Salary: $8,693.00 - $10,867.00 Monthly
Location : El Centro, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 04/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description

Summary: Under administrative direction, to direct, manage, supervise and coordinate the activities and operations of the Engineering Division within the Public Works Department including engineering design and construction projects for buildings, streets, sewers, storm drains, utility, transportation systems, and related capital improvement programs; to coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, department s, and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Public Works/City Engineer.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The ideal candidate for the City of El Centro's Principal Engineer position is a well-rounded engineer with experience in a variety of disciplines of Civil Engineering, but most importantly, in the delivery of Capital Improvement Projects. Strong customer service skills are required, as are strong communication skills in both written and oral formats. Applicants should be reliable, self-motivated project managers, experienced in supervising consultants and employees with adequate oversight, accountability, and mentoring as needed.
Essential Job Functions

Essential Job Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

1. Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Engineering Division including engineering design and construction projects for buildings, streets, sewers, storm drains, utility, transportation systems and related capital improvement programs.
2. Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
3. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
4. Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for engineering staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
5. Ensure that the public right of way is built and maintained in a safe and efficient manner; exercise engineering judgment in accordance with current accepted practices of civil engineering and appropriate laws and codes.
6. Issue encroachment and grading permits.
7. Assist with the completion and filing of subdivision agreements, process final parcel and tract maps, bonds, deeds, and other documents needed for the filing of such maps.
8. Serve as project manager for engineering design and construction projects; administer project from inception to completion including design, review, public meetings, bidding and construction; develop scope of work; serve as liaison between City staff, developers, engineers, consultants, the general public and external agencies on proposed development projects; develop project timelines and set priorities; assign work tasks and oversee the services of consultant staff.
9. Monitor expenditures and grant compliance requirements.
10. Prepare designs and specifications for assigned projects; develop engineering drawings, construction plans, specifications, contract documents, bid documents, calculations and cost estimates for proposed projects.
11. Review engineering designs and construction plans, drawings, specifications, contract documents, cost estimates, engineering calculations and related documents prepared by in house and consulting engineers and contractors for compliance with professional and City standards and practices; coordinate reviews with other departments and agencies.
12. Oversee the services of professional engineering consultants and contractors; determine project scope; prepare request for proposal and project specifications; review, evaluate and recommend consultants; monitor consultant services to ensure compliance with professional engineering standards, mandated rules and regulations, contractual obligations and approved budget.
13. Select, train, motivate and evaluate engineering personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
14. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the division's annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments.
15.Serve as the liaison for the Engineering Division with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
16.Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
17. Provide responsible staff assistance to the Director of Public Works/City Engineer.
18. Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations and operational studies; recommend modifications to engineering programs, policies and procedures as appropriate.
19. Prepare recommendations regarding engineering conditions and mitigation measures for major public improvement and private development projects.
20. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of civil engineering.
21. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
22. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
23. Acts on behalf of City Engineer during absences.

The preceding activities have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by persons assigned to this position. The City reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work.
Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION:
REQUIRED:
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible civil engineering, subdivision, land surveying and project leadership experience, including at least twelve (12) months of experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Current licensure as a Professional Engineer within the State of California.
• Current Class C California driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Ability to:
• Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive municipal engineering program.
• Oversee, direct and coordinate the work of lower-level staff.
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff
• Read and interpret specifications to ensure that plans are drawn to scale.
• Track the status of projects and issue permits in accordance with established procedures.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare and/or analyze engineering plans and specifications to ensure compliance with City standards and governmental requirements.
• Prepare departmental correspondence; prepare and present analyses, studies, staff, and special reports.
• Manage and/or monitor public improvement and private development projects.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, consultants, developers, contractors, inspectors, utilities personnel, homeowners, and other representatives.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.

Knowledge of:
• Civil engineering principles, concepts, and practices.
• General design, layout, and construction practices for public improvement projects such as streets, storm drains, grading, landscaping and trail ways.
• Developing subdivision plans related to the field of engineering.
• Project management principles and practices, including supervision of construction for purposes of securing compliance with plans and specifications.
• Capital Improvement Program budgeting and funding practices.
• Developing a variety of engineering projects in addition to the permit process.
• Advanced mathematical concepts.
• Operation of a computer terminal and apply spreadsheet and word processing programs.

Special Requirements

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Work is routinely performed in office environments with exposure to inclement weather and varying temperatures.
• Frequently required to use hands, fingers, handle, grip, grasp, feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Frequently required to reach forward, upward, downward with hands and arms.
• Required to drive City vehicles that have either an automatic or standard transmission.
• Frequently required to stand on concrete, asphalt and soft soil surfaces.
• Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit to perform duties.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and occasionally up to 60 pounds.
• May occasionally be required to use a ladder and must maintain balance during this activity.

The City of El Centro offers a competitive compensation package which include medical, dental vision, life insurance, mental health counseling, short-term and long-term disability. Total compensation includes not only your salary, but also the benefits paid by the City on your behalf. These City provided benefits add significantly to the overall value of your compensation.

Benefits

• Health Insurance is available at a shared cost. The City will subsidize a percentage of the medical premium and employee is responsible for the rest. The percentage subsidized by the City depends on coverage plan chosen
• All plans include vision and dental insurance
• Basic life Insurance is fully subsidized by the City. (The coverage amount varies depending on the position classification and resolution with the City)
• Optional Supplemental Life and Dependent Insurance is available at the employee's expense.
• Worker's Compensation is paid by the City
• Deferred Compensation (457b Plan) is available at the employee's expense
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $1,000 per calendar year subject to pre-approval and availability of funds

Pay Practices
This position is paid on a biweekly basis.

Retirement
CalPERS - Employee/Employer contributions.

Holidays
15 paid holidays per year. The City recognizes the following holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• President's Day
• ½ Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving
• ½ December 24th
• Christmas Day
• ½ December 31st
• Birthday Holiday