Principal Civil Engineer

JOIN THE CITY OF ORANGE AS A PRINCIPAL CIVIL ENGINEER (DESIGN ENGINEERING)

Recruitment

Note:

This recruitment is open continuously and can close at any time, without notice. The first review of applications will take place on January 27, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately!

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of a major engineering unit within the Public Works Department, including long- and short-term project planning, environmental program planning and compliance, design, construction, permitting, right-of-way, and other programs; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Public Works Director, an assigned Deputy Directors of Public Works, and others in areas of expertise;

and performs related work as required.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of a major engineering unit in the Public Works Department, including public and private sub‑division projects, CIP, grading, field inspection work, and/or environmental programs, planning, and compliance.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planning services, projects, and activities; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Deputy Director.
• Participates in the development and administration of and oversees the division budgets.
• Participates in selection, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Recommends and administers policies and procedures such as procedure guidelines, design standards, and standard plans and specifications while ensuring that operation and maintenance, financial, regulatory, and legal requirements are met.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposal for professional and/or construction services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; negotiates and administers contracts after award; ensures contractor compliance with City standards and specifications, time and budget estimates; analyzes and resolves complex problems that may arise; recommends and approves field changes as required.
• Conducts capital improvement project planning activities; provides oversight and input into the conceptual design of engineering projects; investigates and resolves problems with scope of work or cost issues of major facility upgrade and replacement projects.
• Analyzes civil engineering plan design, specifications, consultant and staff comments in accordance with design requirements and municipal and intergovernmental standards and regulations; recommends approval or additional engineering conditions and changes.
• Reviews and approves all grading plans and permits; all plans and specifications for capital improvement projects; all tract and parcel maps, lot line adjustments, and legal reviews; all controversial encroachment permits; and other engineering and design documents.
• Meets and confers with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, a variety of outside agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding City development requirements.
• Prepares, reviews and completes various reports, including City Council agenda reports and division‑related documentation and correspondence.
• Provides…