Salary : $156,348.00 - $189,936.00 Annually
Location : Vista City Hall - 200 Civic Center Drive Vista 92084, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-61-O
Department: Engineering
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/22/2026 5:30 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: MGCF

Position
The Principal Engineer in Land Development provides senior technical leadership and oversight for the review and delivery of private and public land development projects. This position serves as a technical resource to applicants, consultants, developers, and other stakeholders, ensuring that proposed projects comply with applicable codes, standards, ordinances, and engineering requirements. The Principal Engineer will oversee complex development reviews, provide guidance on engineering and infrastructure issues, coordinate with multiple municipal departments and outside agencies, and help establish consistent and effective review practices. The role also provides technical mentorship to engineering and development review staff and supports the municipality's long-term goals for safe, sustainable, and well-planned growth.

DEFINITION:
Under general supervision, a Principal Engineer plans, organizes, integrates, and directs the activities and work of the Land Development Engineering Division within the Engineering Department, including the oversight of projects, staff, and operations; and performs related duties as assigned.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
The Principal Engineer is responsible for managing the Land Development Engineering Division in the Engineering Department. This job is distinguished from the Senior Engineer given that the scale of projects and programs that are managed are larger and more complex, and involve the supervision of Senior Engineer, Associate Engineer, Assistant Engineer, and clerical staff. These positions are also responsible for proposing and managing division budgetary expenditures and fees. The employee is expected to exercise significant independent judgment in matters related to operations, research, planning and control, and the development and interpretation of engineering policies and standards a majority of the time.

Examples of Essential Functions
Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates the work of an engineering division in the Engineering Department; with subordinate supervisors and staff, develops, implements, and monitors attainment of division goals and objectives; participates in the development of and monitors performance against the annual division budget; manages and directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of plans, policies, systems, and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives, and work standards; plans and evaluates the performance of staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and takes disciplinary action to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with the City's Personnel rules, policies and labor contract provisions; manages the preparation of a variety of studies and reports relating to development projects; establishes conditions of approval; coordinates inspections and project monitoring programs; provides technical assistance to staff; reviews and evaluates plans for proposed assessment and maintenance districts and related bond and fee requirements; reviews subdivision and development proposals; manages and administers operations, activities, and programs in compliance with accepted federal, state, and municipal standards governing public works construction, public utilities construction, traffic engineering, and engineering surveying; manages plan check tracking systems; reviews, analyzes, and recommends changes to the City construction policies and procedures; recommends and coordinates design changes, where appropriate; keeps informed on current construction design techniques, changes in codes and regulations, and new construction materials and methods; works with developers, contractors, engineers, architects, and others regarding unusual construction and compliance problems; ensures the maintenance of detailed records of division activities, findings, and results; ensures the timely and accurate completion of all required topographic and construction engineering surveys.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

A typical qualifying background is a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related field; and five (5) years of progressively responsible engineering experience throughout all phases of development review in a lead capacity with supervisory experience over professional, technical, and clerical staff.

License or Certificate:

• A valid certificate of registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (P.E.) issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Subdivision Map Act, California Environmental Quality Act, and Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Act.
• Management and supervisory principles and practices, including budgeting, goals and objectives development, and work planning principles.
• Principles and practices of civil engineering development, special districts administration, and public works construction.
• Federal, state and local codes and regulations governing public works and building construction.
• Trends, approaches and problem-solving techniques used in construction engineering and inspection and compliance processes.
• Local government organization and service delivery, as related to assigned managerial area of responsibility.
• Modern methods of construction and structural design concepts.
• Techniques, equipment and materials used in public works construction projects.
• GIS systems and technology.
• Engineering survey principles, techniques, mathematics, and procedures.

SKILL IN:

• Operating a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.

ABILITY TO:

• Operate a computer terminal and use word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and related software programs; operate a calculator and standard office equipment.
• Plan, organize, supervise, train and evaluate the work of professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
• Prepare and administer division budget and anticipate future budget needs.
• Communicate effectively, either orally or in writing.
• Interact with City officials, media, citizens groups, employees and others encountered in the course of work.
• Perform mathematical computations and apply mathematical reasoning.
• Interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, laws and ordinances.
• Analyze technical design engineering, construction engineering, and surveying problems, evaluate alternative approaches, and adopt effective solutions.
• Manage projects to adhere to project budgets, timelines, and specifications.
• Prepare detailed written material, including staff and administrative reports analysis of policies, proposed code amendments, and changes to established programs and policies.
• Exercise sound, independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, contractors, developers, consultant, public and private representatives and others encountered in the course of the work.

Other Information
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively verbally and in a written manner; observe and interpret data, and analyze and solve problems. The employee must be able to work indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments (depending on position). The employee may have to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work related objects and/or work products based on position specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Use of personal vehicle during employment may also be required.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
A City application form and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.vista.gov/jobs. All other employment inquiries can be directed to the City of Vista, Human Resources Office, Telephone: (760) 726-1340.

SELECTION PROCESS :

Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical and fingerprinting.

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.

*SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Recruitment Closes - Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026
Virtual Oral Board - Week of October 5th
Department Interviews - Week of October 12th
*Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change.
VACATION
125 Hrs. - 1-5 years of continuous service
160 Hrs. - 6-9 years
180 Hrs. - 10-20 years
200Hrs. - 21+
ADMIN. LEAVE
70 Hours annually (Management)

SICK LEAVE
96 hours per year

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

INSURANCE
Excellent benefits package including medical, 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
Depending on eligibility, based on CalPERS criteria, new employees will be provided the 3% @ 60 Plan or newly established 2% @ 62 Plan. Employees currently contribute the entire employee contribution amount of 8%.

The City does not participate in Social Security, but employees must be enrolled in the Medicare portion.
*Actual benefits will depend on date of hire and may differ from the information listed. Part-time employee benefits may be prorated.
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

How many years of full-time, qualifying experience do you have performing professional journey-level civil engineering design and/or engineering plan checking work?

• Less than one year
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 4-5 years
• 5-6 years
• 6 or more years

04

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

05

Please check the following certifications and/or licenses that you currently possess.

• Certified Engineer-in-Training (EIT)
• Licensed Professional Engineer
• Certified Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT)
• Licensed Professional Land Surveyor
• Storm Water Certification (QSP, QSD, CESSWI, or CPESC)
• None

06

Please describe your experience and level of responsibility working on private development projects in Land Development. Give examples of projects including the size, type and location.
Required Question