Chief Engineering Technician

City of Fresno; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Fresno is seeking a Chief Engineering Technician to lead a technical team and drive engineering, planning, and development activities that shape our growing community.

You will supervise engineering staff, manage budgets, review plans for Planning Commission, and ensure compliance with City codes. This role involves GIS data, utility coordination, and collaboration across departments, with opportunities to mentor staff and influence project outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience supervising technical engineering activities.
• APPLICANTS MUST ATTACH A COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS.

Responsibilities

• Supervise technical engineering staff.
• Ensure compliance with City codes and the Subdivision Map Act.
• Oversee geo-based data for GIS and permit systems.
• Review documents for Planning Commission and City Council.
• Coordinate support across City departments.

Skills

Supervisory Experience

Team Leadership

GIS Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or closely related field

Tools

GIS Software

Job description

Ready to step into a role where you can make a difference? As a Chief Engineering Technician, you’ll lead a technical team and drive essential engineering, planning, and development activities that shape our growing community. Bring your supervisory experience, technical expertise in surveying and utilities, and confidence working with maps and construction plans.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervise technical engineering staff.
• Ensure compliance with City codes and the Subdivision Map Act.
• Manage impact fee calculations and processing.
• Oversee geo-based data for GIS and permit systems.
• Review documents for Planning Commission and City Council.
• Coordinate support across City departments.
• Prepare and manage the section budget.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures.
• Consult with developers, project reps, and the public.
• Perform the more complex technical engineering duties.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

The current assignment in the Capital Projects Department may also support construction management activities across City Capital Improvement projects. This includes reviewing and interpreting construction plans, coordinating with contractors and field inspectors, and overseeing staff assigned to construction-related tasks to ensure proper execution of project specifications. The Chief Engineering Technician monitors project schedules and progress, assists in resolving construction issues in the field, and conducts site visits to verify compliance with approved engineering standards. Additional duties include tracking quantities and materials, guiding and mentoring technical staff involved in construction oversight, and supporting the preparation of construction documentation such as progress reports, change orders, and punch lists.

Duties and schedules may vary by assignment, please inquire about specific duties if called upon for an interview.

Explore the job specification for additional position details.

The current vacancy exists in the Capital Projects Departments. This classification also exists in the Public Works and Public Utilities Departments. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.

The Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and do not assure placement on the eligible list.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or closely related field;

AND

Three (3) years of experience supervising technical engineering activities.

Additional experience performing increasingly difficult technical engineering work may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

APPLICANTS MUST ATTACH A COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS. Applications lacking the attachment may be rejected.

Additional Requirements

The selected eligible candidates certified will be required to successfully pass a Department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint prior to employment with the City of Fresno.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required at time of appointment. Candidates considered for hire must provide proof of a valid driver's license and current copy of their driving record.

The Selection Process

The examination process may consist of the following:

Application Review - Qualifying Only: Applications submitted will be reviewed and a limited number of the most qualified candidates will be invited to the panel interview. Selection of the most qualified candidates will be based upon those applications demonstrating the greatest breadth and depth of applicable training, experience, and education. Therefore, applicants are urged to submit sufficiently detailed information in their application materials for a proper evaluation.

ORAL EXAM - 100%: A panel of subject matter experts will conduct a job-related oral examination that may evaluate each candidate's training and experience as it relates to knowledge of standard specifications, pertinent state and local laws; methods and practices involved in engineering and adhering to engineering specifications and inspection of constructions projects; supervision and contract administration, working effectively with co-workers, contractors and the general public or other topics related to a candidate's training, experience and qualifications for the position of Chief Engineering Technician.

Candidates must achieve a passing score to qualify for the eligible list.

The oral examination has been tentatively scheduled for the week of November 2nd, 2026.

The City reserves the right to amend any phase of the examination process should there be a limited number of successful candidates. Should such amendment be exercised, a candidate's final score and placement on the eligible list would be based upon the completed examination phase(s).

Veteran's Preference

If an examination is conducted for a position within the classified service, qualified veterans who pass the examination will have five (5) points added to their final score. Candidates must submit a copy of their DD214 Member 4 form or electronic copy indicating honorable discharge with each application prior to the filing deadline.