Senior Professional Engineer
Apply NowCompany: City of Santa Cruz, CA
Location: Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Description:
Salary : $134,844.00 - $173,820.00 Annually
Location : City of Santa Cruz, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 25-069
Department: Water
Opening Date: 04/17/2025
Closing Date: 5/15/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
The Position
The current vacancy is for Senior Professional Engineer in the Water Department. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Senior Professional Engineer vacancies in the Public Works and Water Department during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.
Under general direction, the Senior Professional Engineer supervises, participates in and conducts complicated engineering planning and design; oversees activities of design engineering, surveying, development review, transportation planning and engineering records management; manages projects and programs associated with streets and transportation, buildings, wastewater, water, refuse, recycling and storm water; participates in the enforcement of the City's standards and codes for development; and performs related work as assigned.
Recruitment #25-069
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
Typical Duties
(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
WORKING CONDITIONS
Primarily working inside, this position requires both office and field work. In the office this position requires prolonged sitting and walking in the performance of daily activities. The work will occasionally require climbing, stooping, kneeling and crouching. The position also requires grasping, feeling, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination. Additionally, the position requires far and near vision, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, and perceive depth. Acute hearing is required when receiving oral communication; the ability to talk is also required. The position requires the ability to lift and carry items up to 10 pounds. The incumbent drives a city vehicle weekly. Duties of this position occasionally take place outside in various types of weather, or in an environment with constant noise, around machinery with moving parts, and/or around moving objects or vehicles. Job duties may occasionally require going below ground, into confined spaces, or onto ladders or scaffolding. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education and Experience:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Abilities:
Licenses and Certificates
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Career Ladder
SALARY - The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. Appointment may be made commensurate with experience. See the on the City website for further details on pay rates and practices.
APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
LEAVE
Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.
Sick - 12 days/year
Holidays - up to 11 days/year
Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time
INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)
Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays at least 90% of the cost of coverage. Participating members make an additional $35 contribution per pay period towards health care benefits.
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage. Pro-rated for part-time.
Life - City provides a $25,000 life insurance policy.
Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.
MANAGEMENT LEAVE/OPTIONAL BENEFIT PLAN
80 hours of additional vacation per year. A $1,300 (less than 10 yrs) or $1,500 (greater than 10 yrs) annual contribution may be used to purchase additional vacation, be place in deferred compensation account or be paid in cash (cashout limited to 20 hours).
RETIREMENT
All regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 11.25% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Accident Protection Insurance
Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance
Direct Deposit
Discount Bus Pass Program
Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care
Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)
In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month
Supplemental Life Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
01
The following supplemental questions are designed to gain specific information regarding your work experience. Your supplemental questionnaire will be reviewed to determine your qualifications for the position. The responses you provide to the following questions should correspond to the information you have provided in the Work History section of your employment application. Please provide concise, yet detailed responses to each question. Answer in your own words and refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Failure to complete all of applicable questions or incomplete responses may result in disqualification. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area please write "n/a".
02
This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California driver's license.
03
This position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering or a related engineering field. Please indicate your degree, field of study, and name of institution(s) attended. If you do not possess a Bachelor's degree, please write "N/A."
04
This position requires registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California. Registration under other professional engineering license types (for example: Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Traffic) may be considered on a case by case basis as required by the position. Please state the type and status of the license(s) you hold along with the license number and expiration date. Be prepared to provide proof of your license upon request.
05
Please describe your engineering experience related to the planning, design, and construction of projects related to the collection, treatment, and distribution of drinking water. If you do not have experience related to drinking water, please describe your experience more generally with respect to the planning, design, and construction of public works projects. Be thorough with your response, indicating where you got this experience, specific job duties and responsibilities, and how many years in each role.
06
Please describe your experience in the role of project manager including developing requests for proposals, plans and specifications and other contract documents, and contract and construction management. Be sure to include the types of software used for these tasks.
07
This position requires two (2) years of supervisory experience. Describe your experience with supervision, training, evaluation and assigning or directing work of employees and professional and technical subordinates and indicate the years of experience in each role and number of employees supervised.
08
Successful completion of the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership Development program is accepted in lieu of one (1) year of supervisory experience. Have you successfully and fully completed the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership program?
09
Desirable Qualification (Current Vacancy): Describe any municipal engineering experience or project management experience you have with a water agency or facility. If you do not have this experience, describe any practical knowledge you have.
10
Desirable Qualification: Describe any municipal engineering experience you have with public works engineering projects. If you do not have this experience, describe any practical knowledge you may have.
Required Question
Location : City of Santa Cruz, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 25-069
Department: Water
Opening Date: 04/17/2025
Closing Date: 5/15/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
The Position
The current vacancy is for Senior Professional Engineer in the Water Department. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Senior Professional Engineer vacancies in the Public Works and Water Department during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.
Under general direction, the Senior Professional Engineer supervises, participates in and conducts complicated engineering planning and design; oversees activities of design engineering, surveying, development review, transportation planning and engineering records management; manages projects and programs associated with streets and transportation, buildings, wastewater, water, refuse, recycling and storm water; participates in the enforcement of the City's standards and codes for development; and performs related work as assigned.
Recruitment #25-069
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
- On Thursday, 05/15/25 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
- Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
- Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.
- Week of 05/19 and 05/26/25: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position.
- Week of 06/09 and 06/16/25: Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment and interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exam.
Typical Duties
(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
- Selects, supervises, trains and evaluates assigned staff.
- Plans, assigns, directs and reviews the work of staff engineers developing engineering designs, specifications, estimates, and contracts for a variety of municipal projects.
- Ensures effective and timely implementation and submission of the projects in keeping with schedules, standards, budget and risks, and in compliance with the terms of project contracts.
- Prepares and reviews plans, specifications, estimates, survey maps and technical reports for accuracy, suitability, and completeness, and makes recommendations for revision and improvement.
- Participates in negotiation with the contractors/vendors and engineering professionals to establish formal agreements.
- Prepares preliminary and final cost estimates.
- Confers with contractors, consulting engineers, developers, and members of the public on engineering problems and public work programs.
- Performs and supervises difficult and complex civil engineering design work.
- Review development proposals and building plan checks and prepare conditions of approval and recommend corrections.
- Supervise the preparation of official maps and the maintenance and filing of base maps, engineering drawings, street address maps, and related materials.
- Responds and takes appropriate action to public inquiries and concerns related to capital improvement, development, transportation, public works, wastewater, stormwater, refuse/recycling and water programs/projects.
- Prepares and supervises the preparation of staff reports and make oral presentations at City Council, City Commissions and other boards as assigned.
- Prepares and monitors the annual budget for the assigned team.
- Oversees and monitors processes and budgets for State and Federal grants and funds for all types of public works projects and programs as assigned.
- Prepares or assists with preparing grant applications for all types of capital improvement projects and evaluations.
- Represents the City at meetings with outside agencies.
- Attends and participates in professional group meetings.
- Keeps updated on new trends and innovations in engineering; and incorporates into projects.
- Promotes and maintains safety in the work place.
- Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Primarily working inside, this position requires both office and field work. In the office this position requires prolonged sitting and walking in the performance of daily activities. The work will occasionally require climbing, stooping, kneeling and crouching. The position also requires grasping, feeling, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination. Additionally, the position requires far and near vision, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, and perceive depth. Acute hearing is required when receiving oral communication; the ability to talk is also required. The position requires the ability to lift and carry items up to 10 pounds. The incumbent drives a city vehicle weekly. Duties of this position occasionally take place outside in various types of weather, or in an environment with constant noise, around machinery with moving parts, and/or around moving objects or vehicles. Job duties may occasionally require going below ground, into confined spaces, or onto ladders or scaffolding. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education and Experience:
- A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering or a related engineering field, and
- Three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in engineering as related to the position which includes project management; and
- Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Knowledge:
- Principles, practices and administration of civil engineering, transportation engineering, and surveying.
- Modern methods and techniques used in the design, construction and surveying of a variety of public works engineering projects, including water, street, sewer, transportation, storm drains, buildings, structures, sewerage collection, sewerage treatment, refuse and recycling collection and disposal.
- Pertinent State and Federal regulations, regulatory codes and ordinances including the requirements of the Subdivision Map Act and Santa Cruz Municipal Code
- Principles of organization, administration, budget in municipal government.
- Right of way acquisition methods and procedures.
- Environmental clearance and permitting
- Preparation of property legal descriptions.
- Applicable laws and regulatory codes relevant to engineering design, development review, transportation engineering and construction in the areas of assignment.
- Principles and practices of contract administration.
- Principles and practices of project management.
- Principles and practices of employee supervision, training and evaluation.
- Grant procurement and administration.
Skills:
- Perform, review and supervise design engineering;
- Writing skills to prepare clear and comprehensive reports on administrative and technical issues.
- Oral communication skills to present technical information to individuals and groups.
- Analytical skills to conduct engineering studies and develop appropriate recommendations for action.
- Organizational skills to coordinate and manage effectively all aspects of a large engineering project.
- Management and supervisory skills to develop effective teams and individuals.
Abilities:
- Make complex engineering computations and to check, design and construction of a variety of public works projects.
- Prepare clear, concise and accurate specifications and technical reports.
- Prepare and present clear and comprehensive reports and grant applications.
- Plan, organize, train, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the work of professional and technical subordinates.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, public officials, outside agencies and the public.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Oversee and coordinate work of consulting engineers.
- Effectively organize workload.
- Interpret, apply and explain laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
- Ability to develop and advance policy considerations for Commissions and Council.
- Develop and control capital and operational budgets.
- Solve difficult engineering problems, using a variety of engineering techniques.
- Use computers in engineering-related functions.
Licenses and Certificates
- Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license.
- Registration as a civil engineer in the State of California. Registration under other Professional Engineering license types (for example, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Traffic) may be considered on a case by case basis as required by the position.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- Municipal engineering experience related to area of assignment.
Career Ladder
- Assistant Director/City Engineer (PW) or Deputy Director/Engineering Manager (Water)
- Senior Professional Engineer
- Associate Professional Engineer
- Engineering Associate
- Assistant Engineer I/II
- Engineering Technician
SALARY - The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. Appointment may be made commensurate with experience. See the on the City website for further details on pay rates and practices.
APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
LEAVE
Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.
Sick - 12 days/year
Holidays - up to 11 days/year
Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time
INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)
Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays at least 90% of the cost of coverage. Participating members make an additional $35 contribution per pay period towards health care benefits.
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage. Pro-rated for part-time.
Life - City provides a $25,000 life insurance policy.
Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.
MANAGEMENT LEAVE/OPTIONAL BENEFIT PLAN
80 hours of additional vacation per year. A $1,300 (less than 10 yrs) or $1,500 (greater than 10 yrs) annual contribution may be used to purchase additional vacation, be place in deferred compensation account or be paid in cash (cashout limited to 20 hours).
RETIREMENT
All regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 11.25% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Accident Protection Insurance
Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance
Direct Deposit
Discount Bus Pass Program
Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care
Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)
In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month
Supplemental Life Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
01
The following supplemental questions are designed to gain specific information regarding your work experience. Your supplemental questionnaire will be reviewed to determine your qualifications for the position. The responses you provide to the following questions should correspond to the information you have provided in the Work History section of your employment application. Please provide concise, yet detailed responses to each question. Answer in your own words and refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Failure to complete all of applicable questions or incomplete responses may result in disqualification. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area please write "n/a".
- I acknowledge receipt of this information
02
This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California driver's license.
- Yes, I have a valid California driver's license.
- I do not have a valid California driver's license. I understand that I will be required to obtain one prior to appointment as a condition of employment if selected for this position.
03
This position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering or a related engineering field. Please indicate your degree, field of study, and name of institution(s) attended. If you do not possess a Bachelor's degree, please write "N/A."
04
This position requires registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California. Registration under other professional engineering license types (for example: Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Traffic) may be considered on a case by case basis as required by the position. Please state the type and status of the license(s) you hold along with the license number and expiration date. Be prepared to provide proof of your license upon request.
05
Please describe your engineering experience related to the planning, design, and construction of projects related to the collection, treatment, and distribution of drinking water. If you do not have experience related to drinking water, please describe your experience more generally with respect to the planning, design, and construction of public works projects. Be thorough with your response, indicating where you got this experience, specific job duties and responsibilities, and how many years in each role.
06
Please describe your experience in the role of project manager including developing requests for proposals, plans and specifications and other contract documents, and contract and construction management. Be sure to include the types of software used for these tasks.
07
This position requires two (2) years of supervisory experience. Describe your experience with supervision, training, evaluation and assigning or directing work of employees and professional and technical subordinates and indicate the years of experience in each role and number of employees supervised.
08
Successful completion of the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership Development program is accepted in lieu of one (1) year of supervisory experience. Have you successfully and fully completed the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership program?
- Yes
- No
- Not Applicable
09
Desirable Qualification (Current Vacancy): Describe any municipal engineering experience or project management experience you have with a water agency or facility. If you do not have this experience, describe any practical knowledge you have.
10
Desirable Qualification: Describe any municipal engineering experience you have with public works engineering projects. If you do not have this experience, describe any practical knowledge you may have.
Required Question