Principal Civil Engineer

County of Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in Sacramento seeks a Principal Civil Engineer responsible for managing complex public works projects. The role requires a registered civil engineer in California with at least four years of relevant experience. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills are essential for this position, which may require irregular hours and physical site visits.

Qualifications

• Must be a registered civil engineer in California.
• Four years of experience in complex civil engineering projects.
• Ability to manage multiple professional and technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee public works projects.
• Plan and coordinate work across multiple programs.
• Evaluate engineering designs and solutions.

Skills

Civil engineering principles

Construction methods and materials

Budget preparation

Personnel management

Public works regulations

Education

California State Engineer registration

Job description

There is an additional 3.35% Management Differential which is added to the posted salary for this class.

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 7/15/25, 9/5/25, 10/10/25, 12/5/25

Incumbents are responsible for a variety of general civil engineering work in connection with the design, surveying, testing of materials and construction of public works projects. Public works projects include, but are not limited to new building construction and remodels; and other structures and projects.

Principal Civil Engineer is a management level class requiring a high degree of professional skill and knowledge in administering and evaluating complex engineering programs. The class of Principal Civil Engineer differs from the next lower class of Senior Civil Engineer, in that the Principal plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the work of a major section involving several programs whereas the Senior is responsible for a specific program.

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of civil engineering
• Methods and materials used in the design, construction, and inspection of varied civil engineering projects
• Budget preparation
• Principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision
• Laws and regulations pertaining to public works construction and design

Ability to

• Plan, supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of a multiple disciplinary professional and technical staff
• Evaluate complex design and consulting work
• Direct the preparation of technical reports
• Direct the preparation of a complicated and comprehensive budget
• Analyze engineering and managerial problems and work out effective solutions
• Maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, consultants, and others
• Train and direct personnel
• Effectively present policy questions, alternatives and recommend solutions to department manager or elected officials

Minimum Qualifications: Current registration as a civil engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. AND Four years of full-time experience as a registered engineer performing duties which have included difficult and complex civil engineering projects with responsibilities comparable to those of a project, resident, or operations engineer for public works projects.

Physical Requirements

• Sit for extended periods, frequently stand and walk
• Have manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination need to use a variety of office equipment such as computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and drafting equipment
• Have corrected vision in order to review plans and specifications and perform other essential functions of the job
• Occasionally walk on uneven terrain at construction sites, etc.

Working Conditions: May be required to work in excess of 40 hours a week and/or work irregular hours, particularly during emergency situations.

Criminal History Check: The County may access criminal history information on candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment within this class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and Procedure B-5 and applicable federal and state law.

Special Access: Some incumbents in this class must acquire and maintain an airport security badge allowing access to secure County airport locations.

Probationary Period: The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months