Published date: February 22, 2026
Salary: $136,177.60 Annually
Closing Date: Continuous
Apply HERE
County of San Diego Civil Engineer – Traffic
***This hard to recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee’s name on your job application in the space provided. ***
This is an excellent professional career opportunity to be part of a progressive, recognized, and award-winning public agency in beautiful San Diego. The County of San Diego is a dynamic and diverse organization committed to providing essential public services to its residents. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, we strive to create a safe and thriving environment for all who call San Diego County home. The County of San Diego has a commitment to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion, which supports our values of Integrity, Stewardship, and Commitment to excellence. Having an inclusive workforce means you can be comfortable as you work, secure in the knowledge that you have an employer who values you and values those things that make you, you!
The Civil Engineer Position:
The purpose of this recruitment is to establish a six (6) month eligible list to fill current and future vacancies in the County’s Department of Public Works (DPW), Traffic Engineering Section.
The Traffic Engineering Section strives to achieve and maintain a safe and efficient County Maintained Road system for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians, serving the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Our services include designing, installing, and maintaining critical infrastructure such as traffic signals, traffic signs, striping, and guard rail while addressing community concerns. We conduct detailed traffic studies and evaluations to determine appropriate safety measures and improvements, ensuring that roadways operate efficiently and safely for all road users in support of sustainability, growth, and quality of life throughout San Diego County. Additionally, we provide technical expertise for land development projects, maintain streetlight systems, and respond to traffic-related service requests from residents and elected officials. Click this link for more information about the Traffic Engineering Section of the Department of Public Works.
A Civil Engineer in the Traffic Engineering Section of the County of San Diego is responsible for designing, analyzing, and implementing traffic safety and mobility improvements throughout the County’s unincorporated areas. Key duties include conducting comprehensive traffic studies and capacity analyses to evaluate intersection performance, roadway operations, and pedestrian/bicycle safety conditions. The position involves preparing engineering plans for traffic control devices including signals, signs, and striping, as well as responding to citizen requests and safety concerns by investigating traffic issues and recommending appropriate solutions. Additional responsibilities include coordinating with other County departments, utility companies, Caltrans and other local agencies, and maintaining accurate records and documentation while ensuring all work complies with applicable engineering standards, California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD), and County policies. The position requires strong analytical skills, the ability to manage and supervise subordinate staff, and the ability to communicate effectively with the public, elected officials, and interdisciplinary project teams.
This position itself is a journey-level class in the Civil Engineer series with a career ladder that includes Assistant Engineer, Civil Engineer, and Senior Civil Engineer. Click Civil Engineer for more details about the duties and requirements for this position. The career ladder offers a great opportunity for professional growth and development within the series and the County of San Diego. Click the links for additional information about the Assistant Engineer position and the Senior Civil Engineer position.
Work Schedule:
The current vacancies for Civil Engineer may be assigned to work a hybrid schedule. This schedule may consist of teleworking or working remotely; and working at the DPW office in Kearny Mesa, as well as in the field as needed.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
The ideal candidate for Civil Engineer will possess the following experience, attributes, and traits:
- Demonstrate proven professional level experience as a civil engineer
- Demonstrate a high degree of motivation
- Demonstrate a strong willingness to continually learn and grow professionally
- Maintain a professional perspective and objective demeanor when varied situations occur
- Review and handle complex projects involving several functional groups
- Communicate effectively in verbal and written form
- Good listener
- Learn and understand the perspectives of others, and embrace diversity and inclusiveness
- Demonstrate good interpersonal and teamwork skills, including building relationships and collaborating with others in order to keep projects moving in a positive direction
If you believe that you possess these qualities, then the County of San Diego would be an ideal place for your talent and career growth. The County of San Diego has a great culture that values collaboration and teamwork.
Minimum Qualifications:
Qualified applicants must possess registration by the State of California as a Professional Engineer.
Some positions in the Department of Public Works may require a Qualified Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Developer (QSD) and/or a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) certificate as required by Order No. 2010-0014-DWQ within one year of appointment.
Reflecting our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent, all candidates hired for this position will be eligible to receive an annual base salary of $136,177.60
Future Salary Increases:
** June 2026 – 4.57% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 1.07% Market Adjustment)
** June 2027 – 4.07% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 1.07% Market Adjustment)
The following additional pay incentives and premiums are available:
** New Hire Lateral Incentive Pay – Candidates who have experience as a Civil Engineer in a public agency are eligible for up to a maximum of $5,000
** 5% Engineer Premium (applied to time worked)
** $1,250 Recruitment Bonus
** Additional $1,250 Bonus after successful completion of the probation period