CHIEF ENGINEER I (CORRECTIONAL FACILITY)

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 94,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California is seeking a Chief Engineer I (Correctional Facility) for San Quentin State Prison. This in-office, 12-month limited term position oversees heating and mechanical systems, directs maintenance staff and inmate crews, and ensures adherence to safety, budgeting, and contract requirements.

The role requires supervising complex plant operations, coordinating with vendors, and maintaining records and charts. Final filing is 9/30/2026; in-office work location is San Quentin, CA.

Qualifications

• Eligible for Training and Development assignment may also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Supervise operation, maintenance and repair of heating plant and mechanical equipment; assign and supervise workers or inmate crews.
• Direct maintenance and repair of water systems, elevators, laundry equipment, shop machinery, boilers, pumps, and related systems.
• Read schematics/plans, prepare budgets and reports, and ensure compliance with codes and regulations.

Job description

$8,408.00 - $8,900.00 per Month

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Position Details

Job Type: 12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Contract: 12 months; may be extended up to 24 months or become Permanent

Telework: In Office

Work Location: San Quentin State Prison, San Quentin, CA 94964

Work Shift: 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Work Week: Monday - Friday

Final Filing Date: 9/30/2026

Role & Responsibilities

Supervise and work with others in the operation, maintenance and repair of the heating plant and other mechanical and power equipment of plans, assigns and supervises the work of and, as necessary, works with skilled and semi-skilled workers or inmates engaged in the operation, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilating, refrigeration and air conditioning systems, including stationary engines, boilers, compressors, pumps, condensers, steam lines, water lines, gas lines, controls and meters. Direct the maintenance and repair of water systems, elevator and laundry equipment, shop machinery and similar equipment. May direct the analysis of boiler feed water samples and determine water treatment. May supervise servicing and maintenance of fire extinguishers and other fire protection equipment. Evaluates staff performance and takes or recommends appropriate action, prepares requisitions for fuel, equipment and maintenance supplies. Responsible for the clean-up and orderly condition of the boiler rooms and related equipment rooms. Keeps or directs the keeping of charts and records and prepares reports. Provides effective supervision and training, both directly and in indirectly to trades and crafts; assists with the preparation of contract documents for construction, repair and service agreements which are comprehensive, legally binding and suitable for use by contractors and by the state; assist with the planning, estimating and preparation of budget requests for capital outlay and special repair projects; administer work order procedures and preventive maintenance schedules for Plant Operations department; assist with the execution of public works contracts for major construction projects and ascertain compliance with all pertinent governmental codes, rules and regulations. Direct the planning and laying out of schedules, requisitioning of materials and equipment necessary to complete work orders in assigned areas; read schematics, plans and blueprints and provide guidance to trades personnel and inmate work crews in the completion of maintenance work orders; contacts outside vendors for price quotes, prepares Form CDC 954 (Intraoffice Requisition); and keeps simple work records.

Eligibility & Minimum Requirements

• CHIEF ENGINEER I (CORRECTIONAL FACILITY)

Individuals who are eligible for Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position.

Applicants must take and pass the applicable eligibility examination before applying for this position.

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility are given priority. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position.

Working Conditions

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC), established in 1852, is California’s oldest correctional institution and is located in historic Marin County, overlooking the San Francisco Bay just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Rich in history and undergoing an exciting transformation, SQRC is at the forefront of California’s evolving approach to corrections, with an increased focus on rehabilitation, education, and successful reentry. Employees at SQRC have a unique opportunity to become part of this historic transformation while serving the State of California and contributing to CDCR’s mission of public safety and rehabilitation.

Department Information

Vision

We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.

Mission

To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.

Commitment

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.

CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.

CDCR/CCHCS values all team members. We work cooperatively to provide the highest level of health care possible to a diverse correctional population, which includes medical, dental, nursing, mental health, and pharmacy. We encourage creativity and ingenuity while treating others fairly, honestly, and with respect, all of which are critical to the success of the CDCR/CCHCS mission.

Founded in 1885, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is one of the nation’s largest and most diverse correctional departments in the country. We are dedicated to enhancing public safety through the safe and secure incarceration of individuals in our care, by providing effective parole supervision, and implementing rehabilitative strategies for their successful reintegration into our communities.

Special Requirements

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, as well as a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.

When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.

CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate’s identity and employment authorization.

This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.

Required Documents

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.

EEO Contact

EEO Office

[phone]

Other Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.