Senior/Principal Civil Engineer

THE CERT LIST GENERATED FROM THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED IF THERE IS THE SAME CLASSIFICATION OPENING IN ANOTHER DEPARTMENT.

Applications must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application, but may be additionally attached.

Anchored in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada - 20 miles east of Sacramento and about 1.5 hours from Lake Tahoe - the City of Folsom is comprised of beautiful parks and trails, and boasts excellent schools, family-oriented neighborhoods, and outstanding shopping, dining, and cultural options. Folsom is a high-tech, forward-looking city, with firms ranging from small to large international corporations. Niche recently released its list of the Best in America for 2025, and Folsom swept the honors with seven elementary, two middle, and two high schools making the list.


The City of Folsom is currently recruiting for one (1) Senior/Principal Civil Engineer to join the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department. This position is in-office Monday - Friday and is an exempt position represented by the Folsom Middle Management Group (FMMG). 


IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for this role will possess a strong background in professional civil engineering specifically tailored to Public Works and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). We are seeking a collaborative professional with proven experience in all phases of public infrastructure construction, including project development, managing requests for proposals (RFPs), reviewing complex construction plans, and conducting engineering studies. Because this role involves crucial funding and regulatory management, the ideal candidate should have experience researching and tracking grant opportunities, as well as supporting stormwater management programs.

Under the direction of the Capital Projects Manager, the Senior Civil Engineer will plan, coordinate, supervise, and participate in complex professional engineering activities including engineering planning and design, construction project management of utilities, roads, and plan check activities. Assist in development and management of Capital Improvement Projects, participate in the development and review of professional engineering services and activities for a variety of complex facets of engineering including traffic engineering, transportation and infrastructure related capital improvements, drainage collection, and construction management of utilities, roads, and City owned facilities. Provide engineering support to other departments, which may include special projects involving professional and technical engineering skills relative to assigned area of responsibility. Incumbents may exercise direct and/or indirect supervision over lower-level personnel.

Under the direction of the Capital Projects Manager, the Principal Civil Engineer will plan, coordinate, supervise, and participate in the performance of professional engineering activities of a complex nature involving engineering planning and design, construction project management of utilities, roads, land development, and plan check activities. Incumbents exercise direct and/or indirect supervision over lower-level personnel. Incumbents may also serve as a functional lead for a section such as Transportation.

DISTINGUISHING CHARATERISTICS

The Senior Civil Engineer (salary T97: $126,466.53 - $160,204.02 annually) is the lead in the series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from the lower classification of Associate Civil Engineer by the independence with which they perform their duties of handling the most difficult and complex work and performing lead work while exhibiting necessary levels of professionalism and soft skills required of a manager. 

The Principal Civil Engineer (salary T99: $136,190.63 - $172,522.22 annually) 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 handling complex engineering projects. The Principal has greater administrative responsibility in the area of long and short range planning and budget control and review. The scope of responsibility and discretion allowed is great. Decisions are subject to review only when general policy is involved.

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.

SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

• Plan, assign, direct, and supervise work associated with design and construction of roads, building, utilities, and various public works construction projects. Provide lead direction and reviews the work of a professional and technical project team or unit performing engineering duties in the areas of design, construction, utility design and maintenance implementation.
• Develop, plan, estimate, and direct construction of public works projects.
• Prepare staff reports, supporting technical analysis, and other public facing documents.
• Oversee review of developer pre-designs, designs, and construction activities for the department.
• Inspect project sites to assist in determining solutions to difficult problems.
• Interpret specifications and city policy, apply relevant codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
• Conduct special technical studies and investigations.
• Review and make recommendations on technical reports and studies. Review computations and specified materials for accuracy and conformance with regulations.
• Participate in the review of plans, specifications, and all private development proposals including residential, commercial, and mapping projects, either recommending for or against approval with defensible justification.
• Review and participate in the preparation of environmental assessments and clearance as well as implementation of mitigation measures.
• Assist the Director, City Engineer, Manager, and/or serve as subject matter expert at council, committee, and commission meetings on engineering matters when needed.
• Meet and confer with developers, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding city policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Coordinate resolution of discrepancies and challenging situations related to engineering topics and projects. 
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• Prepare reports and special studies related to submitted plans and documents; depending on assigned department, prepare correspondence regarding structural engineering and building code enforcement problems.
• Prepare and review project quantity and cost estimates; analyze structures, roadways, and other project sites for engineering, economic, legal, and other considerations.
• Perform complex project engineering work for a group of smaller projects or for major construction projects; inspect and monitor contract work for compliance with plans, specifications, codes, and deadlines.
• Participate in the review of plans, specifications, and all private development proposals including subdivision and parcel maps, either recommending for or against approval.
• Exhibit a high level of organization and workflow, including preparing and maintaining a variety of records and reports related to unit activities in support of the City and department.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate services and staffing levels.
• Estimate staff time, equipment, and materials needed for planned projects; order necessary supplies and equipment as needed.
• Plan and oversee construction of City facilities and construction inspection activities; ensure activities follow applicable codes, plans, and City standards. Oversee and ensure conformance with appropriate federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Assist in the preparation of the capital improvement plan and budget.
• When delegated by the Director, review and sign engineering plans for CIP and development projects.
• Provide support in the context of Community Facilities Districts, financing plans, and implementation as it relates to public improvements within the district.
• Coordinate activities with other agencies, city departments, divisions, sections, and outside agencies.
• Assist in the budget preparation and administration for the department including projects and programs, monitoring monthly expenditures, progress payments, and invoicing as needed. Participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies as needed.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of engineering.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate personnel and assigned staff in areas of responsibility and provide for their professional development and growth with the ability to engage in professional and technical coaching and skilled engagement in conflict management.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

The Senior Civil Engineer position is responsible for the listed job duties above, as well as those listed depending on their assigned department: 

Public Works:

• Provide complex technical support for all phases of capital improvement and public works construction projects including planning, feasibility evaluation, coordination of environmental review, design, construction, and close-out.
• Assist with project management activities, including preparing or reviewing preliminary and final designs and specifications, developing requests for proposals and scopes of work, cost estimates, change orders, work plans, budgets, schedules, and baseline requirements, and contract negotiations and management.
• Review construction plans prepared by consulting engineers and private contractors to verify compliance with City, State, Federal, and/or industry standards and requirements for construction infrastructure; check plans for conformance with regulations regarding line, grade, size, elevation, and location of structures; review engineering calculations of other engineers or engineering technicians; approve and signs off on drawings and project documents and may act as “Engineer in Responsible Charge” on assigned projects.
• Lead and participate in pre-design, construction, and utility coordination meetings.
• Research funding opportunities; coordinate and/or complete and submit grant applications; track grant funded projects and requirements; process and maintain paperwork and reimbursement requests in compliance with funding and reporting requirements.
• Initiate, conduct, and review engineering studies and cost analyses for assigned projects; research project design requirements; prepare complex engineering calculations and estimates, preliminary layouts and specifications, and design work from field and survey data.
• Review development proposals and recommend draft conditions of approval on behalf of the Director of Public Works to support infrastructure maintenance, stormwater system operations and permit compliance, and traffic operational improvements.
• Prepare contract documents including but not limited to plans, specifications, and engineer’s estimate. Prepare and manage project budgets including appropriations for funding and recommended sources.
• Administer maintenance projects for traffic striping, signals, and signage, roadway and pavement improvements, storm drain improvements, and coordination with adjacent utilities and upcoming projects.
• Administer studies related to infrastructure, utility design, and pavement condition assessments, make recommendations for improvements including scope development of future capital improvement projects.
• Serve as staff representative to committee and/or commissions.
• Prepare/present funding requests to State and regional planning agencies (e.g. STA, SACOG, JPAs, and City Council).
• Negotiate with other jurisdictions on funding availability and timelines.
• Manage consultants and administer professional services contracts.
• Review and approve consultant and associated purchasing invoices.

Utilities:

• Prepare/present program, funding or project requests to State, Federal, and/or regional agencies.
• Prepare various reports including, but not limited to construction, water quality, sanitary sewer spills, and conservation for regulating agencies.
• Provide engineering reviews and construction inspection for water and wastewater projects.
• Provide engineering analyses, program development, and implementation for various resource management plans.
• Assist in the preparation of funding plans, rate studies, and project budgets.
• Represent the City on the Utility Commission.
• Manage consultants and administer professional services contracts.
• Assist in the planning and delivery of Waste and Recycling and Fleet programs and capital projects.

Community Development:

• Prepare conditions of approval for land development projects including subdivisions, commercial, and industrial projects as well as recommendations for various map types and conditional use permits.
• Conduct plan checks of final parcel maps for land development against the conditions of approval and provide recommendations to the City Engineer or Development Engineering Manager.
• Administer public financing for land development projects.
• Prepare reports for discretionary approval of land development projects.
• Engineering support to Code Enforcement as needed.
• Represent the City and department in meetings with property owners, engineers, contractors, developers, attorneys, and representatives of other organizations.
• Act as “engineer in responsible charge” on assigned projects of a less complex nature, may approve and sign off on drawings and project documents when delegated by direct supervisor or department head.
• Negotiate and administer contracts with outside contractors; resolve problems and complaints as necessary and manage consultants.
• Provide responsible and reliable staff assistance to the City Engineer; conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to public works engineering programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.

• Plan Check:

• Review and analyze submitted building plans, specifications, and engineering calculations to ensure compliance with structural design, fire prevention requirements, zoning, grading, soil reports, energy, and handicapped access and general conformity to governing building codes, state regulations, and local city ordinances.
• Research codes, regulations, technical manuals, testing agency approval listings, product literature, and construction bulletins to verify compliance construction materials and methods.
• Provide technical information and instruct architects, engineers, contractors, and owners regarding building requirements, application of codes, design requirements, regulations, and procedures.
• Recommend changes to obtain compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, accessibility, energy codes, and regulations.
• Perform field inspections, which includes assisting and conferring with Building Inspectors, Contractors, and Consulting Engineers in the field where engineering problems are encountered and advising on engineering matters.

•  Assist with set up, implementation, and ongoing improvement of permitting processes, plan check, and inspection systems to maximize efficiencies and improve customer service.
• Key duties related to this section assignment include:
  •  Assist the Building and Planning Divisions with the planning, coordination, administration, and supervision of division services and personnel.
  •  Interpret, implement, and enforce all building code regulations adopted by the City.
  • Develop methods to inform builders and homeowners of minimum standards of construction materials and assist in regularly updating City standards and specifications.

PRINCIPAL CIVIL ENGINEER

•  Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of the staff of an engineering section or building services.

• Participate in negotiations with consultants, grant agencies and regulatory bodies.
• Direct the preparation of section budget.
• Prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Prepare or supervise the preparation of special studies and reports.
• Recommend City program objectives and resource allocations.
• Provide difficult technical and administrative assistance to the Director of Public Works, Utilities Director, City Engineer, Community Development Director, to other City Departments, and other agencies.
• Recommend changes in policy and procedures, and effect such changes.
• Assist the City Engineer and/or serve as staff to committees and commissions on engineering or building-related matters.
• Meet and confer with developers, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding city policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate personnel.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

The Principal Civil Engineer position is responsible for the job duties listed above well as the following below, depending on their assigned department:

Transportation or Utilities Option:

• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of the staff of an engineering section involved in such activities as engineering design, contract preparation and review, site suitability studies, and review of legal descriptions of real property.
• Recommend City program objectives and resource allocations, including planning of capital construction programs.
• Interpret, implement, and enforce City and County, Division, and/or District policies.
• Review and participate in the preparation of environmental assessments.

Building and Safety Option:

• Serve as the Building Official and lead and coordinate the activities of the building permits, plan check, and inspection services.
• Responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of all building code regulations adopted by the City and for ensuring that all required conditions are completed and required payments are correct and collected prior to issuing permits.
• Responsible for interpretation and enforcement of all building code regulations adopted by the City.
• Establishes schedules and methods for building and construction plan checks and inspections.
• Review plans and specifications for proposed construction projects.
• Review work of building inspection staff; assist in difficult inspection problems and code interpretations.
• Develop methods to inform builders and homeowners of minimum standards of construction materials.
• Conduct safety inspections of buildings and determine extent of damage, safety factors, and necessary permits required for building; prepare and file reports.
• Coordinate building inspection activities with other city departments, divisions, and outside agencies.
• Recommend action on proposals for legislation concerning building, zoning and related codes.
• Coordinating with planning, development engineering, arborist, and code enforcement divisions of Community Development.

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Essential Duties" section of this specification.

SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of structural engineering including the strengths, properties, and uses of materials in construction.
• Pertinent codes, laws, and regulations governing construction.
• Construction practices and procedures.
• Soil conditions, types, and formations.
• Principles and practices of engineering as applied to assigned public works projects.
• Acquisition procedures, including the Subdivision Map Act, and real property.
• Modern methods and techniques used in the design and construction of a wide variety of public works projects.
• Applicable laws and regulatory codes relevant to municipal public works design and construction as well as private land development projects.
• Principles of organization, administration, and personnel management.
• Preparation of technical analysis and clear communication and writing skills to support functions such as staff reports and other public documents.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and codes.
• Analyze and correct construction plans, engineering calculations, and specifications accurately and consistently.
• Interpret and apply applicable codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations related to development and construction.
• Interpret, review, and analyze development proposals, plans, and specifications.
• Make complex engineering computations.
• Check designs and supervise the construction of a variety of public works projects.
• Prepare specifications and write technical reports.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned personnel.

PRINICPAL CIVIL ENGINEER

The Principal Civil Engineer position is responsible for the listed employment standards below, as well as those listed depending on their assigned department:

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.
• Civil engineering principles and practices applicable to construction and material testing administration.
• Design of miscellaneous civil engineering projects.
• City surveyor and permit functions.
• Legislation and Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to programs under oversight.
• Policies and procedures for coordinating these programs with other City Departments and other Agencies. 

Transportation Option

• Engineering practices and principles applicable to the planning and design of highways, bridges and related facilities.
• Traffic system management concepts.
• Laws and regulations pertaining to public works construction and design.
• State and Federal agency programs and legislation affecting the highway program and its funding.
• Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to the highway program.
• Policies and procedures for coordinating highway and related projects with other agencies.
• Civil engineering principles and practices applicable to streets and highways.
• The principles and practices of traffic engineering and control.

Utilities Option

•  Engineering practices and principles applicable to the regulatory compliance, planning, and design of water, sewer operations and infrastructure, and/or solid waste operations.
• State and Federal regulations applicable to water quality, wastewater and/or solid waste.
• Concepts related to water quality, wastewater and/or solid waste.
• Local laws, ordinances, and State and Federal agency programs and legislation affecting water quality, wastewater and/or solid waste.
• Policies and procedures for coordinating the planning and design of small and large infrastructure facilities.
• Policies and procedures for developing and implementing local, State and Federal regulatory compliance programs.
• Civil engineering principles and practices applicable to water quality, wastewater and/or solid waste.

Building and Safety Option

• Types of building construction, materials, and methods and all stages of construction.
• Modern and complex principles and techniques of building construction and inspection work.
• Modern and complex principles of structural design and engineering mathematics.
• Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
• Building related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City, including the Uniform Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical codes.
• Research methods and sources of information related to building code enforcement, pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

 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
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned personnel.

SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

Education:
A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience:
Five (5) years of full-time, increasingly responsible professional civil engineering experience in the assigned discipline, including significant supervisory experience.

PRINCIPAL CIVIL ENGINEER

Education:

A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. A Master's degree is desirable.

Experience:

Seven (7) years of full-time, increasingly responsible professional civil engineering experience in the assigned discipline, including significant supervisory/management experience.

License, Certificate, Registration Requirements:

At the option of the City, persons hired into this class may be required to either possess at entry or obtain within specified time limits, designated licenses, certificates or specialized education and training relevant to the area of assignment.  Additional requirements include, but are not limited to the following:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain and retain, a California Class C driver license by the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California.
• A certificate as a Certified Building Official when assigned to the Building and Safety option.

Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in a typical office/field setting. (1) Mobility: frequent use of a keyboard; frequent sitting, standing, and walking; occasional bending or squatting. (2) Lifting: occasionally up to 25 pounds. (3) Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. (4) Dexterity:  frequent repetitive motions; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. (5) Hearing/Talking:  frequent hearing and talking in person and on the telephone. (6) Emotional/Psychological:  frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and co-worker contact; occasionally working alone. (7) Environmental:  frequent exposure to noise; occasionally work outside in the summer and winter; work occasionally on rough, uneven and slippery surfaces; occasionally work around machinery with moving parts or stationary equipment; occasionally work below ground and in confined spaces.