Civil Engineering Associate III/Civil Engineer

We are accepting applications to fill one full-time Civil Engineering Associate III/Civil Engineer vacancy in the Transportation Division of the Public Works Department in Santa Maria or Santa Barbara. The selected candidate may be appointed at the Civil Engineering Associate III or Civil Engineer level, depending on qualifications and department needs. We are also accepting applications to establish employment lists for future full-time, part-time, Civil Service Rule 1414, and extra-help vacancies in the Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Transportation, and Water Resources Divisions at all locations.

Pay

• Civil Engineering Associate III: $48.89–$58.91 hourly
• Civil Engineer: $56.21–$67.84 hourly

About the Role

Under direction, performs complex professional civil engineering work, including roadway geometrics, grading design, roadside drainage design, and associated transportation components such as signage, striping, stormwater control, and traffic control plans. Additional responsibilities include preparing specifications, engineer’s quantity takeoffs, and construction cost estimates.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Civil Engineer: Requires registration as a professional civil engineer in California. Responsible for more complex assignments and may include supervisory duties. Distinguished from Civil Engineer Manager or Specialist, who oversee major engineering phases, functions, or specialties.
• Civil Engineering Associate III: Performs advanced professional civil engineering work without requiring professional registration.

Ideal Candidate

• 3–5+ years of experience in the transportation industry, with in-depth knowledge of roadway design, roadside drainage, structures, and traffic management.
• 3–5+ years of experience in Water Resources Engineering, with expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, drainage systems, inlet design, overside drain design, and erosion control.
• Experience designing retaining structures and slope stabilization techniques is desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Solution-oriented strategic problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain organized records.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil3D software; experience with Bluebeam software.
• Dedication, team loyalty, and strong interpersonal skills for working with diverse individuals.

About the Public Works Department

The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department consists of five divisions: Transportation, Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Flood Control & Water Resources, the County Surveyor’s Office, and Administration. Employees are committed to efficiently providing, operating, and maintaining public works infrastructure and services to ensure safety and convenience for the community. Learn more at www.countyofsb.org/pwd/.

Responsibilities

• Design road widening, intersection reconfiguration, sidewalk and curb ramp improvements, storm repair projects (including slope reconstruction and stabilization), and drainage system upgrades (e.g., inlet and culvert upgrades).
• Lead a team of professional and sub-professional staff in planning, designing, and preparing drawings, plans, specifications, contractor bids, and estimates for transportation projects.
• Coordinate contract administration with the Construction Section of the Transportation Division.
• Prepare final road construction plans and contract bid documents.
• Write specifications and establish bid and construction schedules for county road contracts.
• Perform in-depth engineering work related to alternatives analysis, research, and technical studies.
• Collaborate with other divisions and departments to coordinate transportation projects across disciplines.
• Manage small projects and tasks with oversight from a supervising engineer.
• Gain familiarity with project delivery and Federal/State funding requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or designation as a Professional Engineer Intern.
• One of the following:
  • Three years of increasingly responsible professional civil engineering experience.
  • One year of experience equivalent to the class of Civil Engineering Associate II with Santa Barbara County.
  • A combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to the above standards.
• Valid California Class C Driver’s License.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to planning, design, construction, and maintenance of roads, flood control, and public works facilities.
• Materials, methods, and equipment used in public works construction.

Ability to:

• Analyze facts and exercise independent judgment.
• Coordinate, train, and supervise subordinates.
• Prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, representatives of other organizations, and the public.

Benefits

The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits, including:

• Full-time benefits for Civil Service Rule 1414 positions.
• Retirement reciprocity for applicants from other public sector employers.
• Time and service credit toward advanced vacation accrual rates.
• Reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses.
• Flexible relocation assistance, housing and student loan offsets, and vacation/sick leave pre-accruals (at the discretion of the CEO).

All employees are declared disaster service workers pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100 and may be assigned related duties.