Land Development Engineer

City of San Bernardino; San Bernardino (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vibrant city as a Land Development Engineer, where your expertise in civil engineering will shape the future of development in a dynamic community. You will oversee land development projects, ensuring they meet municipal standards and regulations. Collaborate with multiple departments and external partners, providing leadership and guidance throughout the development process. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in an environment that values community and innovation. If you are passionate about public service and want to contribute to a thriving city, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing land development projects and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Reviewing grading, drainage, and street improvement plans.
• Coordinating with various departments for project approvals.

Skills

Civil Engineering Principles

Land Development Processes

Grading Regulations

Stormwater Management (NPDES)

ADA Compliance

Project Management

Analytical Thinking

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Permit Processing Software

Job description

Are you an experienced civil engineer ready to make a meaningful impact in a growing, vibrant city? The City of San Bernardino invites you to bring your expertise and leadership to our Public Works Department as a Land Development Engineer. This is your opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of development in one of Southern California’s most dynamic communities.

About the City:
As a future member of our team, you’ll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity.

San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

About the Position:
The Land Development Engineer plays a critical role in overseeing and guiding land development projects through the City’s Engineering Division. This position provides expert civil engineering oversight in areas including grading, ADA compliance, stormwater/NPDES regulations, and construction management. Working collaboratively with multiple departments and external partners, the Land Development Engineer ensures that development in the City aligns with municipal standards and state/federal requirements. This role may also provide leadership and supervision to professional, technical, and administrative support staff.



The Ideal Candidate:

• Technical Expertise:Demonstrates strong knowledge of civil engineering principles, land development processes, and applicable regulations, including grading, stormwater (NPDES/MS4), and ADA compliance.
• Analytical Thinking:Reviews complex development plans with a keen eye for detail, identifying potential issues early and proposing practical, code-compliant solutions.
• Communication Skills:Explains technical information clearly to developers, contractors, residents, and internal teams; prepares professional written correspondence, staff reports, and plan review comments.
• Project Management:Balances multiple priorities with efficiency—coordinating plan checks, inspections, and permit processes while meeting deadlines and maintaining high service standards.
• Customer-Focused:Builds cooperative working relationships with applicants, consultants, and colleagues, guiding stakeholders through the development process with responsiveness and respect.
• Team-Oriented:Collaborates effectively across departments and with external agencies, contributing to shared goals and supporting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

A Day in the Life Consists of:
As a Land Development Engineer in the Public Works Department, your work ensures that private development within the City is safe, sustainable, and aligned with community standards. Your typical day includes:

• Reviewing grading, drainage, and street improvement plans for new developments, subdivisions, and infill projects.

• Coordinating with Planning, Building, Fire, Water, and other departments to ensure seamless and compliant project approvals.

• Providing clear, constructive feedback to developers and consultants during the entitlement and permitting process.

• Participating in Development Review Committee (DRC) meetings and pre-application discussions to guide applicants from concept to approval.

• Performing field reviews or coordinating with inspectors to ensure conformance with approved plans and City standards.

• Responding to inquiries from property owners, developers, and the public about engineering requirements and permitting processes.

• Preparing technical reports, conditions of approval, and correspondence related to land development cases.

• Supporting updates to City standards, procedures, and policies to improve service delivery and regulatory clarity.

For more information on this position pleaseclick hereto view the job description.Education and Experience:Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field; and five (5) years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience, and at least two (2) of which were in a management capacity; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:
A valid State driver’s license is required.Current, valid registration as a Professional Engineer with the California State Licensing Board is required.

Knowledgeof:

• Organization and direction of operations and activities related to construction, grading, ADA compliance, and storm water permit processing, plan review, and inspection.
• Principles and practices of public administration.
• Best management practices related to construction.
• Computer applications applicable to permit processing and word processing.
• Principles, methods, techniques, and practices of inspection and investigation.
• Federal, state, county, and city laws, codes, and ordinances relating to construction regulation.
• Principles and practices of sound business communications.

Skill in:

• Using tact and poise in dealing with the public.
• Preparing clear, concise, and accurate reports and recommendations, including investigation results, work programs, and other related items.
• Leading, coaching, instructing, and motivating employees, and fostering a teamwork environment.
• Reading and interpreting civil engineering plans, soils reports, hydrology and hydraulic reports, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) and Water Quality Management Plans (WQMP).
• Effectively communicating verbally and in written form.
• Working collaboratively with other divisions and departments and outside agencies involved in the development and construction process.
• Interpreting and enforcing provisions of applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Establishing and maintaining records and preparing reports related to assignment.
• Operating computers, assigned software, and office equipment.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

Recruitment Timeline

This recruitment will remain open until filled, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received.

**All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the personnel officer**

All applicants are required to submit an online application through the City’s official website at www.sbcity.org.This recruitment will remain open until filled or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Applications must be fully completed and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications for the position are met. All information provided is subject to review, investigation, and verification. While resumes may be uploaded as supplemental documentation, they will not be accepted in place of a fully completed City application.

Following the initial screening, the most qualified candidates whose backgrounds best match the needs of the City will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement. Candidates will remain under consideration until a final selection is made and an offer is accepted. The City of San Bernardino reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time and may determine that none of the applicants, including those who meet the minimum qualifications, are suitable for the position.

Successful candidates shall be required to:

• Pass a reference and background verification. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
• Degree verification
• Pass a pre-employment medical exam, which includes a Tuberculosis (TB) Exam, and Drug screen.
• Starting salary based on education and/or experience and internal equity.

E-Verify Participation

The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. In compliance with federal law, all employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States.

Accordingly, the City will provide information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

For more information about E-Verify, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at www.uscis.gov

Disclaimers

The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at [phone].

This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. Additional information is available at www.sbcity.org.