Engineer I/II

Salary : $93,948.40 - $114,194.86 Annually
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY 27-00174
Department: Utilities
Division: Utilities - Water Resources
Opening Date: 10/31/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

SUMMARY
Under the general direction of the assigned supervisor, this position assists in the planning, coordination, analysis, and implementation of various engineering activities. This classification is currently in multiple divisions and departments across the City and may be flexibly staffed at the discretion of the Department Director. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification but 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.
THIS POSITION
The Engineer I/II will support water, wastewater, and capital projects. The successful applicant will work closely with operating managers and engineers to prepare solutions for pressing problems in the water and wastewater industries. The position is expected to have a thorough understanding of pipeline hydraulics, open channel flow, pipeline design, potable water systems, and wastewater treatment plant. This position will have meaningful career growth capability as well as mentorship opportunities from principal engineers and water resource managers serving in the public sector.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate for Engineer I/II is a motivated individual with a passion for engineering who can support vital water resources projects. This person will play an integral part in developing engineering solutions for water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, and collaborating with various outside agencies to ensure successful project outcomes. Individuals with a degree in civil or mechanical engineering, or those currently in the final stage of their academic journey, are highly encouraged to apply.
IMPORTANT

A valid Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate issued by the State Board of Registration Civil, Geologist, and Professional Engineers is the minimum qualification for this recruitment. A final offer of employment will only be issued upon verification that the selected candidate has met all requirements related to this recruitment.
REQUIRED APPLICATION SUBMITTALS

1. Online application
2. Cover letter which explains how your education and experience align with the Ideal Candidate Statement

Full Job Descriptions:

(Salary placement at the appropriate level will depend upon qualifications and experience)

• Engineer I- $85,213.44 - $103,577.50 Annually
• Engineer II - $93,948.40 - $114,194.86 Annually

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.
• Develops written reports, correspondence, change orders, technical memos, applications, permits, and other written information.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the Director.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Positions assigned to Water Resources may:

• Provide engineering technical support for water resources operations and capital projects.
• Assist with planning, designing, and executing engineering solutions to support water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. Typical projects could include pipeline upgrades, well rehabilitation, WWTP process upgrades, water quality analysis, and permit compliance.
• Support development of compliance reports and standard operating procedures.
• Perform engineering analysis and develop technical reports to analyze percolation or infiltration techniques and identify effective solutions for operations.
• Perform survey and grade control activities and maintain as-built record drawings.
• Conduct construction quality assurance monitoring and reporting; track project costs; and develop project specifications and cost estimates.

Individual Contributor

Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance (See the full definition of Individual Contributor Competencies):

• 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.
• 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.

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 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 certificate Engineer-in-Training (EIT) issued by the State Board of Registration for Civil, Geologist, and Professional Engineers.

SELECTION PROCESS
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
• Requires completion of 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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• May require completion of a pre-employment physical to the satisfaction of the City.
• Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

APPLICATION RANKING

The complete application packet, which consists of the online application and cover letter, will be evaluated and scored. An applicant's final ranking on the eligibility list will be determined by their submitted application materials. The Hiring Department will interview selected candidates from the eligibility list who best meet its needs.
If you are experiencing any technical (computer-related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, call the NEOGOV helpline 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 California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.
Health Insurance
Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.

Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Vision Insurance
Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.