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!

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of a major engineering unit in the Public Works Department, including public and private subdivision projects, CIP, grading, field inspection work, and 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; 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 technical information and instruction regarding applicable procedures and methods; interprets and explains rules, regulations and procedures; answers questions and resolves concerns.
• Responds to and resolves various issues with residents, other departments representatives, and outside agencies, including slope and drainage, storm drain, channel rehabilitation, and flood zones.
• Serves as a liaison for the assigned function to other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; attends meetings, as necessary; provides staff support to commissions, committees and task forces, as necessary; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to assigned management staff; develops and reviews staff reports related to engineering activities and services; may present information to the City Council and various commissions, committees and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to engineering programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, committees, and task forces; attends and participates in professional groups and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints from citizens in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
• Principles and practices of budget…