Civil Engineering Division Manager; U

Overview

The City of San Bernardino is seeking an experienced and strategic Civil Engineering Division Manager (U) to lead complex land development and infrastructure programs that shape the City’s growth and ensure regulatory excellence. This is a licensed Professional Engineer opportunity to oversee land development, ADA compliance, and storm water regulatory programs while mentoring a talented engineering team.

As a future member of our team, you’ll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and momentum. Located in Southern California’s Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity.

San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

Under general direction of the Public Works Director, the Civil Engineering Division Manager plans, organizes, and directs the City’s Land Development functions within the Civil Engineering Division. This position is responsible for managing on-site construction activities, civil engineering plan review, grading and ADA compliance, and storm water and NPDES/MS4 regulatory programs to ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

The Division Manager provides high-level technical and managerial oversight, coordinates with internal departments and external agencies, and serves as a key resource to developers, consultants, contractors, and the public. In addition to supervising professional and technical staff, this role plays a critical part in improving processes, implementing best practices, and ensuring efficient and consistent delivery of land development services. The Division Manager shall work collaboratively with consultants and developers to proactively identify and resolve complex civil engineering issues related to project conditions of approval, ensuring compliance with City standards and timely project delivery.

This position is ideal for a collaborative leader who combines strong technical expertise with sound judgment, excellent communication skills, and a passion for public service.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and forward-thinking licensed Professional Engineer with strong leadership experience in municipal land development and regulatory compliance. They bring a balance of technical expertise and people-centered management, with the ability to lead complex programs while fostering a positive and accountable work environment.

This individual has a thorough understanding of civil engineering principles related to on-site construction, grading, ADA accessibility, and storm water/NPDES compliance, and is confident interpreting and enforcing applicable federal, state, and local regulations. They are comfortable making sound, independent decisions and providing clear guidance to staff, developers, consultants, and the public.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Proven experience supervising and mentoring professional and technical staff
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex regulations in a clear, customer-focused manner
• A proactive approach to process improvement and operational efficiency
• The ability to work effectively across departments and with external agencies
• A commitment to public service, regulatory integrity, and continuous improvement

On a typical day, the Civil Engineering Division Manager balances strategic oversight with hands-on leadership. The day may begin with reviewing complex development applications or coordinating with staff on plan reviews, inspections, and permit activity. Meetings with internal departments such as Planning, Building, Fire, and Utilities are common to ensure projects move forward efficiently and in compliance with City…