Senior Civil Engineer

Salary : $134,196.00 - $163,104.00 Annually
Location : City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/23/2026 8:00 AM Pacific


Description
The City of San Juan Capistrano is seeking an experienced professional with a proven track record in overseeing complex development and City-led projects to serve as a Senior Civil Engineer in the City's Public Works Department. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and prior municipal experience working as a Civil Engineer. Possession of a valid registration as a professional civil engineer in the State of California is required.


The primary duties of this position will be to perform a wide variety of engineering functions related to development projects along with capital improvement and operational engineering duties. The Senior Civil Engineer oversees CIP and constructions projects, including the work of contractors and consultants, prepares PS&E packages, reviews project development plans, technical reports, and related documentation, and interacts with stakeholders including, but not limited to, staff, governmental agencies, developers, engineers, architects, and the public. The position prepares and provides presentations to the City Council; supervises staff; conducts engineering research, studies, and analysis; and performs a variety of related duties and responsibilities.


This is the advanced journey level class in the professional Engineer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including reviewing operational and development projects and conducting specialized engineering studies. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.
Interested Candidates : Submit your online application by Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The City of San Juan Capistrano is an OCERS agency with CalPERS reciprocity. Additionally, CalPERS service retirees may work full-time for an OCERS agency without restrictions. Apply now for this outstanding opportunity to work in a highly collaborative, professional, and effective environment with competitive pay and benefits!

Please direct any questions to the City's Human Resources staff at .

THE CITY:
The City of San Juan Capistrano is a unique community grounded in a history of Native American culture, the Mission established by Franciscan missionaries in 1776, and an agrarian past. The City was officially incorporated in 1961 and has a current population of approximately 35,000. A council-manager form of government, with five elected council members elected by district, directs City operations and municipal services. The City of San Juan Capistrano employs approximately 59 full-time employees.

Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review development plans including, but not limited to tentative and final tract maps, tentative and final parcel maps, grading, improvement plans, storm water plans, and traffic improvement plans submitted by developers, including related studies and technical and environmental reports.
• Confer with staff, developers, engineers, architects and project planners regarding review comments and requirements, provides project guidelines and recommendations, discusses plan concerns requiring resolution with the Department Director/City Engineer.
• Set engineering conditions of approval on all projects presented to the City Council and Planning Commission for approval.
• Oversee the review of and ensure that all applicable NPDES requirements are conditioned for all development projects.
• Prepare City Council and Commission reports and provide recommendations regarding the review and approval of various development recommendations such as resolutions, notice of completions, etc.
• Supervise public works development inspection services required for all private construction in the public right of way.
• Perform engineering research, studies, and analysis for assigned projects; prepare related reports and provide project recommendations.
• Coordinate the implementation of City programs and activities used to generate revenue such as the Circulation Impact Fee Program, other development fees, and/or updating of fee schedules.
• Supervise, assign, and review the technical work of designated staff on development projects; establish goals and objectives and ensure appropriate training is provided.
• Respond to inquiries and provide information and support to developers, builders, contractors and the general public regarding the City's engineering process, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee the encroachment permit process.
• Conduct engineering analysis and review project plans, specifications, and documentation.
• Develop and administer consultant and construction contracts and monitor the quality and progress of work performed by contractors and consultants.
• Develop and administer project budgets and schedules, recommend cost increases due to changes in the of work scope, process progress payments to consultants and contractors.

SECONDARY FUNCTION STATEMENTS Secondary responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Serve as Project Manager for design and construction phases of capital improvement projects, conduct pre-construction meetings and coordinate project activities with other City departments and outside agencies, organize utility reviews and relocations, and coordinate with City inspectors.

• Prepare Requests for Proposals and bid documentation, coordinate project advertising, and administer bid processes, conduct pre-bid meetings, review bids received, and recommend the award of contracts to the City Council.
• Perform site visits and inspections, monitor, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and project schedules and specifications, recommend project adjustments and modifications, and respond to and resolves construction conflicts.
• Coordinate environmental review and CEQA approval processes, prepare related engineering reports, and obtain required resource agency permits.
• Conduct public meetings and prepare and present a variety of project reports to the City Council and Commission.
• Create and negotiate License Agreements, obtain access and construction and permanent easements required for assigned projects.
• Attend and participate in professional meetings relative to area of assignment, serve on boards and committees as assigned, and stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of engineering.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Typical Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering.
• The Subdivision Map Act and development entitlement process.
• Current trends and developments in the field of civil engineering.
• Processes for conducting engineering analyses and plan reviews.
• Construction principles, plans, and specifications.
• Project management principles and practices.
• Processes for developing and administering budgets.
• Contract administration principles.
• Specialized functions relative to area of development engineering.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws, and regulations.
• Bid processes, procedures, and documentation.
• NPDES regulations and reporting requirements relating to municipal, commercial, and industrial facilities.
• FEMA floodplain, flood mapping, flood insurance, and floodplain management procedures

Skill in:

• Performing a variety of professional engineering functions in support of City projects.
• Reviewing project plans and specifications and conducting engineering analyses.
• Providing review comments and interacting with various stakeholders including, but not limited to, staff regulator, utility, and other governmental agencies, the public, contractors, developers, architects, and planners.
• Responding to inquiries and providing assistance to developers, contractors, and the general public.
• Preparing and presenting comprehensive engineering reports.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:


Experience:

Five years of civil engineering experience.

Education/Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering.

Licenses or Certifications
Possession of a valid registration as a professional civil engineer in the State of California.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

Working Conditions

Environmental Conditions : Office and field environment; travel from site to site; extensive contact with developers, contractors, and the general public

Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining a physical condition necessary for sitting, standing and walking for prolonged periods of time; requires visual acuity for reading engineering drawings and plans.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

Health Benefits: The position is eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and eligible dependents. The City offers 11 medical plans from which to choose, and the City pays 100% of the monthly premium for the employee and eligible dependents for 9 of the 11 plans offered. The City also pays 100% of the monthly premium for dental and vision coverage for the employee and eligible dependents. Employees who provide proof of other group medical coverage may opt out of medical coverage through the City and receive $325/month.


Retirement: The City is a member of the Orange County Employees Association (OCERS) which is reciprocal with CalPERS. Current and reciprocal members participate in a 2.0%@57 benefit formula. New members participate in a 2.5%@67 benefit formula. Note that CalPERS retirees may work for an OCERS agency without limitations. The City does not participate in Social Security.


Paid Leave: The position is eligible for sick, vacation, and administrative leave accruals; 12 recognized City holidays with a City Hall closure Christmas Eve through New Year's Day; and 20 floating holiday hours annually.

Life Insurance and Short/Long Term Disability: City paid benefit. Basic Group Term life insurance is in the amount of the 1.5 times the employee's annual base salary +$20,000.

City 457 Deferred Compensation: The City will provide a deferred compensation matching contribution up to $100 per month.

Auto Allowance: $80/month


Other Benefits: 9/80 Work Schedule; Retiree Health Savings Account (RHS), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 457 Deferred Compensation, Tuition Reimbursement Program, Ride-Share Incentive Program, and supplemental health programs through Aflac.
The City offers the following comprehensive and competitive benefits package:

Health Benefits: The position is eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and eligible depedents. The City offers 11 medical plans from which to choose, and the City pays 100% of the monthly premium for the employee and eligible dependents for 9 of the 11 plans offered. The City also pays 100% of the monthly premium for dental and vision coverage for the employee and eligible dependents. Employees who provide proof of other group medical coverage may opt out of medical coverage through the City and receive $325/month.

Retirement:The City is a member of the Orange County Employees Association (OCERS) which is reciprocal with CalPERS. Current and reciprocal members participate in a 2.0%@57 benefit formula. New members participate in a 2.5%@67 benefit formula. Note that CalPERS retirees may work for an OCERS agency without limitations. The City does not participate in Social Security.

Paid Leave: The position is eligible for sick, vacation, and administrative leave accruals; 12 recognized City holidays with a City Hall closure Christmas Eve through New Year's Day; and 20 floating holiday hours annually.

Life Insurance and Short/Long Term Disability: City paid benefit. Basic Group Term life insurance is in the amount of the 1.5 times the employee's annual base salary +$20,000.

Auto Allowance: $80/month

457 Deferred Compensation Match: The City will match an employee's 457 deferred compensation contribution, up to $100/month.

Other Benefits: 9/80 Work Schedule; Retiree Health Savings Account (RHS), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Tuition Reimbursement Program, Ride-Share Incentive Program, and supplemental health programs through Aflac.
01


Please indicate your highest level of education completed:

• High School Diploma/ GED
• Technical Training
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• PhD
• JD

02


Do you currently possess a valid registration as a professional Civil Engineer in the State of California? Please list all other certifications as well.
03


How many years of Civil Engineering Experience do you possess?

• No Civil Engineering Experience
• 1 - 4 Years
• 5 - 6 Years
• 7 - 9 Years
• More then 10 Years

04


Briefly describe your Civil Engineering experience. Please include in your answer the agency name, dates of employment and projects you worked on or types of duties performed.
05


Please indicate your years of full time supervisory experience.

• I have no full time supervisory experience
• Less then 2 Years
• 2 - 3 Years
• 4 - 5 Years
• 6 or more Years

06


How many staff have you managed at a time?
07


How many years of public sector experience do you have?
Required Question