Engineer I-III

Salary : $82,758.00 - $121,810.00 Annually
Location : City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Department: CIP Project Engineering
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt

JOB DESCRIPTION
The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking motivated and talented candidates for Engineer I-III.Two vacancies are currently available - and this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a community consistently recognized for its high quality of life.

One position is in Public Works, and one is in Community Development. The eligibility list established through this recruitment may also be used to fill future Engineer I-III roles in other departments, including Utilities, giving applicants the chance to be considered for multiple pathways within the City.

This recruitment will remain open until the positions are filled. Applications submitted by 11:59 PM on Monday, July 27, 2026, will receive first consideration. As this is a continuous recruitment, the posting may close at any time without notice; interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.

Candidates selected to move forward will be invited to in-person interviews on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Please hold that date.
The level of responsibility and salary will be based on the qualifications of the applicant. (see Education and Experience below)
IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The successful candidate will be a well-rounded civil engineering professional with strong technical capabilities, proven adaptability, and an interest in contributing to a collaborative, dynamic team environment. Candidates should demonstrate motivation, sound judgment, and the ability to support a variety of public infrastructure projects.
JOB SUMMARY:

Provides general engineering support and direction to a variety of public and private projects. Performs professional and technical civil engineering work starting with simple and moving to more complex projects. Typical projects may include the following: roads, drainage, grading, buildings, water and wastewater pipelines, treatment facilities, tanks, parks and landscaping, bike paths, environmental mitigation, and other related infrastructure. As employees show an increase in knowledge, skills, abilities, and initiative, employees will be eligible for promotion within this career series.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification is part of the Engineer I, II, III career series.
SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Employees in this classification work under general supervision of the Division Manager or Supervising Civil Engineer. Entry level employees may also work under the direction of a Senior or Engineer III within a broad framework of policies and procedures.

Employees in the Engineer positions are not directly responsible for the supervision and evaluation of other engineering staff; however, they may provide supervision of work product to technician or intern staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Prepares construction drawings and specifications for a variety of City public works projects using AutoCAD and related civil design software to process projects through the City.
• Reviews and evaluates preliminary and final plans and specifications for private development.
• Inspects and evaluates ongoing public works and development projects to ensure compliance with plans and specifications and regulatory agency requirements.
• Conducts surveys, and/or assists survey personnel in obtaining field data and conducts a variety of field construction tests for compliance purposes.
• Verifies and maintains appropriate records and files; prepares comprehensive technical reports and agenda reports related to assignments. Presents reports as needed.
• Attends various meetings and makes presentations as a representative of the City.
• Performs a variety of computer and tracking support functions.
• Interacts with the public at the public counter answering questions and issuing permits for construction in the City's right of way.
• Performs studies, researches files, records, plans, and maps.
• Gathers, assembles, analyzes and interprets field data, and prepares reports.
• Plans, directs, participates, supervises the work product of technicians and interns, and effectively completes assigned projects. This technical work involves engineering, surveying, construction, or other activities related to the civil engineering profession.
• Administers consultant contracts for support services such as surveying, soil testing, biological studies, etc.
• Coordinates with other departments as needed to complete assignments.
• Provides planning, specification, calculation and cost estimating review of others' work.
• Reviews construction of projects and assists in maintaining construction documents.
• Reviews and evaluates development plans, maps, and related documents for conformance to City, State, and Federal codes. Reviews calculations and issues permits.
• Gathers traffic data, maintains traffic records, conducts traffic studies, and prepares traffic reports.
• Provides assistance to other City employees regarding engineering related matters.
• Performs related duties similar to the example duties in scope and function as required.

In addition to the above, the Engineer II classification may include the duties listed below:

• Prepares Requests for Proposals for services such as preliminary design, design, construction management, and plan review, and administers work of consultants effectively monitoring costs and deadlines.
• Provides preliminary and final review of development proposals such as subdivisions maps, parcel maps and subdivision improvements.
• Interprets and administers applicable ordinances relating to project requirements, prepares engineering reports, and legal descriptions.
• Reviews private development submittals for compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.
• Effectively plans, organizes, schedules and implements projects.
• Assists in the preparation and administration of budgets for operation and capital improvement programs.
• Coordinates work with regulatory agencies, public utility companies and private entities.
• Applies for and obtains permits from local, State and Federal agencies.
• Applies for and manages grant funding.

In addition to the above, the Engineer III classification may include the duties listed below:

• Develops revisions to the City's Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards for review and approval by the City Engineer and adoption by the Council.
• Assists with training and work review of entry level staff.
• Oversees or assists with asset management program and prepares budget requests. These assets include, but are not limited to, Pavement Management, Storm Drain Management, and Bridge Management.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering applicable to the planning, design, and construction of a wide variety of public works projects.
• Mathematics, design methods, uses and strengths of construction materials and knowledge of soil engineering as they relate to the design and construction of public works.
• Hydrology, hydraulics, and structural design practices and procedures.
• Principles and practices of surveying and construction inspection, including applicable laws and safety requirements.
• Technical report writing.
• Computer systems and applicable software programs

In addition to the above, the Engineer II will be required to have knowledge of:

• Cost estimating and contract administration.
• Pertinent laws and regulations relating to design, construction and development of private and public works.
• Federal, State and local laws and ordinances regarding planning, design, and construction.
• Principles of organization, project coordination, and project scheduling.
• Process for obtaining regulatory permits.
• Detailed City processes and purchasing policies.

In addition to the above, the Engineer III will be required to have knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of maintenance and repair of municipal infrastructure.

Ability to:

• Apply knowledge gained from education in the performance of professional level engineering.
• Prepare engineering plans, designs, estimates, and specifications for a variety of public works projects and complete projects effectively.
• Solve engineering problems, utilizing a variety of civil engineering techniques.
• Use AutoCAD and standard office software such as word processing, spreadsheets and Adobe Acrobat.
• Follow written and oral directions.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, contractors, and representatives of other agencies in providing professional engineering assistance and information.
• Communicate effectively and tactfully in both oral and written forms.
• Prepare staff reports and make presentations.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.
• Maintain activity records, manage documents and infrastructure databases.
• Work in a standard office setting, field environment, and construction zones.
• Use standard office and field equipment and the ability to travel to remote field locations.
• Read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hear and speak to communicate in person and over the telephone.

In addition to the above, the Engineer II will be required to have the ability to:

• Analyze and prepare recommendations for engineering issues.
• Perform routine survey work for projects.
• Perform traffic engineering duties.
• Complete moderately complex projects effectively.
• Provide a high level of customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Work independently or in a team environment as both a participant and as the team lead.
• Prepare, assess, and monitor consultant service proposals, contracts and work product.
• Complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Prepare budget documents.
• Complete regulatory agency permits and grant applications.

In addition to the above, the Engineer III will be required to have the ability to:

• Act as the Resident Engineer on construction projects and maintain necessary records to satisfy City and / or grant requirements.
• Evaluate and maintain asset management programs.
• Evaluate engineering processes and procedures and make recommendations for change.
• Prepare clear and concise ordinances, resolutions, policies, procedures and other written material.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Engineer I
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field or possession of an Engineer in Training certificate.

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Engineer II:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field or possession of an Engineer in Training certificate;
andTwo years' work experience in design, construction, surveying, permits, or plan review of civil engineering projects.
or
An equivalent combination of education and experience.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• A valid certificate of registration as an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT) is highly desirable.

Engineer III:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field or possession of an Engineer in Training certificate;
and
Five years work experience in design, construction or plan review of civil engineering projects.or
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• A valid certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California Board for Professional Engineering and Land Surveyors is highly desirable.