Civil Engineer Specialist
Apply NowCompany: County of Santa Barbara, CA
Location: Santa Maria, CA 93458
Description:
Salary : $131,002.56 - $158,354.56 Annually
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-1550-01 (O/PW)
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 03/11/2025
Closing Date: 4/1/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
We are accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Civil Engineer Specialist vacancy in the Transportation Division of the Public Works Department in Santa Maria or Santa Barbara.
THE POSITION: Under general direction, performs complex, professional civil engineering work requiring advanced engineering knowledge in a specialized area such drainage, roadway, bridge or traffic design; flood control engineering and performs related duties as required.
We are also accepting applications to establish employment lists for future Full-Time, Part-Time, Civil Service Rule 1414* and Extra-Help Civil Engineer Specialist vacancies in All Locations.
*NOTE: Positions vacated as a result of a leave of absence (Civil Service Rule 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department. *BENEFITS: The 1414 position is eligible for Full-Time benefits.
NOTE: The County may provide reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses, and, at the discretion of the CEO, can provide flexible relocation assistance, housing and student loan offsets, cash incentives, and/or vacation and sick leave pre-accruals in the interest of attracting the best talent to the organization for up to $20,000.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW
Click on the Benefits Tab above or for more information on County benefits. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Civil Engineer - Specialist is distinguished from the Civil Engineer by the degree of specialized knowledge and originality of thinking required to complete assignments. The Civil Engineer - Specialist is distinguished from the Civil Engineer - Manager by the overall responsibility to lead and deliver a variety of projects while working alone or with a dedicated team within the department.
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:
ABOUT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department consists of five divisions: Transportation, Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Water Resources (Flood Control, Water Agency and Project Clean Water), the County Surveyors Office, and Administration. The County's Public Works Department employees are committed to efficiently providing, operating and maintaining public works infrastructure, facilities and services to make everyday life as safe and convenient as possible for the public we serve. To learn more about us, visit
Examples of Duties
Transportation Engineering - Design Section:
Design roadways, bridges, traffic control systems, drainage facilities and minor and major structures. Supervise and review the work of professional, technical and clerical staff assigned to assist in the planning, design and preparation of drawings, plans, specifications, bids and estimates on specific projects. Represent the department at meetings and conferences and presents technical reports to public, other agencies and private organizations. Manages projects from design through construction. Supervise County Staff, manages consultants, and manages budgets. Prepare and analyze contracts, technical reports, and legal documents. Coordinate engineering activities with other departments, government agencies, and other outside organizations. Communicate, coordinate, and respond to public requests. Design, coordinate, plan, and manage Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) as well as emergency response projects. Follow Federal, State, and County guidelines and participate in the reimbursement process for FEMA and FHWA funded projects. Experience with FEMA and FHWA emergency processes is highly desirable. Help manage the County Bridge and Structures program, including assessments, reporting, agency coordination, and design projects.
General Oversight:
Manages and supervises the inspection of contract plans, specifications, estimates and other legal documents for the construction of County funded projects. Performs and supervises program feasibility and cost studies. Performs supervisory duties to direct reports and to others through subordinate supervisors: providing direction, evaluating performance; reviewing and proposing disciplinary action; interviewing applicants and recommending section selections. Reviews and provides guidance on public works projects before reaching management level. Develops measurable performance standards, operation procedures and reporting systems. Prepares engineering and budgetary reports and recommendations. Train, motivate, supervise, mentor, and develop assigned staff.
Employment Standards
Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is required; AND
Minimum of four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in professional civil engineering; OR, A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Initial appointment may be based on existing registration in another state with ability to obtain California registration within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Knowledge of: the principles and practices of civil engineering and the ability to apply them to the planning, design, construction and maintenance of transportation, flood control and other public works facilities.
Ability to: prepare correspondence and reports; analyze facts and exercise independent judgement; establish and maintain effective working relations; deal effectively with representatives of other organizations and with the public.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
Application Review. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Application Ranking. Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their application. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the application ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list. Human Resources will notify you by mail if your name is removed.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.
The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.
Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.
We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.
We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.
We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: April 1, 2025. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at
Kim Clark, Public Works Human Resources Coordinator,
Retirement Plans
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
02
As part of the application process, this Supplemental Questionnaire must be completed along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
03
The Human Resources Department communicates with All Applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails.
04
Please choose which Transportation specialty you have experience with. Check all that apply:
05
Please select any federal reimbursement processes you have experience with. Check all that apply:
06
Are you registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of California?
07
To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?
08
If you selected the second answer option for the preceding supplemental question, "A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to...", then please describe in detail how your combined training, education and experience qualifies you for this position. If you did not select this option, then please put "N/A".
09
I understand that an Application Ranking is a part of the selection process and the responses in the application will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job.Do not enter "see resume" on your application as raters will not have access to your resume.For information on protest procedures for the Application Review, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: http://www.countyofsb.org/hr/civil-service-rules/rule-six.sbc#six-612.
Required Question
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-1550-01 (O/PW)
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 03/11/2025
Closing Date: 4/1/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
We are accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Civil Engineer Specialist vacancy in the Transportation Division of the Public Works Department in Santa Maria or Santa Barbara.
THE POSITION: Under general direction, performs complex, professional civil engineering work requiring advanced engineering knowledge in a specialized area such drainage, roadway, bridge or traffic design; flood control engineering and performs related duties as required.
We are also accepting applications to establish employment lists for future Full-Time, Part-Time, Civil Service Rule 1414* and Extra-Help Civil Engineer Specialist vacancies in All Locations.
*NOTE: Positions vacated as a result of a leave of absence (Civil Service Rule 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department. *BENEFITS: The 1414 position is eligible for Full-Time benefits.
NOTE: The County may provide reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses, and, at the discretion of the CEO, can provide flexible relocation assistance, housing and student loan offsets, cash incentives, and/or vacation and sick leave pre-accruals in the interest of attracting the best talent to the organization for up to $20,000.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW
- Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
- Holidays: 13 days per year.
- Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
- Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.
- On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 15.
Click on the Benefits Tab above or for more information on County benefits. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
- Retirement reciprocity
- Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Civil Engineer - Specialist is distinguished from the Civil Engineer by the degree of specialized knowledge and originality of thinking required to complete assignments. The Civil Engineer - Specialist is distinguished from the Civil Engineer - Manager by the overall responsibility to lead and deliver a variety of projects while working alone or with a dedicated team within the department.
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:
- 7+ years working in any of the engineering specialties described below
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Dedication and team loyalty with good judgment
- Solution-oriented strategic problem-solving skills
- Ability to effectively manage multiple situations occurring simultaneously
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with diverse people and personalities
- Experience managing/supervising at least two (2) direct reports
- Ability to prepare and write clear and concise reports, and keep records organized accordingly
ABOUT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department consists of five divisions: Transportation, Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Water Resources (Flood Control, Water Agency and Project Clean Water), the County Surveyors Office, and Administration. The County's Public Works Department employees are committed to efficiently providing, operating and maintaining public works infrastructure, facilities and services to make everyday life as safe and convenient as possible for the public we serve. To learn more about us, visit
Examples of Duties
Transportation Engineering - Design Section:
General Oversight:
Employment Standards
Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is required; AND
Initial appointment may be based on existing registration in another state with ability to obtain California registration within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Knowledge of: the principles and practices of civil engineering and the ability to apply them to the planning, design, construction and maintenance of transportation, flood control and other public works facilities.
Ability to: prepare correspondence and reports; analyze facts and exercise independent judgement; establish and maintain effective working relations; deal effectively with representatives of other organizations and with the public.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the application ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list. Human Resources will notify you by mail if your name is removed.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.
The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.
Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.
We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.
We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.
We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: April 1, 2025. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at
Kim Clark, Public Works Human Resources Coordinator,
Retirement Plans
- Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
- Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
- Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
- For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and
- Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
- On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
- Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
- Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
- For more information on our health benefits, please visit:
- Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
- Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
- Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
- Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
- For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)
- County Paid Term Life Insurance
- County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
- Childcare and Employee Discounts
- Relocation Assistance may apply
- Flexible work schedule may apply
- For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:
- To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
- I understand.
02
As part of the application process, this Supplemental Questionnaire must be completed along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
- I understand.
03
The Human Resources Department communicates with All Applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails.
- I understand.
04
Please choose which Transportation specialty you have experience with. Check all that apply:
- Roadway Design
- Bridges/Structures
- Drainage
- Other
05
Please select any federal reimbursement processes you have experience with. Check all that apply:
- FEMA
- FHWA
- None of the above
06
Are you registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of California?
- Yes
- No
07
To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?
- Minimum of four years of increasingly responsible experience in professional civil engineering.
- A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
- None of the above - I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
08
If you selected the second answer option for the preceding supplemental question, "A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to...", then please describe in detail how your combined training, education and experience qualifies you for this position. If you did not select this option, then please put "N/A".
09
I understand that an Application Ranking is a part of the selection process and the responses in the application will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job.Do not enter "see resume" on your application as raters will not have access to your resume.For information on protest procedures for the Application Review, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: http://www.countyofsb.org/hr/civil-service-rules/rule-six.sbc#six-612.
- I understand.
Required Question