Associate Professional Engineer (Promotional Opportunity)

City of Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Cruz Water Department seeks an Associate Professional Engineer to support planning, design, and construction of water infrastructure projects, including transmission pipelines, ASR systems, and water mains. You’ll work with engineers, contractors and agencies through the full project life cycle.

Prime responsibilities include project planning, cost estimation, grant coordination, and supervision of technical staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Three (3) years of professional civil engineering experience.
• Registration as a Civil Engineer in California or eligible (up to 18 months) as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design and coordinate public works or water department engineering projects.
• Supervise and train assigned engineering staff.
• Coordinate grant applications and project permits; oversee contract documents and progress.

Skills

Civil Engineering

Project management

Design engineering

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

The current vacancies are for Associate Professional Engineer in the Water Department in the Engineering Division. This promotional recruitment is open to current regular City of Santa Cruz employees in the classified service only.

By joining the Engineering team at the City of Santa Cruz Water Department (SCWD), you’ll help deliver innovative water infrastructure projects that enhance system resiliency and supply reliability for our community. SCWD provides drinking water to more than 100,000 people across Santa Cruz, including homes, businesses, schools, and essential public services. We’re seeking Associate Professional Engineers to support the planning, design, and construction of critical pipelines, water supply infrastructure and Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) systems. You’ll collaborate with engineers, contractors, agencies, and technical specialists from project concept through construction—gaining hands‑on experience across the full project lifecycle. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex, meaningful and community‑focused projects including:

• Newell Creek Pipeline Replacement – Newell Creek Pipeline transports water between Loch Lomond Reservoir, the City’s reservoir, and the Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant, the City’s primary drinking water treatment plant. Constructed in 1960, this large diameter (18 to 27-inch diameter) pipeline extends 9.5 miles through beautiful redwood forests and scenic Highway 9 and has reached the end of its design life. Construction is currently underway with two of four segments completed.
• Beltz 9 ASR Project – Consists of converting the existing Beltz Well 9 drinking water production well to support ASR functionality and meet regional groundwater management goals; currently in design and targeted for construction in 2027.
• Water Main Replacement Program – The City manages more than 300 miles of water pipelines and takes a proactive, data‑driven approach to prioritizing, budgeting, designing, and delivering water main replacement projects. These efforts support water quality objectives, improve system reliability and resilience, and maximize value for the City’s ratepayers.

To learn about the City of Santa Cruz Water Department, please visit: https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Water-Department

The promotional eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Promotional Associate Professional Engineer vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible 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.

Note: If an applicant possesses all of the minimum qualifications except registration as an Engineer (as required by the position) in the state of California, the hiring department may agree to allow the candidate up to eighteen (18) months to obtain the registration as a condition of employment. The title Engineering Associate will be used until registration is obtained.

Recruitment #27-020

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, 10/01/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted.

• Week of 10/05 and 10/12/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 10/23/26.
• Week of 10/26 and 11/02/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under direction, supervises and performs the planning, designing and coordinating of public works or water department engineering projects and programs; coordinates grant applications and project permits; oversees service applications and customer contacts; supervises assigned project personnel; and performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is an advanced level classification in the professional engineering classification series. These positions can serve as professional and administrative head of a section of a public works or water department engineering division. Incumbents perform more complex professional engineering work and supervise Assistant Engineers, Engineering Technicians and other technical staff in the implementation of projects and programs.

The incumbent in this classification is registered with the State of California as a Professional Engineer.

This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Senior Professional Engineer in that the latter classification handles the most complex and sensitive work requiring a substantial level of professional training and experience and has full supervisory authority over Associate Professional Engineers and Engineering Associates. The Associate Professional Engineer is distinguished from the next lower classification of Engineering Associate in that the latter is the most expert level technical staff that does not require professional licensing.

(Duties typically performed by all associate civil engineers regardless of assignment – May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

• Acts as design team leader for major engineering projects; researches project design requirements; prepares estimates of time and material costs, coordinates and monitors project progress to insure timely progress of all phases of the project.
• Designs and conducts special engineering studies; prepares or directs special field tests or laboratory examination of materials; prepares drawings, models or displays.
• Prepares cost estimates and feasibility reports for new or modified engineering programs.
• Supervises, trains, establishes and monitors employee performance objectives and evaluations of division managers; recommends the selection, promotion, and performance management of division employees; encourages teamwork and collaboration.
• Ensures compliance with applicable MOUs, City policies, procedures, and employment laws in the supervision of assigned staff.
• Inspects and supervises inspection of construction projects; makes field changes within the limits of design and cost restrictions; resolves disputes concerning plans, specifications and additional work.
• Coordinates project design and development with outside consultants; prepares requests for proposals for services; assists in the selection of consultants; coordinates and evaluates consultants' work; processes progress payments; prepares periodic reports.
• Prepares or directs the preparation of grant and permit applications; pursues funds or permits by appearing before various agencies, districts and commissions; assures compliance with grant or permit requirements.
• Prepares contract documents and administers the execution of contracts.
• Trains and supervises subordinate engineering personnel; assigns work projects and priorities; assists with difficult engineering and design problems.
• Serves as technical resource in assigned engineering area; participates in the development of standard engineering specifications, criteria and policy and procedure statements on engineering matters; provides technical advice to field operations and other City departments as required.
• Meets with developers and contract engineers to discuss concepts of general requirements for projects.
• Assists in the preparation and implementation of the annual budget for an assigned section of the engineering division.
• Responds to public complaints or inquiries regarding assigned projects and activities.
• Prepares various staff reports, resolutions, environmental impact reports, negative declaration and reports required by state and federal agencies.
• May be required to perform duties related to confined space entry and rescue.
• Perform other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

Public Works Department - Sanitary, Storm Water and Refuse Engineering

• Designs and prepares, or supervises the preparation of studies, plans, specifications and estimates for environmental construction projects such as wastewater and storm water collection, pumping and treatment systems and sanitary landfill facilities. May include designing and improving electrical systems, establishing manufacturing processes, and evaluating systems' safety, reliability and performance.
• Develops and maintains monitoring programs to ensure compliance with local, state and federal requirements for environmental engineering projects.

Public Works Department - Engineering Design and Capital Improvement Projects

• Designs and prepares, or supervises the preparation of studies, plans, specifications and estimates for a variety of public works projects and activities such as streets, drainage structures, utility facilities and others.
• Supervises the review and critique of private development plans for conformance with City requirements, state and federal regulations and sound engineering practice.

Public Works Department – Transportation Engineering

• Designs and prepares, or supervises the preparation of plans, specifications and estimates for transportation projects and facilities.
• Provides and or supervises the review and critique of private development plans for conformance with Transportation related components and Public Works requirements, state and federal regulations and sound engineering practice.
• Provides and or supervises the preparation of transportation planning, program, and project grant applications.

Water Department - Engineering Division

• Designs and prepares, or supervises the preparation of plans, specifications and estimates for water infrastructure construction projects such as water distribution pipes and tanks, pumping and treatment systems, and provides review of developer projects and Planning Department submittals.
• Develops and implements, or supervises the development and implementation of, planning or engineering studies related to water quality, hydrogeology, water treatment processes and water system operation and maintenance.
• Supervises the review and critique of private development plans for conformance with Water Department requirements, state and federal regulations and sound engineering practice related to water systems and water facilities.
• Supervises the new water service installation process and provides customer contact at the engineering counter and over the phone.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Primarily working inside, 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.

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 field; and
• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in Civil Engineering or related field as required by the position.

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of contract administration and project management.
• Principles, practices and administration of engineering.
• Modern methods and techniques used in engineering design, estimation and specifications.
• Pertinent State and Federal regulations, regulatory codes and ordinances.
• Principles of organization, administration, and budget in municipal government.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, training and evaluation.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - SANITARY ENGINEERING

• The principles, practices and methods of current municipal engineering as related to the planning, design and construction of public works projects and facilities.
• Federal and State laws, regulations and standards relating to environmental engineering and construction.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - ENGINEERING DESIGN AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

• The principles, practices and methods of current municipal engineering as related to the planning, design and construction of public works projects and facilities.
• Federal and state laws, regulations and standards relating to engineering.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT – TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

• The principles, practices and methods of current Transportation and Engineering as related to the planning, design and construction of public works transportation projects and facilities.
• Federal and State laws, regulations and standards relating to transportation engineering and construction.

WATER DEPARTMENT - ENGINEERING DIVISION

• The principles, practices and methods of municipal and/or engineering as related to the planning, design and construction of water mains, pumping stations, reservoirs and other water facilities.
• Federal and State laws, regulations and standards relating to engineering and construction.

Skills

• 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.

Abilities

• Prepare engineering plans, designs, estimates and specifications.
• Plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of professional and technical staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, public officials, outside agencies and the public.
• Interpret, apply and explain laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Develop and control operational and construction 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.
• Possession and continued maintenance of a 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.

(Note: If an applicant possesses all of the minimum qualifications except registration as an Engineer (as required by the position) in the state of California, the hiring department may agree to allow the candidate up to eighteen (18) months to obtain the registration as a condition of employment. The title Engineering Associate will be used until registration is obtained.)

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of grant administration
• One (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge or experience in one or more engineering areas relevant to the assignment, such as capital improvement projects, civil or municipal infrastructure, transportation, water or wastewater systems, stormwater, land development, environmental engineering, utilities, construction, or other related engineering programs.

• 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