Deputy City Engineer

Deputy City Engineer

Salary

$100,223.00 - $121,821.00 Annually

Location

Eureka, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

25/26.27

Department

Engineering

Opening Date

04/06/2026

Closing Date

4/20/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description Summary

Base salary to increase by 3% in July 2026.

Additional benefit of a City take home vehicle.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, directs projects and staff within the Engineering Department, including long- and short-range project planning, environmental programs/planning and compliance, design, construction, permitting, right-of-way, and other programs; coordinates divisional activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Engineer; may act for the City Engineer in their absence; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises general and direct supervision over professional, technical and clerical staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a mid-management classification in the Engineering Department. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day engineering activities and is responsible for providing professional-level support to the City Engineer in a variety of areas, including short- and long-range capital improvement planning and development and administration of Federal, State, and local funds for capital improvements, expansions, and various other projects and studies. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating divisional work with that of other City departments and public agencies. Responsibilities include performing and directing many of the divisions day-to-day administrative functions. This class is distinguished from City Engineer in that the latter has overall responsibility for all engineering, capital improvement and development functions, implementing and interpreting public policy.

Expectation of Job Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL 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 so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assumes managerial responsibility for all services and activities of the assigned division, including public and private sub-division projects, capital improvement programs, grading, and/or field inspection work.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and reviews with the City Engineer; directs the implementation of improvements.
• Trains, motivates and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Assists with planning, directing, coordinating, and reviewing the work plan for the division; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems, assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
• Manages assigned capital improvement projects, and provides technical engineering oversight for planning, design and construction phases.
• Identifies grant funding opportunities and oversees preparation of grant applications and manages grant funded projects.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the assigned divisions annual budget and the capital improvements budget.
• Recommends and administers policies and procedures such as procedure guidelines, design standards, and standard plans and specifications while ensuring that operation and maintenance, financial, regulatory and legal requirements are met.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposal for professional and/or construction services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; administers contracts after award.
• Negotiates and administers contracts for construction projects; ensures contractor compliance with City standards and specifications, time and budget estimates; analyzes and resolves complex problems that may arise; recommends and approves field changes as required.
• Conducts capital improvement project planning activities; provides oversight and input into the conceptual design of engineering projects; investigates and resolves problems with scope of work or cost issues of major facility upgrade and replacement projects.
• Analyzes civil 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.
• Reviews and approves all grading plans and permits; all plans and specifications for capital improvement projects; all tract and parcel maps, lot line adjustments, and legal reviews; all controversial encroachment permits; and other engineering and design documents.
• 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.
• Prepares, reviews and completes various reports, including City Council agenda reports, employee performance reviews and division related documentation and correspondence.
• Provides technical information and instruction regarding applicable procedures and methods; interprets and explains rules, regulations and procedures; answers questions and resolves concerns.
• Responds to and resolves various issues with residents, other departments representatives, and outside agencies, including slope and drainage, storm drain, channel rehabilitation, and flood zones.
• Serves as a liaison for the Engineering Division with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; attends meetings, as necessary; provides staff support to commissions, committees and task forces, as necessary; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to the City Engineer; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to Engineering programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Develops and reviews staff reports related to engineering activities and services; may present information to the City Council and various commissions, committees and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, committees, and task forces; attends and participates in professional groups and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints from citizens in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, project management, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Principles and practices of public agency budget development, administration and accountability.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the planning, design, cost estimating, construction, installation, and inspection of a wide variety of municipal facilities, miscellaneous buildings and structures.
• Civil and transportation engineering principles, concepts, standards, and practices associated with public works programs and private development projects.
• Principles and practices of environmental impact assessment and related regulatory processes.
• Methods, materials and techniques used in the construction of public works projects.
• Contract management practices in a public agency setting.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and procedures, including Subdivision Map Act and subdivision agreements and conveyances.
• Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the Engineering Division.
• Safety principles and practices.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups and various business, professional, educational, regulatory and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient engineering services.
• Plan, organize and direct effective capital improvement and public works engineering services programs.
• Conduct complex civil engineering research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations and prepare effective technical reports.
• Analyze and interpret engineering plans and specifications in accordance with design requirements and applicable standards and regulations.
• Manage and monitor complex projects, on-time and within budget.
• Plan, organize, schedule, assign, review and evaluate the work of staff.
• Train staff in work procedures.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with City policies and procedures, complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Requirements

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:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field and five (5) years of civil engineering and/or public works experience, including two (2) years of high-level project management or supervisory experience.
• Possession of a Masters Degree is highly desirable and may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

License:

• Valid California class C drivers license with satisfactory driving record.
• Valid certificate or registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California. You must include your license number in your application.

No other information will be accepted and resumes, cover letters or additional materials WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect City development sites, to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although the job involves field inspection work requiring frequent walking at inspection site areas to monitor performance and to identify problems or hazards; 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, typewriter 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. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions; but may occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and/or hot temperatures, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to work on evenings, weekends and holidays.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

All applications received are screened to determine which applicants most closely match the desired education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the position. Applicants will receive email notification of the results of the screening process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not necessarily guaranteed advancement to the examination process, as only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate. The most qualified applicants will be invited to an oral board examination tentatively to be held in early May. The Department Head [and/or designee(s)] will interview the top six (6) candidates from the examination process. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, and grant positions. The City reserves the right to extend the final filing date as necessary.

Important Note: Please make sure it is absolutely clear in your application exactly how you meet the minimum qualifications/requirements listed above. Applications that do not appear to meet the minimum qualifications will not move forward in the recruitment process.

City of Eurekas Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

We envision an inclusive community where everyone's fundamental needs are met, where our employees respect and celebrate all walks of life, where everyone can grow and thrive, as we work with integrity for the good of Eureka. Our mission is to meet the needs of Eureka residents, businesses and visitors by providing services and making decisions that are socially, fiscally and environmentally responsible, creating a workplace that values growth, inclusion and empathy for all.

Disaster Service Worker

All City of Eureka employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin

may be modified or revoked. The City of Eureka is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of handicap status in the admission, access to, treatment, or employment for its programs, or activities, whether funded by the City or by grants. Women, persons with disabilities, and minorities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate people with special physical or mental requirements. If you have special needs, please call (707) 441-4124 prior to the examination date. When indicating you have a special need, one of the following definitions will apply to you. A disabled person is anyone who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities: i.e., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working or learning; or (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

Retirement - CalPERS

CalPERS Classic Members (2.7 @ 55) - The current 8% employee contribution is paid by the employee.

New CalPERS members or previous CalPERS members with a break in service of 6 calendar months or greater (2% @ 62) - The current 7.75% employee contribution is paid by the employee. The employee contribution will change each fiscal year to be at least 50% of the normal cost rate as determined by PERS.

NOTE: Earnings from this job are not covered under Social Security. When you retire, you may receive a pension based on earnings from this job. For more information, go to https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1945.pdf

Medical

The Citys workers compensation coverage is self-funded. Medical coverage for employees and eligible dependents is provided through REMIF (Blue Cross Plan). REMIF offers a regular plan and, if eligible, a high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). HSA plans allow employees to accrue funds from year to year in an HSA account that can be used to pay health insurance costs both now and after retirement. The annual deductibles for this plan are $1,650 for Employee Only and $3,300 for Employees with Dependent(s). The City will contribute the full applicable deductible to your HSA account each year. You can withdraw funds from this account to pay eligible health insurance costs, and/or you can accumulate funds in the account for future use. The HSA account funds belong to employees, and will remain yours after you leave City service. The City pays 80% of the health insurance premium; the remaining 20% is paid by the employee. Dental and Vision coverage is paid by the City. Note: There are specific requirements for continuing health insurance as a retiree.

Vacation

Vacation is accumulated at 1 day per month upon employment and increases with time in service. The maximum accrual is 44 days. Vacation buyback is available in increments of 40 hours at a time.

Sick Leave

Sick Leave is accrued at 1 day per month with no limit. A total of nine days of Family Sick Leave are allowed per fiscal year. Three of these days are deducted from a Family Sick Leave bank and six days are deducted from employees accrued sick leave. An employee may be allowed Family Death Leave up to 3 days per incident. This is not accruable.

Executive Leave

Mid-Management, Management and Department Head employees receive Executive Leave (in lieu of overtime) on July 1st of each fiscal year.

Mid-Management and Management employees receive 6 days and Department Heads shall be credited with 9 days

Holidays

The City pays for 12 fixed holidays per year, in addition to 3 floating holidays.

Life Insurance

The City pays the premium on a $10,000 life insurance policy for Mid-Management and Management employees, and a $20,000 policy for Department Head positions. The City also pays the premium on a $1,000 policy for eligible dependent coverage.

Other Benefits

Other benefits include optional participation in deferred compensation plans, City-paid membership in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the employee and eligible dependents, free membership at the Adorni Recreation Center for employee, spouse and dependent children, an educational reimbursement program, free enrollment at Little Saplings Preschool for children of City employees, 50% off fees for after school programs for children of City employees and free Sequoia Park Zoo membership for the entire family.

Note: Although benefits have been reported as accurately as possible, there has been no warranty of complete benefit summary intended. All information provided is subject to the actual terms of the legal documents that control benefit programs.

01

Have you included somewhere on your application information about your license number as a Professional Engineer in the State of California? THIS IS REQUIRED.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Eureka

Address 531 K Street

Eureka, California, 95501

Phone (707) 441-4176

(707) 441-4117

Website http://www.eurekaca.gov