Senior Engineer (Construction Management)

Orange County Sanitation District

Fountain Valley (CA)

On-site

USD 164,000 - 181,000

Full time

6 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Deferred compensation

Credit union

Job summary

Orange County Sanitation District is seeking a Senior Engineer (Construction Management) to lead high‑level engineering assignments across wastewater facilities and CIP programs. You will manage projects through planning, design, construction, and startup, serving as a trusted advisor to management and multidisciplinary teams.

You must hold a CA Professional Engineer license, possess a Bachelor's in a relevant engineering discipline, and have at least six years of professional engineering

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, with major coursework in civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical, or environmental engineering or a related field.
Six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional engineering work experience.
Professional engineering (P.E.) registration license from the State of California.
Valid California Class C Driver's License by time of appointment.

Responsibilities

Lead and participate in complex engineering assignments in planning, design, construction, operations, and compliance of wastewater facilities and CIP projects.
Manage major capital projects through all phases of the project management life cycle.
Serve as SME and advisor to management on plant systems, projects, or programs.
Provide guidance, technical direction, and training to other engineering staff.

Skills

PE license

Project management

Construction management

Leadership

Communication

California driver license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil/mechanical/environmental engineering

Tools

Primavera Contract Manager

Expedition

PMWeb

Job description

Description

What do you value in your next job?

At the Orange County Sanitation District our Core Values form the framework of our organization and reinforce our professional work ethic. If the following values ring true with you, we’d love to invite you to explore our career opportunities further.

Integrity, Inclusion, Honesty, and Respect

We aspire to the highest degree of integrity, inclusion, honesty, and respect in our interaction with each other, our suppliers, our customers, and our community. We strive to demonstrate these values in our actions, commitments, and service.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving

We lead by example, acknowledging the value of our resources and using them wisely to achieve our mission. We strive to reach OC San goals through cooperative efforts and collaboration with each other and our constituencies. We work to solve problems in a creative, cost-effective, and safe manner, and we acknowledge team and individual efforts.

Customer Service, Transparency, and Accountability

We are committed to acting in a timely, accurate, accessible, and transparent manner through excellent customer service. We are committed to act in the best interest of our internal and external stakeholders.

Resiliency, Innovation, and Learning

We continuously develop ourselves, enhancing our talents, skills, and abilities. We recognize that only through personal growth and development will we progress as an agency and as individuals.

Safety

We are committed to providing a safe work environment. We will demonstrate leadership, promote individual accountability, and participate actively in the advancement of our health and safety practices.

OC San is currently looking to fill the role of a Senior Engineer (Construction Management).

Under general direction, leads and participates in a variety of the most complex and responsible engineering assignments in the planning, design, construction, operations, and compliance of wastewater facilities, infrastructure, systems, and programs; manages major capital projects through all phases of the project management life cycle; inspects and analyzes plant operations, develops solutions, and implements process improvements; serves as subject matter expert and advisor to management staff on assigned plant systems, projects, or programs; researches complex problems, conducts technical engineering-related studies, and recommends operational, program, or policy solutions; provides guidance, technical direction, and training to other engineering staff; and performs duties as assigned.

Specifically, this Senior Engineer will perform high-end engineering and construction management duties involving wastewater treatment and sewer collection systems to support the construction of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects that may include: providing technical leadership and expertise in the construction management and commissioning of projects; serving as subject matter expert and advisor to management/staff; exercising functional and technical leadership in assigned workgroups or teams; and coaching and/or mentoring less experienced staff.

The individual in this position must have proven ability to manage engineering construction projects; develop a high degree of teamwork and cooperation with all departments; lead project teams in project decisions regarding cost control, schedule control, change order management, risk management, and performance; and identify problems, analyze information and develop sound recommendations. This individual will act as the primary project interface and will lead project meetings with designer, contractor, operations and maintenance, as well as outside agencies/stakeholders.

The successful candidate will actively manage and report on the status of the project’s construction schedule and budget; monitor the contractor's progress and make recommendations for contractor progress payments. This role also includes response to requests for information; develop and issue requests for proposals; respond to requests for change; prepare engineer's estimates and records of negotiations; prepare and issue field change orders; perform design constructability reviews; review construction submittals and commissioning plans for compliance with the contract documents; ensure projects are constructed in compliance with contract documents; develop recommendations to project problems and issues; perform project startup and commissioning; complete contract close out; and provide technical training to less experienced staff and other departments.

This position involves a high level of independence and decision making within area of responsibility and requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, political astuteness, and diplomacy.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, with major coursework in civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical, or environmental engineering or a related field, dependent upon area of assignment.
Six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional engineering work experience.
Professional engineering (P.E.) registration license from the State of California.
Valid California Class C Driver's License by time of appointment.

Desired

Experience in construction management of large multi-discipline projects that include wastewater or water infrastructure, sewer system pipelines and pump stations, construction change order management, construction claims management and negotiation. Past experience with alternative dispute resolution processes is also desired.

Strong leadership, communication and organizational skills with a background in engineering construction management and must have the ability to read and understand complex multidiscipline engineering drawings as well as complex project schedules. The selected candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and will have experience using construction management software applications. Experience using project control management system applications such as Primavera Contract Manager, Expedition, or PMWeb is desirable. Experience writing staff reports and making presentations for an elected Board is highly desired.

Recruitment & Selection Process

Vacancies: 3 (an eligible list may be established for future vacancies)

APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE

Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 5:00 P.M. PST. (or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received)

Hiring Salary Range: $164,424.00 - $181,292.80/Year (starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various OC San sites, projects, and/or meetings; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 35 pounds.
Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders.
Perform light physical work; lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 51 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
Frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.
Climb ladders, install cabling, work around and in low voltage field control panels and hardware; use electrical and networking test equipment; use tools to remove, install and test equipment including servers, network equipment, power supplies, fiber optics and cabling.

Environmental Elements

Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
May work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Disaster Service Workers

All OC San employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with OC San requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Other Requirements

Probationary Period: All OC San employees, except classifications considered “at-will”, are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, policies, and/or resolutions. Employees who have not yet successfully completed their initial probationary period serve “at-will” and may be released from employment without cause or recourse to any appeal or grievance procedures.
Pre-Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation, a physical examination, and a drug screen.
Work Location Assignment: Employees will be assigned to a work location based on business needs which may be located at any/all of OC San locations; this work location may be changed at any time.

Other Information

For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions please review the Classification Specification for this position found on our website.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate, through their application materials, that they meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement and class specification to receive further consideration. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.

False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please review the Job Application Guide.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of OC San's pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation and a physical examination. For some positions, this may include a drug screen. False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

Reference Checks Will Be Conducted By OC San To Verify Employment Related Information For All Potential Employees Once a Contingent Job Offer Is Made During The Background Investigation Process. This Is Done To Ensure That Individuals Who Join OC San Are Well Qualified And Have a Strong Potential To Be Successful In Their Employment. The Extent Of The Inquiry Will Depend On The Position Being Applied For, But Will At Least Include

Verification/Reference from current and past employers
Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.

Please have all necessary documentation ready. Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying. Human Resources will also schedule a post-offer physical examination once a job offer has been made.

OC San only accepts applications submitted via our online application system. Applications submitted via mail, fax or email will not be accepted.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Ten working days paid vacation after one year of service; eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday; sick leave; group life insurance; group disability insurance; group health insurance, dependent coverage available, including medical, dental, and vision, employee contribution is required; a retirement plan (Orange County Employees Retirement System) and the option of participating in a deferred compensation plan as well as other optional benefits. A credit union is available. Benefits are subject to the Board of Directors' periodic determination (usually annually) and the meet and confer process, and are therefore subject to change. The District makes a generous contribution toward the cost of these benefits.

Supplemental Questions

01
PLEASE READ. The information provided on the Supplemental Questions will be used in conjunction with your job application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected. Do not submit a resume in place of completing these Supplemental Questions. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at an accredited school in the United States. We reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript. Any information you submit may be verified. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking. I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected. I also understand that I may not submit a resume in lieu of filling out the job application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.

Yes, I understand.

02
Do you have a Bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, with major coursework in civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical, or environmental engineering or a related field, dependent upon area of assignment.

03
If you possess a bachelor’s degree (or higher), please indicate the major and emphasis of your degree (as it appears on your diploma). If you do not possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, input N/A.

04
Do you have a minimum of six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional engineering work experience? Please ensure that you thoroughly describe your engineering experience in the "Work Experience" section of your application.

05
If you answered “Yes” to the previous question, please describe your increasingly responsible professional engineering work experience. If you answered “No”, input N/A.

06
Do you possess a current, valid Professional Engineering (PE) registration from the State of California?

07
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please indicate your license number and your area of Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.).

08
For the following questions, clarity, conciseness, and completeness of responses are factors considered in the evaluation of your job application. A statement directing the evaluator to "see resume" is not an acceptable response. Click on the button below to acknowledge you understand this requirement.

09
Does your engineering experience include experience in larger construction projects ($15 million and greater) as the responsible Resident Engineer / Construction Manager?

10
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, describe your experience. Provide examples and the length of time you performed these functions. If you don't have any experience in this area, state "no experience" in the space provided.

11
Does your engineering experience include leading projects through construction to ensure that they are in conformance with the project requirements and design standards?

12
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, describe your experience. Provide examples and the length of time you performed these functions. If you don't have any experience in this area, state "no experience" in the space provided.

13
Does your engineering experience include process construction changes, responding to contractor's request for information, developing design modifications, startup, commissioning, and contract close out for water treatment plant, sewer collections or large multi-disciplinary projects?

14
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, describe your experience. Provide examples and the length of time you performed these functions. If you don't have any experience in this area, state "no experience" in the space provided.

15
Does your engineering experience include the negotiation of contract disputes and claims for extra-work (including costs and time extensions)?

16
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, describe your experience. Provide examples and the length of time you performed these functions. If you don't have any experience in this area, state "no experience" in the space provided.

17
Does your engineering experience include motivating, coaching and/or mentoring less experienced staff and leading project teams in project decisions?

18
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, describe your experience. Provide examples and the length of time you performed these functions. If you don't have any experience in this area, state "no experience" in the space provided.

19
Why are you interested in this Senior Engineer (Construction Management) position?

20
Are you in possession of or do you have the ability to obtain an appropriate, valid California Class C driver's license by time of appointment?

21
All OC San employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the OC San requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. Click on the radio button below to acknowledge you understand these requirements.