Published date: February 22, 2026
Salary: $104,811.20 – $128,876.80 Annually
Closing Date: Continuous
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County of San Diego Construction Engineer
The Position:
A Construction Engineer working for the Department of Public Works (DPW) could be assigned to the Management Services Division which supports Closed Landfills and Private Roads/Landscape Maintenance where Construction Engineers will work on projects that range from large scale grading operations to asphalt work. A Construction Engineer working in DPW could also be assigned to The Land Development Division, which supports Flood Control, the Watershed Protection Program, or the Private Development Construction inspection unit. Construction Engineers assigned to Flood Control perform reviews of large-scale flood control design and construction projects to private building permits, manage flood control facilities, and respond to public and private drainage inquiries, while Construction Engineers assigned to the Watershed Protection Program, review small residential to large-scale commercial or master-planned communities. Construction Engineers assigned to Private Development Construction Inspection perform a variety of tasks, from reviews and inspection of large-scale permitted utility and private development projects to responding to public referrals of unpermitted right of way encroachments and private property watercourse obstructions. A Construction Engineer working in DPW could also be assigned to the Engineering Services Division which includes Construction Engineering/Materials Lab and the Capital Improvement Program.
A Construction Engineer working for Planning & Development Services (PDS), Land Development and Building Divisions, will work on exciting projects that make a real difference in the community. From department projects to privately initiated land development projects, you’ll serve as Resident Engineer and perform engineering duties, review plans and provide corrections, as well as coordinate project design, and work with the public to explain engineering and other code related specifications.
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.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education, training, and/or experience, that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. Qualifying education/experience:
1. At least six (6) years of experience involving the application of civil engineering formulas, theory, and practices to practical engineering problems of modern construction methods, design and inspection procedures, in connection with public works improvement projects; OR,
2. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field; AND, two (2) years of experience involving the application of civil engineering formulas, theory, and practices to practical engineering problems of modern construction methods, design and inspection procedures, in connection with public works improvement projects; OR,
3. A Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field; AND, one (1) year of experience involving the application of civil engineering formulas, theory, and practices to practical engineering problems of modern construction methods, design and inspection procedures, in connection with public works improvement projects; OR,
4. A combination of education and experience as described above.
Note: 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 within one-year of appointment.
Future Salary Increases:
** June 2026 – 6.5% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 3% Market Adjustment)
** June 2027 – 6% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 3% Market Adjustment)
Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis. Job offers will be made after successful completion of interviews.
As a Construction Engineer with the County of San Diego, you’ll have the chance to work on exciting projects that make a real difference in the community. From infrastructure improvements to monitoring the implementation of contractor’s stormwater pollution prevention plans, you’ll serve as Resident Engineer and perform engineering duties on large and complex construction contracts for Capital Improvement Projects, Landfill or Road Projects, or Private Development. The County of San Diego is committed to providing a supportive work environment, with amazing benefits and opportunities for advancement. If you’re ready to take on new challenges and make a lasting impact, the County of San Diego is the perfect place to build your career in construction engineering.