Senior Civil Engineer (Utilities Division)

Downeyca; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Certificate pay for D3/T3 certification

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A city utility department in Downey is seeking a Senior Civil Engineer to oversee and manage complex civil engineering projects related to water, sanitary sewer, and storm water systems. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, a CA PE license, and at least five years of experience in civil engineering, including public agency work. The role includes supervising projects, preparing plans, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible professional civil engineering experience related to potable water, recycled water, sanitary sewer, and storm water.
• Three years in a public agency in a progressively responsible capacity.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Supervise water, sanitary sewer, storm water, and other Utilities Division related projects.
• Prepare plans using CAD and civil engineering drafting techniques.
• Review and write proposals for Utilities Division projects.

Skills

Complex engineering problem analysis

Effective communication

Project management

Supervisory techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Professional Civil Engineering (PE) license

Tools

Computer-aided drafting (CAD)

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

NOTE: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. First review of the applications will occur on October 24, 2025. Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration.

This position is eligible for certificate pay including level III pay for incumbents that maintain a D3 and/or T3 certification at a rate of $295 per month.

Under general supervision, performs a variety of complex, professional field and office civil engineering work related to the planning, design, maintenance, and operation of Utilities Division facilities and programs including water, sanitary sewer, and storm water systems, and associated infrastructure.

The Senior Civil Engineer – Utilities Division represents the third level in the Civil engineering professional job family. This job requires a high level of knowledge and ability to execute professional engineering design principles and standards, construction cost analyses, and engineering field measurement and data collection practices. The Senior Civil Engineer – Utilities Division job class differs from the Associate Civil Engineer – Utilities Division class as it requires more independent judgment under general supervision and a higher level of knowledge, design, and project oversight responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate assigned water, sanitary sewer, storm water, and other Utilities Division related projects.
• Solicit, review, evaluate, and track Utilities Division proposals, contracts, and agreements for compliance with City requirements and timely completion of projects.
• Coordinate the planning, design, and implementation of projects and programs in support of the City’s Utilities Division.
• Review and supervise preparation of water, sewer, and storm drain improvement plans for City projects and proposed residential, commercial, and industrial developments for compliance with City standards, codes, and other applicable regulations.
• Prepare plans, diagrams, and sketches using computer aided drafting (CAD) and civil engineering drafting techniques.
• Write specifications, requests for proposals, and requests for qualifications for Utilities Division projects and solicit and analyze bids and proposals received.
• Schedule and complete tasks in support of Utilities Division projects and verify tasks are being completed on schedule.
• Coordinate with, and provide complex engineering and technical guidance to inspectors, consultants, contractors, vendors, other City departments, and agencies in support of Utilities Division projects and programs to ensure compliance with City requirements.
• Identify, research, gather, and analyze project design and program requirements including hydraulics, hydrology, existing utility and substructure plans, field data, materials, permitting, and other documents.
• Prepare project meeting agendas, attend and conduct meetings, and prepare meeting minutes.
• Prepare correspondence, graphs, and reports in support of Utilities Division projects and programs.
• Coordinate video inspection and flow monitoring of sanitary sewer and storm water lines and compile and analyze data for design, operation, and maintenance purposes.
• Conduct water, sanitary sewer, and storm water capacity assessments to identify potential hydraulic problems and other impacts resulting from proposed developments.
• Coordinate pressure monitoring of water lines and compile and analyze data for design, operation, and maintenance purposes.
• Perform complex professional civil engineering calculations and design work for new facilities and necessary improvements/modifications to existing utility systems.
• Coordinate with and supervise contractors, consultants, developers, and property owners in interpreting and complying with construction, design, and other City requirements associated with City utilities.
• Inspect Utilities Division improvement projects for compliance with City and other applicable standards including, preparation of inspection reports, non-compliance letters, project punch lists, and incorporation of design revisions based on field conditions.
• Help coordinate compliance activities relating to NPDES and MS4 permit programs for the City’s storm water management program.
• Monitor project expenses and ensure compliance with approved project budget.
• Draft City Council agenda memorandums, ordinances, and resolutions.
• Maintain efficient and effective working relationships with professional staff, field personnel, consultants, and contractors.
• Attend and participate in meetings as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional civil engineering experience related to potable water, recycled water, sanitary sewer, and storm water including three years in a public agency in a progressively responsible capacity.

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an accredited four-year college or university. Possession of Professional Civil Engineering (PE) license from the State of California. State of California Water Distribution and/or Water Treatment Operator Certification is desirable.

Knowledge of: Civil engineering principles, design standards, surveying, construction principles and practices, and Federal, State, and local regulations related to water, sewer, and storm water utilities; construction contract law; Computer-aided drafting (CAD); Geographic Information System (GIS), Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and graphing, Microsoft Word and Powerpoint; supervisory techniques; principles and practices of project management; recordkeeping; legal descriptions; and principles of public relations.

Ability to: Analyze and solve highly complex engineering problems by arriving at valid conclusions; communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing; effectively present issues and recommendations before the public and community groups; supervise and maintain effective working relationships.

License Required

• A valid California Driver's License and an acceptable driving record is required.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System

An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office environment that requires extended sitting, mobility in the field at construction sites with potential exposure to dangerous machinery and potential physical harm, ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday.

Selection/Testing Process

All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

The acceptance of your application depends on whether or not you have clearly shown that you meet the Qualifications as stated above. Please fill out the application and supplemental questionnaire completely.

Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of an appraisal examination weighted 100%. The appraisal examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete selection testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to a conditional offer of employment, a candidate will undergo a comprehensive background check that includes employment reference checks, criminal history check, fingerprinting with the California Department of Justice, and a credit review. A job-related pre-placement medical examination, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office by dialing [phone] at least 72 hours in advance.