Senior Civil Engineer

Salary : $125,216.00 - $167,801.92 Annually
Location : 411 Main Street, Chico, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 24-00451
Department: Public Works Engineering
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 9/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Position Information
This recruitment is to fill three vacancies within the Public Works - Engineering Division.
Sewer and Storm Drain

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in various civil engineering disciplines, with an emphasis on wastewater collection and treatment systems, storm drainage infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and utility operations. This is a management-level position requiring experience supervising engineering and technical staff, managing consultants, coordinating with operations personnel, and overseeing capital improvement and maintenance projects related to sewer and stormwater systems.
Design and Capital Delivery

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering, with a focus on the planning, design, and construction support of public works infrastructure projects. This is a management-level position requiring experience supervising engineering and technical staff, managing consultants, and leading the design and delivery of capital improvement projects, including streets, transportation systems, utilities, and drainage facilities.
Union: This position is covered by the Chico Management Employees (CME) labor group.

Job Description

DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, schedules, supervises, and reviews the work of staff and consultants performing engineering planning, design, and construction work for Public Works projects and facilities; performs and/or reviews technical calculations; develops construction documents including plans, specifications, and estimates for capital improvement projects; ensures functions meet all applicable laws, regulations, and City policies; coordinates project activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides complex staff assistance to departmental management staff in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.


SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over professional and technical staff.


CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the full supervisory-level class in the professional Engineer series that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized engineering activities with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned staff and consultants and for organizing and overseeing day-to-day engineering activities, capital improvement project planning and development, and administration of federal, state, and local funds for capital improvements and various other projects and studies. Incumbents are responsible for providing professional level support to the Director of Public Works in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.


EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff, consultants, and interns performing engineering planning, design, and construction work of public works projects and facilities; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
• Monitors activities of the Engineering work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates assigned services and operations with other divisions and outside agencies.
• Participates in project budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors expenditures.
• Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and outside agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Serves as project manager as assigned; plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of the engineering work; develops project budgets; conducts project site visits and field exploration; oversees project planning, design, construction, and implementation; ensures projects meet mandated engineering standards, budgeted funds, best practices, and City goals and objectives.
• Supervises and gives technical advice, guidance, and direction to an engineering team concerning project feasibility, design, or construction; provides support for design-related questions or necessary revisions throughout the project.
• Reviews and designs project plans and specifications involving hydrology, traffic and soils reports and calculations, as well as grading plans, sewer plans, water and wastewater facility plans, streets plans, traffic studies, transportation facilities, and other documents, including plans, parcel and tract maps, and studies; reviews drawings and details of construction and implementation plans; prepares conditions for approval.
• Plans, coordinates, and reviews project work performed by private consultants; reviews change orders for errors and omissions and incorporates changes into future designs.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality.
• Performs engineering calculations for stormwater, water, sewer, pavement, or other areas of expertise; reviews plans, design drawings, calculations, and specifications of staff and consultant engineers for conformity with City standards, policies, regulations, and ordinances.
• Manages, coordinates, reviews, and recommends final master plan reports for adoption by the City Council.
• Prepares and presents technical reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to engineering design and construction projects; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures;
• Principles and practices of leadership;
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly;
• Principles and practices of project budget development, administration, and accountability;
• Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the planning, design, cost estimating, construction, installation, and inspection of a wide variety of public works, miscellaneous buildings and structures, and transportation systems;
• Civil and structural engineering principles, concepts, standards, and practices associated with public works programs and private development projects;
• Principles and practices of project management;
• Physical design, economic, environmental, and other factors which impact project planning and implementation;
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works projects;
• Principles of advanced mathematics;
• Land surveying principles;
• Practices and principles of hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and soil mechanics;
• Principles and practices of environmental impact assessment and related regulatory processes;
• Contract management practices in a public agency setting;
• Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports;
• Principles of water supply, pumping, storage, and distribution, as well as wastewater, collection, treatment, and disposal;
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related engineering best practices;
• Principles and practices of technical report and business correspondence preparation;
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility;
• Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols;
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff;
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar;
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards;
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner;
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed;
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions;
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques;
• Manage and monitor projects to ensure they are on-time and within budget;
• Perform complex engineering calculations and estimates, and develop plans, designs, and specifications related to civil and structural engineering construction projects;;
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations and prepare effective technical staff reports;
• Reconcile conflicting engineering design requirements;
• Evaluate project risks and provide mitigation measures;
• Manage the design of multiple engineering projects with varying complexity, size and scale, length, and/or stages of completeness;
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with individuals governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations;
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations;
• Interpret and explain project design criteria including blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, legal descriptions, and other written materials;
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed;
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines;
• Independently organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines;
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks;
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax;
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:


Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional civil engineering experience, including one (1) year in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) issued by the State of California, to be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.


When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaginga weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.


Environmental CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Additional Information


The City of Chico is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitudes, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a PASSION for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.

APPLICATIONS ARE ONLY ACCEPTED ONLINE, THROUGH THE NEOGOV/GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM SYSTEM. If this is the first time you are applying using the online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can build your application which can be saved and used to apply for other City of Chico employment opportunities.

Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure applications are received by the City of Chico Human Resources Office.


Degree, Licenses, Certifications and/or Equivalencies: Candidates must include copies of items listed as a minimum qualification; failure to provide required certificates by the close of the recruitment will result in candidate disqualification. If this position requires a typing certificate: typing certificates must have been issued within one year and the net speed must match the minimum requirement listed in the job description. For standardization, net speed will be calculated by subtracting the number of errors from the gross WPM. Internet generated typing certifications are not accepted. Equivalency for experience and/or education listed within a job description may be established pursuant to the City-wide Classification Plan and through coordination with Human Resources. Candidates seeking an equivalency must contact Human Resources, at View phone number on click.appcast.io, for instructions on submitting an equivalency request. Being minimally qualified for a position does not guarantee a candidate progression through the full recruitment process.

Travel and Recruitment Related Expenses: The City of Chico does not reimburse applicants for any travel or expenses in connection with applying for employment, unless authorized by the City Manager.

Pre-Employment Processing: Applicants may be required to pass fingerprinting and a medical examination as a condition of employment or promotion. Medical exams may include a fitness exam, psychological exam, and a drug and alcohol screening, depending on the position. E-verify is used to determine candidate eligibility to work in the United States.

The City of Chico is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City of Chico will consider individuals with disabilities based on their qualifications to perform the essential functions of the position for which they are applying and will provide reasonable accommodation in the application and/or testing process. If you require accommodation in the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Office within seven (7) days of the need for accommodation, so appropriate alternative arrangements can be made.


If you have any questions, or need additional assistance regarding City of Chico employment opportunities, please contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io or .
The City of Chico offers a wide range of employee benefits. Benefits are subject to negotiations with employee organizations and may vary with individual bargaining units. For a summary of benefits, please visit the City of Chico website at:
01


All applications must include a resume detailing your professional experience, education, and relevant certifications. Failure to attach a resume to your application will result in the denial of your application. Do you acknowledge and understand this requirement?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you possess a bachelor's degree or higher in civil or structural engineering, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you hold a valid registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in California?

• Yes
• No

04


How many years of professional engineering experience do you have, specifically managing or leading infrastructure or public works projects?

• None
• Less than 2 years
• 2 - 5 years
• More than 5 years

05


How many years of experience do you have supervising technical staff, contractors, or other engineers?

• NoneNone
• Less than two years
• 2 - 5 years
• More than five years

06


Describe your experience developing and reviewing construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
07


What is your familiarity with public works funding mechanisms and regulatory requirements?
Required Question