Sustainability & Resilience Project Engineer I/II at City of Santa Barbara, CA
City of Santa Barbara, CA · Santa Barbara, United States Of America · Hybrid
- Professional
- Office in Santa Barbara
About the Department
Project Engineer I – Salary $108,598 - $132,003 annually
Project Engineer II – Salary $119,393 - $145,123 annually
OUR AGENCY
At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in a collaborative environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive and grow while fulfilling our Mission. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here.
The City of Santa Barbara’s Sustainability and Resilience Department is searching for a Project Engineer to deliver Sustainability and Resilience capital projects and support operations and maintenance (O&M) needs. Be part of a high performing team that works collaboratively to deliver sustainable projects that benefit our community.
The Mission of the Sustainability & Resilience Department, is to support a sustainable, healthy, and safe Santa Barbara through reducing the City’s carbon footprint, managing energy and materials use, protecting, and restoring creeks and water quality, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and building local climate resilience. If you are a motivated and dedicated environmental professional interested in the position, read more about the Sustainability & Resilience Department here.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
As a City of Santa Barbara employee, the work that you do has a tangible impact on our community. We are about more than the bottom line; our work ensures the health and safety of residents and visitors, protects and preserves our architectural heritage and the natural environment, and enriches lives.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & PAY
Earn an attractive compensation package including competitive pay, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, retirement, paid time off, flexible work policies, commuter support, training and educational reimbursement.
The City of Santa Barbara’s Sustainability and Resilience Department is searching for a Project Engineer to deliver Sustainability and Resilience capital projects and support operations and maintenance (O&M) needs. Be part of a high performing team that works collaboratively to deliver sustainable projects that benefit our community.
The Mission of the Sustainability & Resilience Department, is to support a sustainable, healthy, and safe Santa Barbara through reducing the City’s carbon footprint, managing energy and materials use, protecting, and restoring creeks and water quality, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and building local climate resilience. If you are a motivated and dedicated environmental professional interested in the position, read more about the Sustainability & Resilience Department here.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
As a City of Santa Barbara employee, the work that you do has a tangible impact on our community. We are about more than the bottom line; our work ensures the health and safety of residents and visitors, protects and preserves our architectural heritage and the natural environment, and enriches lives.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & PAY
Earn an attractive compensation package including competitive pay, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, retirement, paid time off, flexible work policies, commuter support, training and educational reimbursement.
THE POSITION
The City of Santa Barbara’s Sustainability and Resilience Department is searching for a Project Engineer to deliver Sustainability and Resilience capital projects and support operations and maintenance (O&M) needs. Be part of a high performing team that works collaboratively to deliver sustainable projects in green infrastructure, clean energy, building electrification, storm water management, and habitat restoration, that benefit our community. This position will support Sustainability and Resilience capital projects by facilitating delivery of complex projects through design and construction and being an integral member of the Sustainability and Resilience team in supporting ongoing O&M needs. The Project Engineer will perform the full range of project management, bid, and contract administration for capital improvement projects, maintenance and repair, and O&M projects. Working collaboratively and independently in a dynamic environment, the Project Engineer will serve a vital role in bringing projects to fruition. The position will report to Public Works Engineering, while working directly with the Sustainability and Resilience team, and collaborating with staff across the City organization.
The Project Engineer will independently manage all aspects of complex projects, both small and large, primarily focused on both electrical and civil projects including storm water management, creek restoration, renewable energy installations, battery storage, electrical vehicle infrastructure, and building electrification projects. Regardless of the scale of the project, the Project Engineer is expected to: facilitate the development of project goals and ensure support from all stakeholders; develop scopes of work aligned with project goals; develop project budgets and facilitate necessary budgetary actions; manage the selection of consultant support services; administer contracts; maintain financial records and make projections of project costs; coordinate construction activities with other City departments; keep stakeholders informed; involve the client when significant scope and cost changes are needed; manage City support staff and consultants to meet the goals of the project and client divisions; negotiate contract change orders; exercise professional engineering judgment in accordance with current professional practice and appropriate laws and codes; oversee the preparation of technical reports and correspondence; and perform related duties and responsibilities as required. The Senior Project Engineer must communicate effectively amongst stakeholders including, but not limited to, contractors, consultants, client divisions, City management, community members, and outside organizations.
The ideal candidate:
- Has strong technical Engineering and interpersonal skills and experience necessary to manage and deliver design and construction projects within a collaborative team environment.
- Has a proven track record of project management and contract administration experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully deliver projects.
- Understands the techniques of managing, scheduling, and monitoring multiple projects simultaneously to ensure timely completion within budget.
- Demonstrates excellent communication skills (both orally and in writing).
- Is flexible and adaptable.
- Exercises good judgement in analyzing situations and making decisions.
- Utilizes a team approach to problem solving and effectively resolving conflict.
- Has public sector experience in the design and construction of capital improvement projects and O&M activities.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Project Engineer I
This is the entry level class within the Project Engineer series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Project Engineer II by the performance of more routine tasks and duties, including smaller projects performed under supervision. Employees at the entry level of this classification may have limited to no direct related work experience.
Project Engineer II
This is the full journey level class within the Project Engineer series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Project Engineer I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including independent development of designs and managing construction projects.
Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Telecommuting/Flexible Work ScheduleThis position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - Please note that employees must work in office at least three (3) days per week.
Position Duties
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of civil and electrical engineering.
- Principles and practices of project and construction management.
- Principles and practices of engineering design.
- City design standards.
- Principles and practices of capital budget development and administration.
- Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in technical civil and electrical engineering report preparation.
- Materials, tools, and equipment used in civil and electrical engineering.
- Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding design, civil and electrical engineering.
- Pertinent Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including civil and electrical engineering laws and regulations.
- Renewable energy technologies and nomenclature including solar photovoltaics and battery storage.
- Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure.
- Building electrical load calculations.
- Heat pump water heaters and Heat Pump HVAC.
- Principles and practices of green building, storm water management, blue/green infrastructure.
- Hydrology and watershed processes.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
- State and Federal requirements for Grant funded projects.
Ability to:
- Develop, review and modify civil engineering plans, designs, and specifications.
- Participate in professional civil and electrical engineering/design activities for assigned projects.
- Prepare and maintain technical civil and electrical engineering/design records and prepare reports.
- Coordinate phases of construction projects and prepare progress reports.
- Manage and oversee engineering projects.
- Operate computer engineering systems and project management software.
- Develop RFPs for planning, design, and construction management services.
- Conduct engineering studies and develop appropriate recommendations.
- Perform technical research and solve engineering problems.
- Compile technical data and prepare statistical and narrative reports from field studies.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Interpret and edit single line diagrams.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Project Engineer I: Some civil engineering experience is desirable.
Project Engineer II: Minimum two (2) years of engineering experience, preferably with a government agency.
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Project Engineer I: Some civil engineering experience is desirable.
Project Engineer II: Minimum two (2) years of engineering experience, preferably with a government agency.
Minimum Qualifications
The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.
Other Qualifications
There is currently one (1) vacancy within the Sustainability and Resilience Department.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025.
Apply Now
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025.
