Associate Civil Engineer/Senior Civil Engineer

Job Description

Description/Special Instructions

The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of

ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER/SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

Associate Civil Engineer: $ 109,395 - $ 146,614 Annually

Senior Civil Engineer: $127,040 - $ 170,260 Annually

The Community Development Department's Development Engineering Division is seeking a Associate Civil Engineer/ Senior Civil Engineer . This individual will be responsible for reviewing private development applications at all stages of the process, from planning and entitlements through improvement plan review, permitting, and construction. Familiarity with the Subdivision Map Act, including the processing of Tentative Maps, Final Maps, Parcel Maps, and improvement plans, is essential for this position.

The ideal candidate will bring broad experience with development processing, including residential subdivisions, multifamily development, and various commercial, office, and industrial projects. In addition to a strong foundation in general civil site design, this individual will understand the principles of traffic and drainage engineering, enabling them to support and coordinate related reviews conducted by City staff or through on-call consultant services.

Beyond technical expertise, the ideal candidate will demonstrate in-depth knowledge of engineering and development principles, paired with a strong customer-centered approach. They will be an innovative problem solver, capable of navigating competing interests while working collaboratively with applicants, various City department and division staff, outside agencies, and service providers to resolve issues effectively. Excellent time and project management skills are also essential, ensuring the timely review of development applications and a high level of responsiveness to project inquiries.

Prior experience in private development, whether as a project engineer or within a local agency setting, is highly desirable.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change) Filing Deadline: October 23, 2026, by 11:59 PM

Oral Board Interviews: November 17, 2026 (virtual)
Selection Interviews: November 30, 2026 (in person)
The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more. Why work for the City of Elk Grove ? Elk Grove Jobs

Community Profile

Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 178,124 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.

Representative Duties

Associate Civil Engineer
DEFINITION
Under general supervision (Assistant Engineer) to direction (Associate Engineer/Associate Civil Engineer) performs sub-professional (unlicensed) to professional (licensed) field and office engineering work related to the planning, design, construction and maintenance of the City’s Capital Improvement Program, land development, drainage, construction management, traffic, facilities and infrastructure; performs project management and administration; confers with developers, contractors, and representatives of other agencies regarding facility and infrastructure development; administers professional services and construction contracts; provides professional staff assistance to management, other departments, and the public in areas of expertise; conducts a variety of engineering studies and prepares and presents reports; and performs related duties as assigned. Duties may vary depending on the assigned department and division as described in the job functions section.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision (Assistant Engineer) to direction (Associate Engineer/Associate Civil Engineer) from assigned management or supervisory personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Associate Engineer/Associate Civil Engineer: This is the journey level classification in the professional Engineer classification series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. The Associate Engineer is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer in that the latter requires registration as a Professional Civil Engineer. The Associate Civil Engineer is distinguished from the Senior Civil Engineer in that latter is the advanced journey and/or lead level classification in the series and is responsible for organizing, assigning and reviewing the work of assigned staff in addition to performing the most complex professional engineering work.
Positions in the professional Engineer class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Associate-level are normally filled by advancement from the next lower level upon management approval, after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class, subject to budgetary funds.

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

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed/exercised in a learning capacity for entry-level (Assistant) positions.

• Reviews progress and/or inspects assigned construction projects for compliance with plans and specifications including resolving constructability problems and issues.
• Coordinates assigned projects and activities with other City departments, local jurisdictions and agencies, and regional, state, and federal agencies.
• Researches, analyzes, and reviews legislative proposals and new code requirements, construction methods, building materials, and plan review criteria; develops recommendations for policy and procedure changes and implements upon approval.
• Confers with developers, engineers, architects, and contractors and other City staff in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding City project requirements and City policies, procedures, codes, and ordinances.
• Participates in the Standards Review Committee; meets with City staff and management to review, revise and update City standards and documents related to Engineering.
• Performs field inspections; provides information and assistance to staff and the public to address and correct any issues or areas of concern; addresses and resolves discrepancies between plans and field conditions; and ensures the adequacy and safety of structures.
• Prepares and presents technical project and staff reports to various committees, commissions, and at public meetings and hearings; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence; ensures the proper documentation of projects and activities; coordinates maintenance and update of project information.
• Attends and participates in meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

When assigned to Community Development:

• Provides complex technical review of private development applications and construction documents related to civil improvements to ensure compliance with City standards and requirements as related to roadway design, traffic/transportation, systems, storm drains, storm water management, and coordination with water and sewer systems.
• Reviews subdivision maps, parcel maps and public easements to ensure compliance with City standards and the Subdivision Map Act.
• Reviews and processes permit applications, agreements, and project related fees.
• Coordinates with developers, design engineers, contractors, and construction inspectors during project design and construction.
• Reviews, meets, and conditions proposed development projects; Coordinates with other City departments as necessary on the review and conditioning of development projects.
• Participates in and conducts traffic studies for development projects; including the evaluation of sight distance, signage and striping.
• Reviews and analyzes development and building permits for conformance with City design standards, flood prevention ordinance, and impact to floodplains.
• Recommends traffic control, geometrics, signing and illumination; provides advisory assistance and technical guidance on traffic-related matters to interested parties.

Senior Civil Engineer

DEFINITION
Under general direction, leads, oversees, reviews, and participates in the work of staff performing professional and paraprofessional office and field civil engineering duties; directs, manages, supervises, and participates incomprehensive engineering projects related to the design and construction of City infrastructure and capital maintenance improvements; confers with developers, contractors, and representatives of other agencies regarding facility and infrastructure development; administers professional services and construction contracts; conducts a variety of engineering studies and prepares and presents reports; provides complex staff assistance to management staff in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned. Duties may vary depending on the assigned department and division as described in the job functions section.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct, technical, and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey and/or lead level classification in the engineer series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment, and, for lead positions, provide lead direction to a work unit of lower-level staff. Incumbents may also exercise direct supervision over professional and non-professional staff. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to complete assignments. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. This class is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer class in that the former serves as project or team leader and/or supervisor over lower-level staff and performs the most complex and highly skilled engineering work while the latter is the journey level in the registered engineer series. This class is distinguished from the Engineering Manager in that the latter has full management authority in planning, organizing, and directing the full scope of engineering activities within the respective division.

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

• Plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises, reviews, and participates in the work of staff performing professional and paraprofessional office and field civil engineering duties; assumes responsibility for the workflow of an assigned work unit by making work assignments, ensuring that work is consistent with quality standards, and timeline expectations are met.
• Performs the more complex work assignments for the classification series for which there are little or no directly related policies, procedures, or past practice which requires the exercise of independent judgment and discretion in establishing work plans, identifying resources, and completing assignments.
• Provides input for personnel decisions such as performance evaluations, promotions, hiring, and disciplinary actions.

• Provides direction for assigned projects including preparing or supervising the preparation of preliminary and final designs and specifications, developing requests for proposals and scopes of work, cost estimates, change orders, work plans, budgets, schedules, and baseline requirements, and contract negotiations and management.
• Serves as a staff liaison to City commissions, boards, and committees on engineering matters; 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 related duties as assigned.

When assigned to Community Development:

• Coordinates, reviews and comments on private development applications and construction documents related to civil improvements to ensure compliance with City standards and requirements as related to roadway design, traffic/transportation, systems, storm drains, and storm water management, and coordination with water and sewer systems.
• Coordinates and reviews subdivision maps, parcel maps and public easements to ensure compliance with City standards and Subdivision Map Act.
• Issues permits; reviews and processes agreements and project related fees.
• Coordinates with developers, design engineers, contractors and construction inspectors during project design and construction.
• Attends and participates in meetings and provides creative solutions.
• Provides customer service via phone, in-person and through electronic means such as email.
• Reviews, meets, and conditions proposed development projects.
• Coordinates with Public Works as necessary on the review and conditioning of development projects.
• Participates in or initiates and completes traffic studies (LOS and VMT) for development projects; evaluates sight distance, signage and striping; serves as the City’s in-house traffic/transportation modeler; serves as the Community Development liaison to Public Works Traffic Division.

Qualifications

Associate Civil Engineer

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Civil engineering principles and practices applied to the field of municipal public works or private development, including planning and development, design, construction, operation and maintenance.
• Principles and practices of project budgeting, cost estimation, funding, project management, and contract negotiation and administration.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in building construction.
• General design, layout, and construction practices for public improvements such as storm drain, street improvements, traffic signals, public works facilities, and building structures.
• Engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work.
• Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing technical reports.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• 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.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Current 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:

• Perform sub-professional and or professional engineering duties involved in the planning, design, development, and construction management of a variety of capital improvement and public and private construction projects.
• Conduct engineering studies and research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective staff and technical reports; present technical engineering information and data in an effective manner.
• Prepare, understand, and interpret engineering construction plans, technical drawings and designs, specifications, as-builts, permits, contract documents, environmental and engineering reports, and other technical documents.
• Perform mathematical and engineering computations with precision.
• Coordinate services with other departments and agencies and federal and state agencies.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from the community, staff, and outside organizations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• 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.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Senior Civil Engineer
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles of providing functional direction and training to assigned staff.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluations.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.

• Basic principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.
• Civil engineering principles and practices applied to the field of municipal public works or private development, including planning and development, design, construction, operation and maintenance.

• Principles and practices of project budgeting, cost estimation, funding, project management, and contract negotiation and administration.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in civil site construction.
• General design, layout, and construction practices for public improvements such as sewer, storm drain, street improvements, traffic signals, public works facilities, and building structures.
• Engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work.
• Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing technical reports.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.

• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• 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.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Current 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:

• Supervise, train, direct, coordinate, review and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Identify problems, research, and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions.
• Perform the most complex civil engineering work.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.

• Perform professional engineering duties involved in the planning, design, development, and construction management of a variety of capital improvement and private construction projects.
• Conduct engineering studies and research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective staff and technical reports; present technical engineering information and data in an effective manner.
• Prepare, understand, and interpret engineering construction plans, technical drawings and designs, specifications, as-builts, contract documents, environmental and engineering reports, and other technical documents.
• Perform mathematical and engineering computations with precision.
• Coordinate services with other departments and federal and state agencies.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from the community, staff, and outside organizations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.

• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

• 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.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

• Associate Civil Engineer/ Senior Civil Engineer: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering or a related field.
• Associate Civil Engineer: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible engineering experience equivalent to an Assistant Engineer with the City of Elk Grove.
• Senior Civil Engineer: Five (5) years increasingly responsible professional civil engineering experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Associate Civil Engineer/Senior Civil Engineer: Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license. This requirement may be waived for individuals who are unable to obtain a driver’s license due to a disability.
• Associate Civil Engineer/Senior Civil Engineer : Possession of a valid registration as a Professional Civil Engineer issued by the State of California. If a registered Professional Civil Engineer in another state, the ability to obtain registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California within one (1) year of appointment.

Retired Annuitants: This is a regular full-time position. Retired Annuitants are not eligible for appointment to this position under Government Code Sections 7522.56, 21224, 21227, and 21229. Retired CalPERS members may apply only if they are planning to voluntarily reinstate from retirement.

Employment Sponsorship:
This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or any other type of employment-based visa sponsorship.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently 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 frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as 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 up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

When assigned to a field environment:

Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light physical work; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate the above -mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, materials and objects weighing up to 15 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. The work requires wear and use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

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 occasionally are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

FLSA Status:

Associate Civil Engineer/Senior Civil Engineer : Exempt

The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478-2230. City of Elk Grove participates in E-Verify



Closing Date/Time: 10/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific