego, you'll have the chance to work on exciting projects that make a real difference in the community. From infrastructure improvements to monitoring the implementation of contractor's stormwater pollution prevention plans, you'll serve as Resident Engineer and perform engineering duties on large and complex construction contracts for Capital Improvement Projects, Landfill or Road Projects, or Private Development. The County of San Diego is committed to providing a supportive work environment, with amazing benefits and opportunities for advancement. If you're ready to take on new challenges and make a lasting impact, the County of San Diego is the perfect place to build your career in construction engineering.

The Position A Construction Engineer working for the Department of Public Works (DPW) could be assigned to the Management Services Division which supports Closed Landfills and Private Roads/Landscape Maintenance where Construction Engineers will work on projects that range from large scale grading operations to asphalt work. A Construction Engineer working in DPW could also be assigned to The Land Development Division, which supports Flood Control, the Watershed Protection Program, or the Private Development Construction inspection unit. Construction Engineers assigned to Flood Control perform reviews of large-scale flood control design and construction projects to private building permits, manage flood control facilities, and respond to public and private drainage inquiries, while Construction Engineers assigned to the Watershed Protection Program, review small residential to large-scale commercial or master-planned communities. Construction Engineers assigned to Private Development Construction Inspection perform a variety of tasks, from reviews and inspection of large-scale permitted utility and private development projects to responding to public referrals of unpermitted right of way encroachments and private property watercourse obstructions. A Construction Engineer working in DPW could also be assigned to the Engineering Services Division which includes Construction Engineering/Materials Lab and the Capital Improvement Program.

Construction Engineers assigned to Flood Control perform reviews of large-scale flood control design and construction projects to private building permits, manage flood control facilities, and respond to public and private drainage inquiries, while Construction Engineers assigned to the Watershed Protection Program, review small residential to large-scale commercial or master-planned communities. Construction Engineers assigned to Private Development Construction Inspection perform a variety of tasks, from reviews and inspection of large-scale permitted utility and private development projects to responding to public referrals of unpermitted right of way encroachments and private property watercourse obstructions. A Construction Engineer working in DPW could also be assigned to the Engineering Services Division which includes Construction Engineering/Materials Lab and the Capital Improvement Program.

Construction Engineers working for Planning & Development Services (PDS), Land Development and Building Divisions, will work on exciting projects that make a real difference in the community. From department projects to privately initiated land development projects, you'll serve as Resident Engineer and perform engineering duties, review plans and provide corrections, as well as coordinate project design, and work with the public to explain engineering and other code related specifications. Read the Construction Engineer job description for more information.

Hiring Process and Timeline: The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

1. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
2. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
3. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications Education, training, and/or experience, that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. Qualifying education/experience:

• At least six (6) years of experience involving the application of civil engineering formulas, theory, and practices to practical engineering problems of modern construction methods, design and inspection procedures, in connection with public works improvement projects; OR,
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field; AND, two (2) years of experience involving the application of civil engineering formulas, theory, and practices to practical engineering problems of modern construction methods, design and inspection procedures, in connection with public works improvement projects; OR,
• A Master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field; AND, one (1) year of experience involving the application of civil engineering formulas, theory, and practices to practical engineering problems of modern construction methods, design and inspection procedures, in connection with public works improvement projects; OR,
• A combination of education and experience as described above.

Note: Some positions in the Department of Public Works may require a Qualified Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Developer (QSD) and/or a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) certificate within one-year of appointment.

Blind Applicant Screening The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Conditions of Employment As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.

Evaluation The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained on their employment and supplemental applications. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provide is accurate and qualifying. Accommodation Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Strategic Plan The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce.