Senior Development Engineer

Salary : $130,228.80 - $174,512.00 Annually
Location : 411 Main Street, Chico, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-00537
Department: Public Works Engineering
Opening Date: 09/19/2026

Position Information

The Senior Development Engineer under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff performing engineering work in the design, investigation, construction, and plan review of public works and private development facilities; schedules and coordinates work assignments and processes; provides complex staff assistance to management staff in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

They receive general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over professional staff.
This position is based out of Chico City Hall.
Employees in this bargaining unit will receive a 5% General Salary Increase in July 2027.
Job Description

This is the full supervisory-level class in the professional Engineer series that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized engineering design and related activities with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff and for providing technical support to management in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff, consultants, and interns performing professional engineering work in the plan review, design, and construction of street, storm drain, sewer line, drainage, and transportation facilities; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
• Monitors activities of the Engineering work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates assigned services and operations with other divisions and outside agencies.
• Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors expenditures.
• Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and outside agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Analyzes engineering plan design, specifications, consultant, and staff comments in accordance with design requirements and municipal and intergovernmental standards and regulations; recommends approval or additional engineering conditions and changes.
• Performs engineering calculations for stormwater, water, sewer, pavement, or other areas of expertise; reviews plans, design drawings, calculations, and specifications of staff and consultant engineers for conformity with City standards, policies, regulations, and ordinances.
• Meets and confers with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, a variety of outside agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding City development requirements.
• Inspects and verifies work in progress and completed work of assigned employees and contractors for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to development projects; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Basic principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.
• Civil and structural engineering principles, concepts, standards, and practices associated with public works and utilities programs and private development projects.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Principles and practices of project budget development, administration, and accountability.
• Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the planning, design, cost estimating, construction, installation, and inspection of a wide variety of civil infrastructure systems and facilities.
• Principles and practices of land development and project conditioning.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions.
• Perform complex engineering planning, design, and construction project management duties.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Convey technical ideas and information in a clear and concise manner
• Reconcile conflicting engineering design requirements.
• Manage and monitor projects to ensure they are completed on-time and within budget.
• Perform complex engineering calculations and estimates.
• Develop plans, designs, and specifications related to civil and structural engineering projects.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Read, understand, and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Independently organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil or structural engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible providing professional support to a land development or civil or transportation engineering program.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer issued by the State of California, to be maintained throughout employment.

Additional Information
Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
Environmental Conditions

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.