City of Philadelphia

Staff Engineer 1 (Environmental/Sanitary)

City of Philadelphia$82K — $105K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, or sanitary engineering from an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum of four years of relevant engineering experience, with at least two years at a full performance level.
  • Current permanent Civil Service status in the Water Department with a satisfactory performance rating.
  • Strong analytical, planning, and design preparation skills.
  • Valid motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary engineering expert within a specific discipline for the Water Department.
  • Review and direct the work of engineers, architects, and contractors on projects.
  • Conduct research and development related to engineering practices and standards.
  • Plan and prepare engineering designs and specifications.
  • Inspect construction projects to ensure compliance with plans and regulations.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
  • Life insurance and flexible spending accounts.
  • Hybrid pension plan with defined benefits and contribution options.
  • Generous paid time off, including 13 holidays and vacation leave.
  • Tuition discounts for city employees and student loan forgiveness support.
Full Job Description
Salary: $82,027.00 - $105,462.00 Annually
Location : Philadelphia, PA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: PWD Water
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: 7/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: J
Competition: Department Only Promotional
Residency Waiver: No Waiver
Certification Rule: Rule of List
1. Parts: Training & Experience Evaluation
1. Weight: 90%
2. Parts: Seniority Rating
2. Weight: 10%
Salary Range: EP23

General Definition

This is staff engineering work serving as the primary expert within a specific engineering discipline for a departmental program with a significant engineering staff or serving as the sole engineering resource for a department with no other engineering personnel. Employees review, and may direct the work of engineers, architects, support staff, consultants, and contractors during engineering projects, and are also responsible for research and development, planning, and design preparation and/or construction inspection assignments. Contact with project managers, engineers, architects, consultants, various city officials and utility and regulatory agencies to coordinate and achieve assigned objectives is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the direction of an engineering or administrative superior.
CONTACT INFORMATION:

The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is
Jacky Li

City of Philadelphia - Office of Human Resources

1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530

Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone: 215-686-2371

Fax: 215-686-0861

Email:
For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email

Notes to Applicants and Projected Exam Information
ELIGIBLE LIST: DEPARTMENTAL-ONLY PROMOTIONAL
Only a departmental promotional eligible list for the Water Department will be established as a result of this examination.

Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.
PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS:

Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other people receiving an identical test score.
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence on this application. This response will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.
If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION:

Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.
Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.

An Eligible List will be established the week of August 10, 2026. Please note that this date may change.
TEST REVIEW:
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.
Level of Education Required

College
Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience

The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Candidates must meet requirements within 30 days after the last date for filing applications.

ENVIRONMENTAL/SANITARY SPECIALTY
1. CIVIL SERVICE STATUS:

Presently employed by the City of Philadelphia with permanent Civil Service status in the Water Department with a performance rating of Satisfactory or higher.
AND

2. EDUCATION:
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university, with major course work in chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, or sanitary engineering.
AND

3. EXPERIENCE:
Four years of engineering experience in the area of specialization, two years of which shall have been at the full performance level.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES:
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania if required by assignment.

For Airport positions must be able to pass and maintain unescorted SIDA (Security Identification Display Area) and AOA (Airfield Operations Area) clearance.
TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates MUST submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s) indicating completion of the educational requirement and all required licenses, registrations or certifications at the time of application. Transcripts MUST indicate conference of the appropriate degree. Candidates with a degree from foreign colleges or universities must submit proof of degree as certified by a professional evaluation service.
If you have ever submitted a paper transcript for any City of Philadelphia civil service examination, you must submit another document
Option 1 - Upload a paperless transcript - One time only!

You may upload documents into your account and attach a document with this application. Once the document is uploaded to your account, it may be attached to all future applications. Attaching your document will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future, and you will be assured that your transcript cannot be misplaced.
Your documents should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. They cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.
Option 2 - Submit a paper transcript - Separate document required for each application

If you submit a paper copy of a transcript, the document will be used for this application only. You will have to submit documents again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Paper documents will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.
Mailing address for paper transcript and other required materials:
Jacky Li

City of Philadelphia - Office of Human Resources

1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
City of Philadelphia Benefits includes:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Prescription
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Hybrid Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Plan
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Employee Assistant Program
  • 13 paid holidays
  • Paid sick leave
  • Vacation leave
  • Paid personal days
  • 8 weeks paid Parental Leave
  • Backup Child and Adult care
  • Wellbeing platform and programs
  • Retiree Health Benefits
  • Qualified Student Loan Forgiveness Employer
  • Tuition Discounts for City Employees

01

Are you presently employed by the City of Philadelphia with permanent Civil Service status in the Water Department with a Performance rating of Satisfactory or higher?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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