Engineering Director

City of Vista, CA; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 189,000 - 255,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Vista, CA seeks an Engineering Director to lead the Engineering Department, overseeing CIP, land development, traffic engineering, and sewer/stormwater programs. The role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and coordination with City Council, staff, and external partners to deliver high-quality public works projects.

The ideal candidate will be a licensed civil engineer with a proven track record in managing complex projects and with excellent communication to engage

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field required.
• Eight years of administrative level experience in engineering programs.
• Valid Civil Engineer license issued by the state.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct CIP, land development, traffic engineering, sewer and stormwater programs.
• Coordinate activities with divisions, outside agencies, and the public.
• Provide staff assistance to City Manager and perform City Engineer duties.

Skills

CIP management

Construction knowledge

Contractor relations

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Public Administration (related field)

Job description

Are you looking for a public service opportunity that will challenge you? Do you thrive in an award-winning public service environment? Are you dedicated to providing exceptional services that improve a community's quality of life? The City of Vista is looking for an Engineering Director who will help our city reach new levels of excellence by maintaining our core values of respect, fairness, teamwork, integrity, compassion and stewardship.

THE COMMUNITY

Located just seven miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in North San Diego County, the City of Vista offers a perfect mild Mediterranean climate. Home to a population of over 99,000, residents and visitors enjoy a wide range of year-round outdoor activities in a setting of gentle rolling hills and pleasant rural surroundings.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Vista has been recognized three times in the book “50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family”, being listed as one of the 50 best cities in the nation. Ouraward-winningcommunity provides superior educational opportunities in over 25 public/private schools and colleges in the nearby area. With an average of 340 days of sunshine a year, outdoor fun and recreation tend to be a common theme in a Vista lifestyle. Thecityboasts 16 community parks which selectively feature theaters, museums, recreation centers, picnic grounds, athletic fields and specialty sports parks.

CITY GOVERNMENT

The City of Vista is a chartered law city operating under a Council/Manager form of government. Four City Council Members and the Mayor are elected at-last to 4-year staggered terms.The citywas incorporated inJanuary1963.

The City Manager along with the City Attorney are appointed by the City Council. City departments/functions include: City Attorney, City Clerk, Community Development, Engineering, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Information Technology, Public Works, and Recreation & Community Services. The City contracts with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services.

THE POSITION

The Engineering Director plans, organizes, directs, and administers programs of the Engineering Department, including Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), Land Development, Traffic Engineering, Sewer and Stormwater Utilities Divisions and other engineering related programs and functions; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the City Manager; performs the duties of City Engineer; participates as a member of executive management team; and performs related work as required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, who has successfully managed Capital Improvement projects, has a great depth of knowledge in construction, and can manage relationships with outside Contractors. The Engineering Director position requires a leader who can, not only, keep projects on task but also partner with Contractors to make sure issues are addressed to ensure top quality in construction. The selected candidate will be a strategic leader and planner who can work with City Council, staff, the business community, and other key stakeholders improve the quality of life for all City residents.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates and ability to perform the duties of the position. A typical combination would include a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Eight (8) years of administrative level experience planning, organizing and directing broad engineering construction programs and field and office civil engineering design, inspection and contract administration.

LICENSE REQUIRED:

Possession of a valid license as a Civil Engineer issued by the State Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $188,850 to $255,000 annually with an anticipated increase of 3% on July 1, 2027 and a very attractive benefits package. Salary will depend upon the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 29th, 2026