Senior Development Engineer

Salary : $130,228.80 - $174,512.00 Annually
Location : 411 Main Street, Chico, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-00537
Department: Public Works Engineering
Opening Date: 09/19/2026


Position Information


The City of Chico is seeking one experienced Development Engineer with proven leadership abilities to help shape the scape of the City.

The Senior Development Engineer under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff performing engineering work in the design, investigation, construction, and plan review of public works and private development facilities; schedules and coordinates work assignments and processes; provides complex staff assistance to management staff in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

They receive general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over professional staff.
This position is based out of Chico City Hall.
Employees in this bargaining unit will receive a 5% General Salary Increase in July 2027.

Job Description


This is the full supervisory-level class in the professional Engineer series that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized engineering design and related 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 staff and for providing technical support to management in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

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 professional engineering work in the plan review, design, and construction of street, storm drain, sewer line, drainage, and transportation 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 annual 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.
• Analyzes engineering plan design, specifications, consultant, and staff comments in accordance with design requirements and municipal and intergovernmental standards and regulations; recommends approval or additional engineering conditions and changes.
• 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.
• Meets and confers with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, a variety of outside agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding City development requirements.
• Inspects and verifies work in progress and completed work of assigned employees and contractors for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to development 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
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.
• Basic principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.
• Civil and structural engineering principles, concepts, standards, and practices associated with public works and utilities programs and private development projects.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• 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 civil infrastructure systems and facilities.
• Principles and practices of land development and project conditioning.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas 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.
• Perform complex engineering planning, design, and construction project management duties.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Convey technical ideas and information in a clear and concise manner
• Reconcile conflicting engineering design requirements.
• Manage and monitor projects to ensure they are completed on-time and within budget.
• Perform complex engineering calculations and estimates.
• Develop plans, designs, and specifications related to civil and structural engineering projects.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Read, understand, and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, 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 or structural engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience providing professional support to a land development or civil or transportation engineering program.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer issued by the State of California, to be maintained throughout employment.

Additional Information
Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking 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; 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 averaging a 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, 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.
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 years to less than 5
• 5 or more years

05


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

• None
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 5
• 5 or more years

06


Please list the experience referenced in question 5. List the employer, your role, and how many employees you supervised. If none, please list "N/A"
07


Describe your experience developing and reviewing construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
08


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