Principal Civil Engineer

Salary : $11,505.16 - $13,909.46 Monthly
Location : City Hall, 100 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Job Number:
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

DEFINITION/SELECTION PROCESS
THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR A CURRENT VACANCY. Interested applicants must submit on-line application -- NO paper applications will be accepted.

If you forget your password, have application login problems, or get an error message during the application process, please call the NeoGov helpline at 1-855-524-5627 for assistance.

The City reserves the right to stop accepting applications if sufficient numbers of qualified applications are received. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The recruitment is officially closed once it has been removed from the City's website.

Click for Principal Civil Engineer Brochure.
The Principal Civil Engineer manages, oversees, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff responsible for professional and technical engineering operations of the capital improvement program; performs and oversees the preparation of complex engineering designs, plans, specifications, reports, and project management; and performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility. The Principal Civil Engineer is distinguished from the Senior Civil Engineer by the former's advanced management responsibilities, greater independent decision-making authority, performing more specialized engineering work, and providing direction to a variety of private and public projects. Incumbents work at an advanced professional level on complex and specialized engineering projects and programs. The incumbent plans and assigns work to other division staff, or consultants as needed. The incumbent receives direction from the Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer on policy and day-to-day operations. Incumbents may act for the Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer during periods of absence or as directed; and performs related work as required.EXAMINATION PROCESS: Based upon screening of the City application, responses to supplemental questions, and résumé, applicants whose qualifications best meet the requirements of the position will be invited to the examination process. This process may include, but is not limited to: written examination, panel interview and/or performance examination, which consists of an evaluation of some of the essential knowledge, skills, abilities, and job related experience listed below. Those candidates who pass the examination process are placed on an eligibility list from which the final selection will be made.SELECTION PROCESS: As authorized by City policy, applicants being considered for hire in this position are subject to fingerprinting for purposes of investigating criminal history background, as part of the employment screening process. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination (based upon job-related physical standards) by a City-designated physician.Failure in any one part of the examination or selection processes will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
The following duties are typical of this classification; Incumbent may not perform all of the duties and/or may be required to perform specific additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Develops and implements capital improvement projects
2. Oversees design, construction management, and inspection of public improvements
3. Develops the capital improvement program
4. Serves as project manager on capital projects
5. Supervises the design on in-house design projects
6. Acquires and monitors the services of private consultants
7. Pursues funding sources
8. Provides technical support for City operations including but not limited to street maintenance, transit, airport, electric, solid waste, water, wastewater, parks, police, fire, fleet and facilities
9. May act as professional staff advisor to policymakers serving on various regional boards
10. Assigns, supervises, and evaluates the work of subordinate engineering personnel
11. Negotiates change orders
12. Manages project budgets
13. Facilitates solutions to construction issues
14. Negotiates with other departments, agencies, and contractors regarding issues and necessary coordination
15. Assists with preparation of the Engineering Division budget, and with portions of the City budget covering capital projects and transportation funding
16. Performs other related work as required.

If you are unable to perform the essential functions of the position for which you are applying, either with or without reasonable accommodation, please notify Human Resources at (805) 875-8208.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Include any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. The typical qualifying entrance background is Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field AND six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional civil engineering experience with a minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver's License. Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs is required.
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering
• Municipal public works administration, planning and design
• Engineering math
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Principles of supervision and training
• Geographic based information system management.

ABILITY TO:

• Plan, organize, and manage the engineering services of the City
• Supervise, train, and evaluate the work of professional, technical, and support staff
• Prepare comprehensive engineering and administrative staff reports
• Prepare and evaluate proposals, cost estimates and specifications
• Administer contracts
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing
• Maintain a big picture view and teamwork approach
• Be service oriented and have excellent communication skills
• Be an adept negotiator
• Work independently with minimum supervision
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS: The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL: Strength category: Light-exert force to 20 lbs. occasionally, or 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects. May involve significant standing, walking, pushing, pulling sitting, and/or typing. Occasional standing, walking, bending, twisting at the waist, handling, gripping, grasping, reaching at, above and below shoulder level, extending neck side to side. On rare occasion stoops, crouches, kneels, climbs stairs, ladders, scaffolding, extends neck upward and downward. Vision: Visual acuity which could be corrected sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed. Hearing: Effectively hear/comprehend oral instructions and communication.
MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL: Work cooperatively and interact appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public; utilize advanced and complex reading, writing and math skills; exercise good judgment in following procedures and directions; respond quickly and calmly to changing priorities; communicate effectively orally; work under pressure; work within deadlines.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Constantly works indoors; occasionally works outdoors. Frequent use of products and equipment required in a standard office work setting; personal computer, including word processing, database and spreadsheet programs; calculator, telephone, photocopier and telex fax machines, and other standard office equipment. Works independently and with the public. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, and moderately loud when outdoors.

Job classes in this unit are subject to the City's Personnel Rules, Procedures, Policies, and the Management, Supervisory & Confidential ("MS&C") Compensation Plan ("Comp Plan"). Benefits include the following:

Bilingual Pay: Individuals determined to be in an eligible position and qualified by the City will be eligible for $150 per month bilingual. Employees with both oral and written bilingual skills shall receive $190 per month bilingual pay.

Deferred Compensation: The City encourages and supports employee enrollment in either MissionSquare or CalPERS deferred compensation plan. Employees may contribute up to the maximum amount according to the IRS Retirement Plan Contribution Limits.

Dental Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following appointment, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents.

Health Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following appointment, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents. Employees can select from three (3) Blue Shield plans.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employees of the City of Lompoc are eligible to receive EAP services administered by Anthem Blue Cross. Employee, spouse, and eligible dependents are entitled to receive five (5) sessions per family member, per incident. Services include counseling for various reasons/needs.

Holidays: Thirteen (13) days per year including one floating holiday.

Life Insurance: The City provides life insurance in the amount equivalent to two years' annual salary up to a maximum of $300,000. The premium is paid entirely by the City. Employees are eligible for enrollment after the first day following six (6) months of continuous employment. Additional employee coverage is available at group rates.

Long-Term Disability Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following six complete months of employment, the employee is eligible for insurance. The City pays 100% of the premium.

Retirement: Third Tier-- Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at age 62 formula. Employees pay 50% of the normal cost of the member's contribution as prescribed by PEPRA. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.

Second Tier-- Employees hired after November 19, 2011 and before January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at age 60 formula. An eight percent (8%) member's contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.

First Tier-- Employees hired prior to November 19, 2011 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2.7% at age 55 formula with 1959 survivor's benefit. A ten percent (10%) member's contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 12 consecutive months.

Social Security: As a City of Lompoc employee, your earnings are not covered by Social Security. Under the Social Security law, there are two ways your Social Security Benefit amount earned under previous employers may be affected, "Windfall Elimination Provision" and "Government Pension Offset Provision." FOR MORE INFORMATION, please visit You may also call 1-800-772-1213 or for the deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778, or you may contact your local Social Security Office.

Section 125 Tax Deferral: Program used for out-of-pocket health premiums, medical costs not covered under health plan, and day care/elder care.

Sick Leave: Commencing at the time of appointment, sick leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate and the employee is eligible to use those benefits reflected as their sick leave balance; accrual rate is 12 days/year with unlimited accrual.

Tuition Reimbursement: The City will provide tuition reimbursement for college courses in accordance with Personnel Procedures Manual Chapter 43 "Tuition Reimbursement for College/University Courses." In addition, the City will provide community college students up to 100% tuition reimbursement and 100% reimbursement for required course books per semester. (Course syllabus and receipts identifying books purchased are required for books).

Vacation: Commencing at the time of appointment, vacation leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate based upon length of employment. Employees are eligible to use vacation leave following completion of six months employment and accrue 18 days each year, increasing to 28 days after 15 years (includes 8 days per year of management leave). For more benefit information, please review the Management, Supervisory & Confidential ("MS&C") Compensation Plan; go to the fo