Published date: February 22, 2026
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:
***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. ***
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. Read here 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. Read additional information about the Assistant Engineer position and the Senior Civil Engineer position.
Hiring Process and Timeline:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Work Schedule
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.