Senior Engineer

Salary : $144,803.97 - $184,810.63 Annually
Location : 1275 Meadow Crest Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-18
Department: Engineering
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 11/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Job Summary
Under the general direction of the Engineering Manager - Capital Projects, performs professional engineering duties of project manager and project engineer for complex multi-disciplinary public works projects. Work includes and is not limited to planning, research, design, permitting, bidding, construction management, budgeting, management of consultants, communication and coordination with staff, other agencies, engineers, contractors, businesses, and the public. Provides leadership, management, and direct supervision for professional and technical engineering staff.
Incumbents in this classification must have a working knowledge of various aspects of Civil Engineering as it relates to the planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance of a water production, storage, treatment, and distribution systems, wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems, and recycled water treatment, distribution, and disposal systems. The duties involve frequent contact with the public, engineers, contractors, and other agencies.
Essential Functions

1. Provides leadership and works effectively with staff and other stakeholders to cultivate a productive, collaborative, customer-service oriented work environment towards achievement of the District's mission, plans, goals and objectives, work standards, policies, and procedures.
2. Provides professional engineering, construction management, and project management expertise in the planning, design, permitting, construction, and startup of complex, multi-disciplinary public works projects, including drinking water development, production, storage, disinfection, distribution, and treatment, and for wastewater collection, treatment, and recycled water projects.
3. Provides leadership, direct supervision for engineering and technical staff. Plans, prioritizes, and reviews work and provides for selection, training, oversight, evaluation, discipline, coaching, training, and overall professional development.
4. Participates in the development and implementation of the capital improvement program and the engineering program including District-wide engineering support services. Directs internal and external meetings and presentations, communicates and coordinates with other departments, the Board of Directors, other agencies, developers, landowners, and the public. Acts as District liaison to other agencies as assigned.
5. Responsible for the development, management, and implementation of complex design work, reports, research, special studies, planning documents, environmental documents, budgets, schedules, plans, specifications, cost estimates, bid documents, construction as-builts, pay requests, contract negotiations, change orders, assessment and approval of contract work. Monitors and controls expenditures. Prepares and revises design and construction standards.
6. Coordinates public agency permitting, evaluates and achieves compliance with NEPA, CEQA and other local, state, and federal regulations. Negotiates and obtains permits, property acquisition, easements, right of way and other approvals necessary for public works projects.
7. Evaluates, interviews, contracts, and manages consultants for planning, research, design, permitting, environmental documentation, inspection and construction support services.
8. Responsible for water and sewer system master planning, as assigned, including model development, management, use, training, quality control, system analysis and alternatives development, and coordination with the GIS and asset management program.
9. Adheres to and enforces stated safety policies and procedures.

Education & Experience Requirements
1. A Bachelor's of Science degree in Civil Engineering, or another closely related field, from an ABET accredited school is required.
1. Requires six (6) years increasingly responsible civil/environmental experience with an emphasis in water, wastewater, and water reclamation systems with at least two (2) years completed at a level comparable to or higher than the Associate Engineer classification.
2. One year of supervisory experience is preferred.
Proficiency Requirements


PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

1. Requires Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California. Registration in another state will be accepted, with California registration required within 12 months of hire date.
2. Requires Competent Person training for trenching and shoring, as required by Cal-OSHA within eight (8) months of hire date.
3. Requires Qualified SWPP Developer Certification (QSD) within 24 months of hire date.
4. Requires ability to remain familiar with the Confined Space Program and the duties of Confined Space Supervisor, Entrant, and Attendant, as provided during annual training.
5. Requires knowledge of N.E.P.A., and C.E.Q.A., and environmental process requirements. Knowledge of Lake Tahoe regulatory environment helpful.
6. Requires ability to exhibit professional expertise, critical thinking, independent judgement and decision-making.
7. Requires ability to assess needs, create and actively coordinate and pursue project components.
8. Requires ability to prepare technical, economic and environmental reports on engineering projects.
9. Requires ability to read/interpret engineering plans and specifications.
10. Requires ability to present oral and written reports to committees, agencies, public interest groups, and Board of Directors.
11. Requires excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills.
12. Requires proficiency in AutoCAD, ESRI-based GIS, hydraulic modeling, word processing and spreadsheet software programs.
13. Requires knowledge of equipment and facilities commonly used in the water and wastewater industry.
14. Requires knowledge of water and wastewater works, construction and safety standards.
15. Requires knowledge of emergency response principles and the ability to assume responsibility for specified Emergency Operations Center Functions as defined in the District's Emergency Response and Recovery Plan.
16. Requires the ability to understand and convey District policy and regulations to the public.
17. Must be able to understand and carry out written and oral directions in a clear and concise manner.
18. Requires the ability to maintain cooperative relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
19. Possession of valid driver's license, acceptable by the State of California, with a driving record which enables insurability, is required.
20. Must have current, valid CPR and First Aid Certificate or ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire date.


RESPONSIBILITY (Degree of) :

1. Very high degree of responsibility, including independent actions and decision making, in planning, designing and inspecting projects.
1. Medical, Dental and Prescription coverage. Premiums are fully paid by the District for the Employee and eligible dependents.

2. Vision Insurance through Vision Service Plan. No deductible. Premiums fully paid by District for employee and eligible dependents.

3. Long Term Disability - If disabled (off the job) pays 70% of base salary (up to $5,000 per month) after 180-day waiting period.

4. Life Insurance - One (1) times annual earnings, subject to a maximum of $200,000. Premiums paid in full by District.

5. Retirement Plan - CalPERS 2% at 62 formula for PEPRA members. 2.7 at 55 for Classic Members. Employee pays 50% of the total cost of the benefit, up to a maximum of 8% of salary. A new hire not previously in CalPERS (or a reciprocal plan) or who has had a PERS/reciprocal agency service break of six months or more may be subject to provisions of PEPRA legislation effective January 1, 2013.
01


Describe three to five complex public works projects you personally led or managed involving potable water, wastewater, and/or recycled water systems. For each, include your role, project scope, approximate budget, major challenges, phases delivered, and outcome.
02


Describe your experience leading staff, managing consultants, or overseeing multidisciplinary teams. Include your role in assigning work, reviewing performance, ensuring quality, and delivering projects on schedule and within budget.
03


Describe your experience with environmental review, permitting, and regulatory coordination for public works or utility projects. Include agencies involved, your role, key constraints, and outcomes. Please highlight Tahoe Basin or similar highly regulated environmental settings.
04


Describe your experience presenting technical information to the public, boards, committees, partner agencies, or stakeholders. Include the topic, audience, your role, key concerns raised, and how you supported understanding or decision-making.
05


Describe your experience using engineering and project delivery tools such as AutoCAD, GIS, hydraulic models, SCADA, asset management systems, spreadsheets, and project management software. Include how these tools informed planning, design, operations, or capital project decisions.
Required Question