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Director of Public Works

The County of San Mateo is currently seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Director of Public Works.

The Opportunity

The County of San Mateo is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking Director of Public Works to lead a diverse and high-impact public service organization committed to resilient infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

Reporting to the County Executive, the Director of Public Works leads a multi-faceted department responsible for the planning, construction, maintenance, and stewardship of essential County infrastructure.

The Director oversees:

• County road and transportation systems
• Facilities, capital construction and new building programs
• County fleet operations, including a transition toward electrification
• Airport operations at San Carlos and Half Moon Bay
• Utilities, environmental compliance, and stormwater systems

The Director of Public Works is an executive leader responsible for:

• Shaping long-range infrastructure strategies.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting sustainability.
• Fostering collaboration across County departments, communities, and agencies.
• Leading a talented workforce and stewarding complex operations.

This role is ideal for a visionary leader who excels at navigating political environments, developing trusted relationships, and delivering practical, community-focused solutions.

Note: The Director of Public Works role is unclassified and not governed by County Civil Service Rules.

Strategic Priorities

The next Director will guide and advance several significant initiatives, including:

• Delivery of capital improvement projects on schedule and within budget, while working to strategically mitigate rising construction costs, scalability of projects, and potential fluctuations in funding, requiring agile financial planning and project delivery strategies.
• Continued progress on the County’s Strategic Energy Master Plan, energy efficient building upgrades, climate-resilient infrastructure efforts, EV charging stations, etc.
• Compliance with Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit requirements and other environmental regulations.
• Vehicle and equipment management and fleet electrification for the County.
• Capital improvement projects for utility special district infrastructure (sewer, water, drainage, and streetlights) to meet long-term service needs.
• Replacement and modernization of the County’s access control systems.
• Strategic management of a growing and evolving facilities portfolio in alignment with service demands and asset lifecycle planning.
• Expansion of service delivery efficiencies through process improvement, technology integration, inter- and cross-department collaboration.
• Development of a strong and sustainable workforce, with an emphasis on leadership growth, talent recruitment and retention, skills training, and employee engagement.

This leader will ensure alignment with Board priorities, regional partnerships, regulatory frameworks, and community expectations.

Leadership Profile

The County seeks an executive who brings:

• Strategic vision and “can-do” mindset, along with the ability to anticipate emerging issues and shape long-range priorities.
• Unquestionable integrity, strong personal accountability, even when navigating complex or sensitive situations.
• Political and organizational acumen, capable of building trust with elected officials, community leaders, staff, and partner departments and agencies.
• An adaptive and collaborative leadership style that fosters a culture of service, accountability, and performance.
• Strong people leadership skills, including the ability to develop, mentor, and coach staff; cultivate future leaders; and inspire shared purpose across diverse workgroups.
• Exceptional communication and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to integrate complex operational and policy considerations clearly and consistently while engaging effectively with the public, staff, and diverse stakeholders.
• A record of innovation and creative problem-solving, advancing new ideas, technologies, and approaches that enhance service delivery, sustainability, and organizational effectiveness.
• Flexibility and a culturally responsive approach to community engagement, ensuring effective collaboration with populations that have diverse needs and priorities.
• Fiscal accountability, budgetary, and financial management skills to effectively manage a $241 million budget.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of skills and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to qualify is six years of experience in public works administration and an understanding of the full range of public works issues, practices, policies and trends. At least two years of experience in a managerial capacity within a large, public agency and political environment is required.

Application/Examination

To apply for this opportunity, please submit the required application materials online at https://jobs.smcgov.org. Email submissions will not be accepted.

• Resume
• Cover Letter that is no more than 3-pages long that highlights the following:
• Why you are interested in this position and the relevant public works leadership experience you would bring to this role; and
• A recent and significant professional accomplishment that demonstrates your strategic leadership and innovative thinking skills.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

Final Filing Date: Monday, January 12, 2026, 5:00 PM PST

Application Screening: Friday, January 16, 2026

Panel Interviews: Week of January 26, 2026

Finalist Interviews: Week of February 2, 2026

ASSISTANT, ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER

 Assistant Civil Engineer FY 25/26 $92,192.92 - $125,397.85

Assistant Civil Engineer FY 26/27 $94,957.68 - $129,159.78

Assistant Civil Engineer FY 27/28 $97,806.41 - $133,034.58

Associate Civil Engineer $115,452- $135,396

Plus Excellent Benefits

 Are you looking for a place to grow and develop your engineering skills, to have the opportunity to do meaningful work, and serve your community?  Come join us! 

Located in San Mateo County just twelve miles south of San Francisco, Pacifica feels worlds away from it, yet is easily accessible from Highway 1.  The most panoramic coastal town in the San Francisco Bay Area, Pacifica is famous for its six miles of scenic coastline, classic northern California beaches, breathtaking vistas, and charming ambience.  The city is nestled in between small valleys, with Sweeney Ridge to the east, Montara Mountain to the south and the Pacific Ocean’s rocky bluffs and sandy beaches to the west.  Pacifica encompasses roughly 12.6 square miles, of which, approximately one-half is publicly owned open space.  Numerous cities, county and state parks provide panoramic views and a feeling of spaciousness rarely found in suburban areas. Several miles of coastal and ridge top trails tie Pacifica to neighboring communities.

This natural connecting point of beaches, headlands and hills provides a wide range of recreational opportunities from surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving and paragliding, to hiking, whale and bird watching and cycling. Pacifica’s one-quarter mile fishing pier is considered to be one of the best in the state and is ranked number one by anglers in the Bay area. Other recreational amenities include golf, bowling, archery and team sports. Pacifica’s natural beauty is enhanced by its Mediterranean style weather.

With a population of approximately 40,000, Pacifica is a unique family-oriented coastal community that prides itself on fostering a “small town” feel. Many of Pacifica’s residents are highly engaged and involved in the community. Pacifica has excellent elementary and secondary schools, both public and private, and was recently named one of the Top 100 Safest Cities in America by Location, Inc. The City was also awarded the League of California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence for the restoration of Linda Mar Beach and the reclamation of the wetlands in that area.

The community enjoys a diverse economic base and has a significant number of smaller businesses. Tourism is especially important to Pacifica’s economy with thousands of people annually attracted to its beaches, vistas, and open space. Unique shops and a variety of lodging are available with restaurants offering relaxing sunset and coastal viewing. For live local theater and performing arts, Pacifica Spindrift Players is a local and popular favorite, along with Pacifica Performances, which regularly provide both musical presentations and performing arts as well. The world-class bromeliad nursery, Shelldance Orchid Gardens, is located just off Highway 1. Pacifica plays host to the Pacific Coast Fog Festival each September, which showcases everything from artists and performers to children’s activities and a hometown parade.

Pacifica is a place where one can step into the natural world and enjoy a variety of recreational offerings, sample a cultural arts performance or gallery opening, and later relax at a local restaurant and bask in a spectacular sunset. Pacifica’s rich cultural heritage and unique personality make it a community worth uncovering.

To learn more about the City of Pacifica, please visit City of Pacifica.

THE ORGANIZATION

The City of Pacifica is a General Law City incorporated in 1957 and operates under the Council/Manager form of government. Legislative authority is vested in a five-member City Council elected by district for four-year overlapping terms. The Mayor is selected each year by a majority vote of the other Council members. The Council appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, and members of advisory commissions and committees.

Pacifica is a full-service city (approximately 188 FTE) with a proposed FY 2023/24 general fund budget of $40.1M. The City delivers municipal services through seven departments: the City Manager’s office (including the City Clerk, Economic Development, and contract City Attorney); Administrative Services (Finance, Human Resources and IT Divisions); Parks, Beaches, and Recreation; Planning; Public Works (Field Services & Engineering and Wastewater); Police; and Fire (via North County Fire Authority). Employees are represented by eight bargaining units.

Each year the City Council convenes in advance of the new fiscal year to review and amend as necessary City Council goals, and to develop a list of priorities to be implemented in the upcoming fiscal year to fulfill the goals. In Spring 2023, over the course of three public meetings, the Pacifica City Council undertook a comprehensive strategic planning process instead of its annual goal-setting process. Beginning with identifying Mission, Vision, and Values statements for the organization, followed by identifying goals that represent those statements and strategies to fulfill those goals, the Pacifica City Council developed this 2023 to 2030 Strategic Plan.

• Enhance organizational and fiscal stability.
• Improve and steward City infrastructure, streets and facilities.
• Prioritize protection and development of affordable housing.
• Pursue climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Broaden public communications and collaboration.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
The Public Works Department is organized into two Divisions: Field Services/Engineering and Wastewater.  The City has two Deputy Director positions, one that is responsible for Field Services/Engineering and the other that is responsible for Wastewater.  This position would be responsible for the Field Services/Engineering Division of Public Works, with a key emphasis on delivery of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).  The Field Services section maintains parks, buildings, playing field and medians and keeps streets and trails clean and well-maintained.  Additionally, Field Services coordinates the tree program, cleans beaches and maintains the city’s storm drain system. The Engineering section implements the city’s CIP related to streets, roads, storm drains, facilities and coastal projects.  Additionally, the Engineering section pursues grants, manages consultants, reviews development projects and oversees the construction of the CIP and development within the City’s right of way. 

The Principal Civil Engineer will work under general direction, to direct, manage, supervise the Engineering Division; to perform highly complex professional engineering work; to plan, director, and supervise a variety of engineering projects and programs; and to conceptualize, develop, design, and implement all phases of difficult design and engineering research projects, to supervise and review the work professional and technical staff engaged in the preparation and/or review of plans, specifications, maps, designs, estimates, and inspections of capital improvement, construction, development and maintenance projects; coordinate the work of Engineering Division with the rest of Public Works.  

The Public Works Department is supported by 56 Full-Time staff and an operating budget of $21 million, along with FY2023-24 CIP appropriation of $26 million. The Engineering Division has an annual operating budget of $5 million, along with a FY2023-24 CIP appropriation of $18.5 million and is supported by 28 full-time staff. The Principal Civil Engineer reports to the Deputy Director of Public Works.

Public Works Department Values

Show Support

-              Include everyone; respect, listen to and appreciate others

-              Build strong relationships, be a team player

-              Develop ourselves and mentor and develop others

-              Collaborate and work together effectively as one team

Build Trust

-              Communicate clearly, concisely, and candidly

-              Make sound decisions using facts and data

-              Hold ourselves and others accountable for delivering results

-              Show initiative, courage, and integrity

Maintain a Positive Culture

-              Deal positively with residents, businesses, other departments, and each other

-              Have a can do, find a way attitude and emotional resilience

-              Have a continuous improvement philosophy and practice

-              Enjoy the journey and have fun – never at others’ expense

BASIC EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop, plan, and implement goals and objectives of the Public Works Engineering Capital Improvement Projects; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Supervise, coordinate, and review all Public Works engineering activities including engineering design, construction inspection and surveying, as well as contract administration.
• Develop a cohesive team working atmosphere between city staff and contract staff. Establish design guideline parameters to meet regulatory requirements and the goals of the program for the benefit of the customers served.
• Participate in the development and administration of the Capital Improvement Program projects. Forecast annual funding needed for construction, staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies to complete the Capital Improvement Program. Monitor and approve capital improvement expenditures and implement mid-year budget adjustments.
• Determine scope of engineering projects, review plans of private developers and contractors, make technical engineering decisions and establish technical criteria and standards.
• Ensure that quality assurance and quality control plans are in place and being followed for engineering work. Verify computations, plans, specifications, and estimates for Public Works projects, review engineering drawings, and land record maps.
• Attend and participate in meetings and conferences, make project presentations to the City Council and other City commissions and committees, City administrators, public officials, professional organizations, contractors, County, Regional and State regulatory agencies regarding matters relating to areas of assigned responsibilities.
• Prepare a variety of budgets, reports, correspondence, and special studies.

The duties described in this job announcement are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. 

The City of Belmont’s Public Works Department is entering an exciting new chapter under fresh leadership and is launching a new recruitment for an Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer.

We’re looking for an engaging and collaborative leader who’s ready to guide a talented team, foster professional growth, and help shape the future of our city’s infrastructure. The ideal candidate brings strong communication skills, experience in both the public and private sectors, proven success managing large development projects, and a solid background in capital improvement programs.

Key Projects Driving Belmont Forward
Join our Public Works team and be part of the action on projects that are shaping Belmont’s future:

• Alameda de las Pulgas Corridor Improvements: Help enhance safety and mobility along one of Belmont’s most traveled corridors.

• Twin Pines Park Stormwater Detention Basin: Play a key role in a sustainability project designed to reduce flooding and protect our natural environment.

• Ralston Avenue Corridor Phase 4: Be part of the transformation of this major route with upgrades that improve traffic flow, safety, and accessibility.

• Belmont Village Bicycle Improvements: Support efforts to expand bike-friendly connections and promote active, sustainable transportation.

• Transportation Master Plan: Contribute to a citywide plan shaping how our community moves for decades to come.

• Small Cell Wireless Agreement: Help modernize Belmont’s infrastructure and strengthen connectivity across the city.

Recruitment Timeline

We’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. This recruitment will remain open until filled.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: This recruitment will remain open on a continuous basis until the needs of the City are met. Applications are reviewed weekly.  Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.  

The Position

The City of Hayward is seeking a Senior Civil Engineer - Water and Wastewater [Formal Title: Senior Utilities Engineer] with a water and/or wastewater background to supervise, direct, plan, and coordinate the activities of the Utilities Division. The Senior Civil Engineer - Water and Wastewater  is a mid-management level position that performs, oversees, and directs engineering activities including planning, conceptual design, final design, cost estimating, project bidding, services during construction and construction management for a variety of projects in wastewater treatment, water storage and distribution, sewer collection, and storm water management. This position will serve as a key member of the team that will manage and deliver a $300 million treatment system upgrade for the City's Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) to incorporate nutrient removal into the treatment process.

You are:

The ideal candidate will be a senior level professional engineer with experience, interest and skills in designing and implementing a wide variety of wastewater treatment, sewer collections, and water distribution projects in a collaborative and team-focused setting. The City's $300+ million upgrades to its Water Resources Recovery Facility offers an opportunity to implement state-of-the art advanced treatment technologies working in a team environment through design, construction, and startup and commissioning of the new facilities. 
 
DEFINITION
Under general direction, supervise, direct, plan, and coordinate the assigned functions and activities of the Engineering Section of the Utilities Division.
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a mid-management level position that performs, oversees, and directs all assigned activities of the Utilities engineering section, including planning, conceptual design, final design, cost estimating, project bidding process, services during construction and construction management for variety of projects in water distribution, sewer collection, stormwater management, and wastewater treatment.  This position is distinguished from that of subordinate Associate Civil Engineer position by its responsibility for the supervision of assigned engineering and technical staff, in addition to engineering and technical responsibilities for project development, design, and construction management for more complex projects.  This position is distinguished from Deputy Director of Public Works for Utilities by the latter position's overall responsibility for all aspects of the Utilities Division functions.
 
 

Essential Duties

What you will do:

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Assists in the development and implementation of the Engineering Section's goals, objectives, policies and priorities.
 
2. Plans, organizes, controls and evaluates the assigned functions and activities of the Engineering Section of the Utilities Division.
 
3. Provides direct and close supervision in the preparation of assigned master plans and studies that outline future water, wastewater and drainage requirements.
 
4. Prepares drawings, models, and displays for special studies and reports completed by the Utilities Division, and explores and studies the preparation of area wide master plans guiding future installations of major water and sewer facilities.
 
5. Directs the work and provides general supervision in the preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates and the administration of contracts for small construction projects in utilities (e.g., small water main, sewer main and storm drainage projects).

6. Revises and updates standard specifications and details related to water and wastewater utilities.
 
7. Checks plans prepared by other agencies for conflict with the City's existing and proposed utilities systems.
 
8. Consults with and advises other City employees on utilities engineering matters.
 
9. Participates in the selection and supervision of private professional engineers for the development of plans and specifications, studies and reports.
 
10. Coordinates utilities engineering related activities with Engineering & Transportation Division, other City departments, divisions, and sections and with outside agencies.
 
11. Prepares reports and makes recommendations on the Utilities Division's portion of the City's capital improvement program.
 
12. Develops and recommends an annual budget and priority for assigned utilities projects.
 
13. Consults with contractors, builders, and engineers on problems relating to the design, construction, and maintenance of assigned utilities facilities.
 
14. Coordinates construction management of the Utilities Division's projects with the Engineering and Transportation Division staff.
 
15. Consults with and advises the Deputy Director on issues relating to the Utilities Engineer's particular function.
 
16. Advises other sections and program staff within the Utilities Division on engineering and technical matters.
 
17. Prepares project statements outlining scope of projects, design criteria, available data, background, scheduling coordination, and financing for utilities projects.
 
18. Participates in interviews and selection of new employees under the position responsibilities as directed, and trains employees in work procedures, standards and safety practices.  
 
19. Prepares and provides input into employee performance evaluations, including setting and assessing goals, conducts counseling on work-related issues, and makes recommendations regarding discipline.
 
20. Performs related duties as assigned.

Link to full job description: Class Specifications | Senior Utilities Engineer | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com) 

CORE COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering.
• Familiarity with applicable laws and regulatory codes relevant to planning, design and construction of water, wastewater, and storm drainage projects.
• Current developments, literature, and sources of information relative to municipal utilities engineering.
• Modern methods and techniques used in the design and construction of a wide variety of utilities engineering projects.
• Group and interpersonal dynamics.
• Principles of management and supervision including work planning, direction, training and evaluation of work and staff performance. 
• Asset management.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 

• Supervise, train and evaluate professional and technical subordinates.
• Set priorities, organize projects and meet deadlines and budget constraints.
• Perform complex engineering computations and design, check, and supervise the construction of a wide variety of municipal utilities facilities.
• Communicate both orally and in writing to prepare clear and accurate reports, lead discussions, and present information to City staff, contractors, and the general public.
• Complete assignments in a timely manner with minimum supervision.
• Plan and direct the work of other personnel.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups.
• Resolve utilities related construction problems in the field.

Minimum Qualifications

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

You have: 
 Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 
 
Experience:  Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in professional engineering work in the design and construction of water and wastewater projects including one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience.
 
Education:   Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, or a closely related field with major work in civil engineering.  A master's degree is desirable.
 
Licenses and Certificates: 

1. Possession and maintenance of a certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer (Civil or Mechanical) in the State of California.  

2. Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California driver's license.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to: work in a standard office environment and use standard office equipment and current software; to work in a field environment when needed in various weather conditions; grasp, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination to prepare documents and data using a computer keyboard and mouse/trackball; sit for prolonged periods of time; walk, stand, crouch, reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, squat, stoop and safely lift and move equipment and materials weighing up to 35 pounds; converse by telephone, by email, in person, and to small or large groups and be clearly understood; read and comprehend legal, technical and complex documents; interact with the public and all different levels of City staff in an effective and professional manner; and safely drive to various locations throughout the City and County to travel to fulfill assigned duties and to review work outdoors. 
 
Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.  

Supplemental Information

BENEFITS AND REWARDS:

Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Alternative Work Schedule 
• Potential Opportunity for Over Time Hours Earned
• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 14.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

SELECTION PROCEDURE 

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system.  Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at  (855) 524-5627.
 

The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency

City of Hayward

Address

777 B Street

Hayward, California, 94541

Phone

510-583-4500

Website

http://www.hayward-ca.gov

Under the general direction of the Town Manager, plans, schedules, and directs the work of the Public Works Department, which includes providing supervision of street improvements, permits, traffic control, pavement markings, parks and public landscaping, storm drains, street sweeping, building maintenance, and general engineering functions; performs related work as required.

EXAMPLES  OF DUTIES

Prepares and presents public works related items and issues to the Town Council. Plans and supervises the capital improvement program, street maintenance program, storm drain and disaster related repairs and all aspects and equipment related thereto; periodically inspects streets and all public facilities for deficiencies and recommends corrective actions and priority of work; estimates labor, materials, and oversees initiation of projects including street openings, retaining walls, flood control and drainage facilities; manages the Town’s participation in the Marin County storm water pollution prevention program; manages the Town’s GIS program; prepares plans and specifications for bidding procedures; interacts with the Consulting Town Engineer and/or supervises engineering functions; provides complex and responsible administrative support to the Town Manager; prepares departmental budget and controls expenditures; personnel administration within the department; participates in code enforcement and in other activities, as required.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS RECRUITMENT, CLICK JOB URL BELOW OR  JOB PDF BELOW.

The City of Menlo Park is seeking engineering professionals, with exceptional technical and project management skills, for Senior Civil Engineer positions in the Public Works Department (Department) Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Division. The Senior Engineer will lead capital improvement projects under the supervision of the City Engineer or Public Works Director. The CIP team delivers projects for City owned facilities including streets, buildings, storm and domestic water, and parks. The Senior Civil Engineer is responsible for executing CIP projects from planning through completion and managing assigned staff.   

Engineers who prefer diversity in their work and welcome opportunities to work on challenging and visible projects are encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience in a public agency setting, or a combination of public and private sector experience, are preferred. 

About the Department

The Public Works Department consists of approximately 72 full time employees and is responsible for maintaining and improving the City’s streets, parks, water and stormwater systems, traffic signals, fleet, and public buildings.  Public Works provides many of the basic services affecting the daily lives of everyone living, working, visiting, and commuting within the City, including:  

• 26 City-owned buildings/facilities and their grounds
• A fleet of over 250 vehicles and pieces of equipment
• 97 miles of streets
• Drinking water delivery for 16,000 customers
• Flood protection and stormwater management programs particularly along the San Francisco Bay, San Francisquito Creek and Atherton Channel
• 14 parks, 2 open spaces, 14 playgrounds, 2 dog parks, 9 sports fields, and 14 tennis/pickleball courts
• Efforts to preserve and expand the urban canopy, including 20,000 public trees
• Multimodal transportation services including 42 traffic signals, safe routes to schools and citywide shuttle programs. 

The department has nearly a $40 million operating budget supported by over 25 different special/dedicated funding sources for the varied programs and services provided to the community. In addition, the City has an approximate $100 million capital improvement program, in part due to a successful track record in pursuing grants from a variety of local, state and federal sources. Some of the exciting efforts on the horizon include efforts to protect the San Francisco Bay shoreline and adjacent community from sea level rise; efforts to eliminate the City’s reliance on fossil fuels through building and fleet electrification; making investments in transportation safety through strategic quick-build projects and large infrastructure changes like a pedestrian/bicycle undercrossing at Caltrain; and ensuring the equitable delivery of services throughout the entire city in alignment with the goals and programs developed as part of the city’s first environmental justice element underway.

A job description, including examples of typical job functions and qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities, is available by clicking on the Job Description link.

Junior | Assistant Engineer

Appointment level based on experience and qualifications

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Monday, January 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. 

Applications reviewed on a regular basis.

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture. San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment. San Rafael, with a population of approximately 60,000, is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and a fiscal year 2024-2025 annual budget of approximately $180 million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity. The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment. 

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience. 

THE DEPARTMENT 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is committed to providing the highest standards of service delivery to the community as it works to build, maintain, and update the City’s assets and infrastructure. Public Works is comprised of over 50 employees with an operating budget of over $33 million and annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget that ranges between $15–$30 million depending on the City’s annual infrastructure needs.  

The Department of Public Works’ mission is to ensure San Rafael’s infrastructure meets the needs of a vibrant and growing city through careful management of major improvements and the maintenance of the City’s assets. By hiring highly trained, dedicated, responsive, and service-oriented personnel, the PW department is actively making its mission a reality.  

All engineering divisions (Capital Improvement Program, Development Engineering, and Traffic Engineering) are managed under the leadership of the Assistant Director/City Engineer, a structure designed to enhance oversight, streamline communication, and optimize workflow across engineering functions. CLICK HERE for an overview of our Engineering divisions.

The City and DPW are committed to fostering professional growth and career development. We proudly support the Dean Allison Award Internship Program, which guides promising graduates or soon-to-be graduates into careers in local government and promotes meaningful engagement with the City of San Rafael. 

Our Engineering team also takes initiative in nurturing a strong internal culture. Team members organize quarterly workshops that focus on enhancing technical expertise, strengthening collaboration, and improving internal communication—further supporting a workplace environment that values continuous learning and shared success. 

Public Works is currently advancing several exciting initiatives focused on infrastructure transformation, accessibility, and maintenance while also adding recreation spaces for the public to enjoy. For an overview of the City of San Rafael’s upcoming Capital Improvement Program projects, see the Public Works Projects website. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Junior and/or Assistant Engineer will support and gradually lead a variety of projects related to infrastructure improvements, traffic system operations and upgrades, development plan review and permitting, and more. The Engineering Team is committed to fostering an environment where every member can grow, explore new interests, and elevate the team as a whole. As such, we are seeking a candidate who brings curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the desire to connect with the collaborative energy that defines our team.

The Ideal Candidate will possess an understanding of civil engineering principles and have strong critical thinking, communication and organizational skills that allow them to effectively manage a variety of assignments and support on various projects. They will have a strong desire to enhance services for the community and the interest to develop human-centered engineering solutions. They will have the opportunity to interact with and oversee consultant professionals.

The successful candidate will be flexibility assigned to support one or more engineering divisions while collaborating with other DPW divisions and City departments. Prior experience in municipal engineering and/or customer service is desirable.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Foundational Civil Engineering Knowledge

• Reading Comprehension

• Communication & Team Collaboration

• Problem Solving & Initiative

• Attention to Detail & Accountability

• Open-minded & Flexible

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. CLICK HERE for the full job spec.

• Develops Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and participate with other department staff in the selection of consulting engineers.
• Prepares and/or assists in the preparation of plans, specifications and estimates pertaining to construction projects.
• Interprets plans and specifications.
• Makes engineering calculations, completes design drawings, makes and revises maps, charts and diagrams.
• Conducts pre-construction meetings with contractors to establish job requirements, i.e., timing, noise level, traffic impact.
• Performs field inspections of various municipal construction projects, in progress and upon completion.
• Prepares written reports on civil engineering issues/projects for the department.
• Meets with a variety of public and private officials, individually and/or in a group setting, on civil engineering matters.
• Research and make recommendations on civil engineering issues/problems.
• Performs project management on Capital Projects during the design, environmental, bidding, and construction phases of the project.
• Performs Resident Engineer duties on Capital Projects during construction.
• Performs inspection and enforcement duties to ensure compliance with applicable design standards, specifications, contracts and legal documents, codes and ordinances.
• Review plans and maps submitted by private developers for conformity with laws, ordinances, City imposed requirements and accepted professional standards with the goal of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community.
• Researches publications and industry information sources and attends conferences and continuing education courses to keep abreast of new developments in the field of public works engineering.
• May attend and present information at public meetings.

SHAPING THE CITY’S QUALITY OF LIFE & INFRASTRUCTURE

Junior and Assistant Engineers have the opportunity to make an impact on the community by

• Conducting field inspections and visits to verify site conditions and compliance with City standards;
• Responding to community concerns and by building good rapport with members of the public;
• Enhancing connectivity and user safety through multi-modal projects;
• Reviewing permit applications and plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations;
• Improving public access through sidewalk and roadway enhancements;
• Overseeing contractors on various infrastructure projects for quality assurance and project compliance
• Developing exhibits and plans for traffic enhancements and pilot projects.

And so much more!

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Junior Engineer is the entry level engineer classification. The position requires a BS degree in Civil Engineering and does not require any formal work experience or engineering certification.
   
• Assistant Engineer is the initial classification in the engineering job class series requiring EIT and two years of Junior Engineer level experience (a master’s degree shall count for 1 year of post degree engineering experience).

LICENSES

• Assistant Engineer requires an Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
• Both levels: A valid drivers’ license.

BENEFITS

This position is a regular position of the City’s Western Council of Engineers (WCE) employee group and is eligible to receive benefits including but not limited to:

• MEDICAL | City group health coverage, with the City paying a fixed dollar amount toward the cost of the monthly insurance premium. Employee only: $950.00; Employee plus one: $1,900.00; Family: $2,400.00
• DENTAL | Premium fully paid for employee plus eligible dependents.
• VISION | Premium fully paid for employee.
• VACATION LEAVE | 10 days annually, increases after 3 years of service
• SICK LEAVE | 12 days annually
• HOLIDAYS | 12 paid City holidays plus 1 floating holiday per year
• COMPENSATORY TIME option
• BEREAVEMENT LEAVE | Up to 5 days paid leave
• END OF LIFE CARE LEAVE | Up to 80 hours paid leave
• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE (if eligible) | Up to 300 hours paid leave. WCE employees also contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI)
• LIFE INSURANCE & AD&D | $5,000 Life Insurance and a $5,000 AD&D benefit
• LONG TERM DISABILITY | 66.67% of salary, up to $1,000 per month
• RETIREMENT | Enrollment in the Marin County Retirement System (MCERA) pension plan, a defined benefit retirement program
  • Tier 2 - hired on or after 7/1/2011: 2% @ 55, Average of 3 highest years
  • Tier 3 PEPRA - hired on or after 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62, Average of 3 highest years
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION | City will contribute one percent (1.06%) of base pay into a City-provided deferred compensation plan
• GYM MEMBERSHIP REIMBURSEMENT | Up to $198 per year
• BILINGUAL PAY (if eligible) | Up to $250 per month

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF BELOW.
 

The City of Patterson’s Public Works Department is seeking to fill (1) one full-time Maintenance Worker position within the Parks division and to establish an eligibility list.  Duties include but are not limited to: Under supervision performs routine manual labor, maintenance, and repair tasks while learning to perform a full range of semi-skilled work required in maintenance, repair, operations and construction of related facilities, parks, and services; performs other duties as assigned.

Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the City’s Urban Forestry, Parks, Streets, Collections and Building Maintenance Divisions.  Eligible lists may be valid for up to twelve months.
 

The City of Livermore is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Distribution Supervising Operator.  Under direction of the Water Distribution Operations Manager, the Water Distribution Supervising Operator plans, organizes and supervises the Water Section in the Water Resources Division of the Public Works Department; coordinates work activities with other sections, divisions, and/or departments; provides leadership, coaching and mentoring to assigned staff; and performs other duties as assigned. This position has primary responsibility for supervising the day-to-day functions of the section staff and workload.

Apply at www.livermoreca.gov/jobs.  This recruitment is open until filled.  Please apply early as the recruitment may close at any time.