Published date: February 22, 2026
Salary: $136,177.60 Annually
Closing Date: Continuous
Apply HERE
County of San Diego Civil Engineer
***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); and Planning & Development Services (PDS).
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. The career ladder offers a great opportunity for professional growth and development within the series and the County of San Diego.
A Civil Engineer working in Public Works could be assigned to the Transportation Division which includes Field and Traffic Engineering; the Engineering Services Division which includes Construction Engineering/Material Lab, Waste Management, and Design Engineering/Capital Projects; and the Land Development Division which includes Private Development Construction Inspection. Watch this video to see DPW staff in action!
A Civil Engineer working in PDS will review engineering plans and technical studies and prepare entitlement conditions for various public and private projects within the County of San Diego. The future incumbent will also work collaboratively with a team to ensure adequacy of design and conformance with ordinances, laws, and standard engineering practices and principles.
HIRING PROCESS AND TIMELINE:
- Job Offer and Background Process begins after 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 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 or PDS 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.
Note: Extensive experience in planning, design, and/or construction of water and wastewater infrastructure is highly desirable.
Interviews will be held on an ongoing weekly basis
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