Engineer I/II

Salary: $93,948.40 - $114,194.86 Annually
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY 27-00168
Department: Public Works
Division: P/W Engineers
Opening Date: 10/12/2026
Closing Date: 11/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

OPPORTUNITY
This is an open recruitment to fill one full-time Engineer I/II position.

The Engineer I/II position is a flex-series position.
Candidates may be hired at either level based on their experience and the hiring department's needs.

Biweekly Salary Ranges

Engineer I: $3,277.44 - $3,983.75

Engineer II: $3,613.40 - $4,392.11

ABOUT THE POSITION
Under the general direction of the assigned supervisor, assists in the planning, coordination, analysis, and implementation of various activities of the Public Works Department in one of the following divisions: construction, development, traffic and transportation, or capital. This classification may be flexibly staffed at the discretion of the Department Director. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification, but the incumbent may act as lead worker for temporarily assigned employees or special projects.

The Engineer I/II position is an Individual Contributor role that provides design and engineering services to ensure City-owned infrastructure, assets, and facilities are constructed and modified in a functional and safe condition. Their role enables City of Santa Maria residents to enjoy a healthy, safe, and pleasant environment in which to live, work, and play.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking engineering professional with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field and a strong foundation in engineering principles, practices, and methods. The successful candidate will bring curiosity, initiative, and problem-solving skills to a variety of municipal projects involving capital improvement projects, development review, public infrastructure, transportation, and related public works activities. While some engineering experience is desirable, the City of Santa Maria welcomes candidates who demonstrate a commitment to learning and possess strong technical fundamentals. The ideal candidate will build productive relationships, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with consultants, contractors, the community, and city staff. The ideal candidate will exhibit enthusiasm for innovation, professional growth, and public service, and the opportunity to help shape and maintain the infrastructure that sustains the community and its quality of life.

REQUIRED APPLICATION ATTACHMENTS

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Copy of Engineer-in-Training Certificate

DUTIES
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. This position:

• Performs sub-professional civil engineering field and office work, including utilizing computer-aided drafting software to prepare and produce engineering drawings and other computer input.

• Participates in the development and administration of the division or section budget.

• Consults with and aids other governmental agencies in engineering matters.

• Receives citizen complaints and takes appropriate action.

• Represents the division or department at conferences and meetings with other departments, agencies, and organizations.

• Composes correspondence to policymakers, lending institutions, bonding companies, contractors, developers, regulatory agencies, etc.

• Develops written reports, correspondence, change orders, technical memos, applications, permits, and other written information.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.

• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the Department Director:

• Positions assigned to Traffic/Transportation may:

• Assist with the coordination of advanced transportation planning projects, including traffic studies and surveys, technical research and analysis of transportation projects, etc.

• Provide transportation staff support to City departments, other agencies, and technical transportation committees.

• Review traffic signal plans and provide engineering support for signal installations.

• Coordinate and design pedestrian safety projects.

• Process grant applications

• Work with Caltrans to implement new transportation improvement projects.

• May compose City Council agenda reports and related written documents.

• Lead City Traffic Committee meetings.

• Positions assigned to Development may:

• Work with developers and private engineering firms to draft public infrastructure requirements consistent with City policy.

• Review construction plans and subdivision maps; coordinate public infrastructure record updates.

• Issue encroachment permits and respond to public record requests.

• May represent City before the City Planning Commission, elected officials, and the public.

• Coordinate with consultants related to development projects.

• Positions assigned to Capital Projects may:

• Serve as the project manager on City capital projects.

• Supervise the design of in-house design projects.

• Contract with and supervise private consultants.

• Pursue additional funding sources.

• Provide technical design support and coordination for City Departments.

• Prepare plans, specifications, and cost estimates for the review and approval of professional-level staff; review projects for conflicts with existing improvements and utilities.

• Positions assigned to Construction Management may:

• Develop and manage a project team including City inspection staff and consultants to survey, inspect, or manage City construction projects.

• Negotiate change orders; manage project budgets; facilitate solutions to construction issues; and coordinate with other departments and agencies regarding construction issues.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Engineer I

• Ideally, some engineering experience is desirable; and
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required at appointment.

Engineer II

• Ideally, two years of responsible work experience in the field of Civil or Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required.
• Employees may be considered for a level II advancement after completion of two years in their current assignment, at the Department Director's discretion.

• Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards, and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
  • Engineering design, construction practices, drafting, inspection, and surveying.
  • Physics, chemistry, and mathematics as applied to civil engineering.
  • Engineering economics and business accounting practices and applications.
  • Street maintenance practices and procedures; local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to transit services and/or public works systems; appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
  • Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
  • Use computer and other office equipment effectively.
• Required licenses and/or certificates associated with the assignment, such as:
  • A valid Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate issued by the State Board of Registration for Civil, Geologist, and Professional Engineers.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance (click the hyperlink to see the full definition ):

• Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.
• Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.
• Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.
• Communicativeness - Effective performers recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange and the competitive advantage it brings. They actively seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways. They use modern technologies to access and circulate information, even across great distances. They take responsibility for ensuring that their people have the current and accurate information needed for success.
• Initiative - Effective performers are proactive and take action without being prompted. They do not wait to be told what to do or when to do it. They see a need, take responsibility, and act on it. They make things happen.
• Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation.
• Functional/Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.
• Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.
• Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.

SELECTION PROCESS
The completed electronic application packet must include the online application, supplemental questions, and required electronic attachments. Applications missing any of these materials will be considered incomplete. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the Hiring Department for review. The Department will interview candidates whose qualifications most closely align with its needs. Final scores and rankings will be determined by the interview process. Candidates who successfully complete the oral examination will be placed on the eligibility list. Only those candidates who best fit the needs of the Hiring Department will be considered for this opportunity.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The incumbent must possess a valid and appropriate driver's license, and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
The incumbent must complete a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.

The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing, and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. Completion of a pre-employment physical to the satisfaction of the City may be required. Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you experience technical (computer-related) difficulties or need help attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at +1 (855) 524-5627.
The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at

Retirement
The City of Santa Maria is a member of the Calif