Salary : $188,850.00 - $255,000.00 Annually
Location : Vista City Hall - 200 Civic Center Drive Vista 92084, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-62-O
Department: Engineering
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 12:00 AM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: DH

THE POSITION
The Engineering Director plans, organizes, directs, and administers programs of the Engineering Department, including Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), Land Development, Traffic Engineering, Sewer and Stormwater Utilities Divisions and other engineering related programs and functions; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the City Manager; performs the duties of City Engineer; participates as a member of executive management team; and performs related work as required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, who has successfully managed Capital Improvement projects, has a great depth of knowledge in construction, and can manage relationships with outside Contractors. The Engineering Director position requires a leader who can, not only, keep projects on task but also partner with Contractors to make sure issues are addressed to ensure top quality in construction. The selected candidate will be a strategic leader and planner who can work with City Council, staff, the business community, and other key stakeholders improve the quality of life for all City residents.
Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates and ability to perform the duties of the position. A typical combination would include a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Eight (8) years of administrative level experience planning, organizing and directing broad engineering construction programs and field and office civil engineering design, inspection and contract administration.

LICENSE REQUIRED:

Possession of a valid license as a Civil Engineer issued by the State Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.

Other Information

COMPENSATION
The salary range for this position is $188,850 to $255,000 annually with an anticipated increase of 3% on July 1, 2027 and a very attractive benefits package. Salary will depend upon the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 29th, 2026
VACATION

141 Hrs. - 1-5 years of continuous service

165 Hrs. - 6-20 years

178 Hrs. - 21+
ADMIN. LEAVE

Department Directors are provided with 76 hours of Administrative Leave annually, which is to be used within the fiscal year.
SICK LEAVE

Employees earn 96 hours per year with no cap on accumulation.
HOLIDAYS

Employees working the 9/80 flex schedule are entitled to 99 hours of holiday leave per fiscal year.
INSURANCE

The City offers an excellent benefits package, including Blue Shield and Kaiser medical plan options, dental, vision, and life insurance programs. A portion of the employee's and dependent's premiums are paid by the City.
WELLNESS PROGRAMMING

The City offers comprehensive wellness programming to its employees including onsite wellness facilities and onsite wellness sessions.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

The City's Tuition Reimbursement Plan may assist employees in paying the cost of approved books and tuition for classes which relate to their job.
RETIREMENT

The City contracts with CalPERS to provide the 3% @ 60 Plan for Classic Member employees or the 2% @ 62 plan for New Members. Employees currently contribute the entire employee contribution.
The City does not participate in Social Security, but employees must be enrolled in the Medicare portion.
AUTO ALLOWANCE

Department Directors receive $400 per month for the use of their personal vehicle during the course of employment.

NOTE: The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
01

ATTENTION APPLICANTS: Copying and pasting duplicate answers and stating "See resume" and/or "see previous answer" are not acceptable to the questions below. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate and understand that the statements made in this supplemental questionnaire will be considered part of and subject to the terms of my employment application for this position. Please acknowledge your understanding by selecting "Yes".

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your level of education?

• High School
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

03

Do you possess a valid certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers? Please check one.

• Yes
• No

04

Describe your experience supervising staff in civil engineering. Please include your experience in staff development and/or training.
05

Please describe your experience making oral presentations to decision-making bodies, citizen groups or professional groups. Specify the types of presentations you have made and the frequency.
Required Question