Senior Engineer (CIP Drainage)

Senior Engineer (CIP Drainage)

Salary

$107,874.49 - $151,790.24 Annually

Location

Sacramento, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Career

Job Number

001817-26-DOU-2

Department

Utilities

Division

Drainage Engineering

Opening Date

07/16/2026

Closing Date

8/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

With supervisor approval, incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the Sacramento region or have the ability to regularly report to a City of Sacramento physical worksite with little notice.

The City of Sacramento, Department of Utilities, is seeking a Senior Engineer to lead the Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project delivery team. This team provides planning and design for the rehabilitation and replacement of the Citys storm pump stations, pipelines, and storage/detention facilities. Additionally, the team provides bid and contract, as well as construction management support for projects in construction. This positions responsibilities include selection and management of consultant engineers and direct supervision for lower level team members. This position provides technical reviews and coordination for development and inter-agency/department projects. A key aspect is working closely with the Departments operations and maintenance staff to understand issues, identify solutions, and manage design and construction of repairs or improvements.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate for the Senior Civil Engineer position in the public utilities sector will be a licensed professional engineer with substantial experience in the planning, design, and management of municipal utility infrastructure projects with an emphasis on stormwater management and related civil systems critical to public health and safety. They will have experience in public works operations having led large projects through all phases including planning, permitting, design, procurement, construction and closeout while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience that includes working within the public sector framework, with a solid understanding of agency processes, environmental permitting, public bidding laws, and capital improvement planning. They will be adept at managing consultant and contractor teams, as well as being a skilled mentor who supports the growth of junior staff and fosters a culture of accountability, service, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have the ability to combine technical expertise with public service values, demonstrating integrity, responsiveness, and a commitment to maintaining and improving essential utility services for the community.

Under general direction, the Senior Engineer participates in the conduct of complicated civil, structural, electrical, or mechanical engineering planning, design, construction, maintenance/operation, plan review, assessment, and regulatory activities; develops plans; inspects sites and assists in problem resolution; coordinates engineering related activities with other City departments and outside agencies; conducts engineering planning studies; conducts plan reviews; and prepares grant applications.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This advanced journey-level class is populated with multiple incumbents. Senior Engineers perform the most complex professional civil, structural, electrical, or mechanical engineering work requiring a substantial level of professional training. Incumbents may also lead professional and technical personnel on a team or project basis. Assignments require the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in scheduling, assigning, and coordinating work with that of other units, referring only unusual or highly-complex problems. Senior Engineer is distinguished from Supervising Engineer in that the latter manages broad professional engineering categories, such as electrical, mechanical, civil, structural, environmental, traffic, water, drainage, wastewater, or sanitation. The classification of Senior Engineer is distinguished from that of Associate Civil Engineer in that the former serves as project or team leader and performs the most complex and highly skilled engineering work while the latter is the journey level in the registered engineer series.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General direction is provided by higher level licensed professional staff. Incumbents may oversee a project team consisting of professional and technical personnel staff assigned to a project. Responsibilities may include direct or technical supervision of lower level personnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform related duties as needed:

• Develop plans and estimates work orders for the construction of public works and capital improvement projects and programs (including public buildings, transportation infrastructure, public spaces, and public services); inspects project sites; assists in solution of difficult engineering problems; interprets specifications and City policy; makes change orders.
• Participates in the selection and management of consultant engineers for the development of plans and specifications, studies and reports; reviews plans for construction prepared by private engineers.
• Provides direct supervision over lower level staff including assigning, directing, training, and evaluating subordinate staff; performs evaluations; and recommends discipline.
• Checks computations and specified materials for accuracy and conformance with regulations; reviews and makes recommendations on technical reports and studies.
• Initiates and conducts engineering planning studies to identify public works facilities; reviews and participates in the preparation of environmental assessments and studies; prepares project status reports; and checks private building plans for compliance with City building codes and ordinances.
• Serves as staff to a variety of City commissions, boards, and committees on various engineering matters; and coordinates engineering related activities with other City departments, divisions, and sections and with outside agencies.
• Develops and implements environmental regulatory programs; and analyzes water quality data and prepares regulatory reports as applicable.
• Prepares various applications for state and federal grants; assists in the preparation and administration of budget and capital improvement plans.
• Within City guidelines, recommends and selects contractors; oversees contractor work.
• Manages and/or participates in the preparation of complex engineering studies and reports related to public works and capital improvement projects.
• Provides structural plan review for the most complex development projects and confirms construction documents comply with all code requirements; evaluates alternate materials, design, and methods of construction requests; and establishes schedules and methods for planning, design, construction, rehabilitation, and operation/maintenance.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to City staff.
• Participates in budget preparation and administration; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations; submits justifications for services, labor, materials and related resources for public works projects and/or programs; monitors and controls expenditures.
• Oversees, reviews, and participates in preparation of environmental assessments and studies related to City and private projects; meets with developers to discuss projects or to resolve design issues; and reviews new development plans.
• Prepares and presents information to City Council and various commissions.
• Performs other or related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of engineering.
• Modern methods and techniques used in the design and construction of a wide variety of engineering projects and programs.
• Modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding the assigned area of engineering.
• Applicable laws and regulations relevant to design and construction in the area of assignment.
• Methods, materials and techniques used in planning, design, construction, maintenance/operation, and rehabilitation of a variety of public works facilities and systems.
• Principles, methods, and practices of budgeting.
• Principles and practices of safety management.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances and regulations
• Principles of supervision and training.

Skill in:

• Use of computers, computer applications, and software.
• Use of computer aided design systems.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply rules, regulations, laws, ordinances, and policies.
• Make complex engineering computations.
• Check, design, and supervise the construction of a wide variety of public and private facilities.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Use a variety of drafting and engineering apparatus.
• Oversee contractor work assignments or work projects.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Plan, assign, and supervise the work of a diverse staff in the accomplishment of engineering projects and programs.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Experience:

Four years of professional-level engineer experience.

Education:

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering discipline related to the area of assignment.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Driver License:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment.

Certification:

Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California.

PROOF OF CERTIFICATION

Proof of the required certificate and/or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please note, the City of Sacramentos preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline;

• Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.

• Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:

• If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).

• If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.

• Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

• Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.

• Proof of certification and/or license should be submitted online with your application. Proof of certification and/or license will be required at time of appointment.

2. Supplemental Questionnaire: (Pass/Fail) - In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, all applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire to the City of Sacramento Employment Office by the final filing deadline;

• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaire will not be accepted.
• Incomplete supplemental questionnaire will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
• Possession of the minimum qualifications is not necessarily a guarantee for further advancement in the selection process.

3. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail) - All applications received by the final filing deadline will be forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.

4. Interview Process: Human Resources will forward applications to the hiring department. Those determined to be the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process.

5. Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass Live Scan/fingerprinting. If applicable, candidates may also need to pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and/or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.

QUESTIONS:

For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:

• Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
• For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.
• Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment;
• Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org; or
• Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726

Bilingual Pay

Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? Thats right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.

Pension Reform Act

The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicants eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Additional Information

Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf

Union Contracts: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html

Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf

01

APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Please refer to the City of Sacramentos Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment

• Yes

02

PROOF OF EDUCATION: I understand proof of education, such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment. Please refer to the City of Sacramentos Proof of Education Requirements (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment) for information on accepted documentation.

• Yes

03

EDUCATION CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering discipline related to the area of assignment by time of appointment if I am selected for the position.

• Yes
• No

04

PROOF OF CERTIFICATION: I understand proof of certification, should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment.

• Yes

05

CERTIFICATION CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a Certificate of Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.

• Yes
• No

06

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER: Please enter your Professional Engineer Registration number below. (If you are not registered as a Professional Engineer please enter "N/A". )

07

DRIVERS LICENSE CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a valid California Class C Drivers License by the time of appointment if I am selected for this position.

• Yes
• No

08

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: The answers to the questions below will be reviewed by the hiring department along with the information provided in your employment application. Therefore, your answers must be consistent with your employment application information (especially in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections), must be unambiguous, and must contain sufficient but concise detail and organization. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of completing this Supplemental Questionnaire. Lack of clarity, incomplete or inconsistent information, and/or disorganized presentation may negatively affect the hiring departments review of your Supplemental Questionnaire. I understand and agree to the above instructions.

• Yes

09

Describe a complex civil engineering project you managed from start to finish. Include in your response major challenges you faced and how you addressed them.

10

As a Senior Engineer, you will lead Junior Engineers and technical staff. Describe your experience with supervision, training, and ensuring quality control across multiple projects.

11

Explain your experience with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements in Civil Engineering projects. Include in your response steps you took to ensure ensure compliance during design and construction.

Required Question

Employer City of Sacramento

Address 915 I Street

Historic City Hall

Sacramento, California, 95814-2604

Phone (916) 808-5726

Website http://portal.cityofsacramento.org/HR