- Salary
- $156k+/yr
- Location
- County of San Diego, CA, CA, US
- Department
- Engineering
- Seniority
- Senior
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Education
- Certification
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description

SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER
Future Salary Increases
** June 2026 – 4.10% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 0.60% Market Adjustment)
** June 2027 – 3.60% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 0.60% Market Adjustment)
The following additional pay incentives and premiums are available
** 5% Engineer Premium (applied to time worked)
***This hard to recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee’s name on your job application in the space provided. ***
As a Senior Civil Engineer with the County of San Diego, you will play a pivotal role in designing, planning, and managing a diverse range of public works projects, from roadway improvements and bridge construction to water resource management and environmental sustainability initiatives. You'll collaborate with a talented team of engineers to deliver projects that prioritize safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Senior Civil Engineers are responsible for performing, supervising, and coordinating professional civil or structural engineering work in the field and office. This is a lead/supervisory level job class responsible for managing highly visible and sensitive projects. This eligible list may be used to fill vacancies within Planning & Development Services and the Department of Public Works.
This position itself is a lead/supervisory level class in the Civil Engineer series with a career ladder that includes Assistant Engineer, Civil Engineer, and Senior Civil Engineer. The career ladder offers a great opportunity for professional growth and development within the series and the County of San Diego. Please read the Senior Civil Engineer job description for more information.
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job Offer and Background Process begins after interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
1. Two (2) years of post-registration experience performing professional civil or structural engineering work; OR,
2. Two (2) years of experience as a Civil Engineer with the County of San Diego.
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Evaluation Process
Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental applications.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov).
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.