Principal Civil Engineer

JOB SUMMARY

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. First review is scheduled for January 19, 2026. Apply early for priority consideration.

The City of Lake Forest is nestled in the heart of South Orange County and the beautiful Saddleback Valley. The City of Lake Forest is a thriving, family‑friendly community known for its natural beauty, high quality of life, and strong commitment to public service. Incorporated in 1991, Lake Forest has grown into a vibrant city of approximately 87,830 residents, offering a unique blend of suburban comfort and outdoor recreation.

The City features 32 public parks, two scenic man‑made lakes, and the expansive Whiting Ranch Regional Wilderness Park, providing countless opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor enjoyment. Lake Forest has quality public schools for grades K‑12, several preschools, private elementary schools, and technical and trade schools within the city. Higher education is only minutes away at the University of California at Irvine, California State University at Fullerton, Chapman University, Concordia University, and Saddleback and Irvine Valley Community Colleges.

In 2023, Lake Forest launched a 2023–2030 Capital Improvement Program, planning 68 projects. The City has recently completed a range of impactful public works projects that have enhanced infrastructure and community spaces throughout the city. These include the replacement of over 7,000 square feet of sidewalk at 88 locations, synchronized traffic signals, installed audible pedestrian signals, and enhanced medians to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

Parks and public spaces saw major improvements with upgrades to new lighting at the dog park, and the addition of lighting for pickleball and volleyball courts.

The selected candidate will have the exciting opportunity to participate in several major infrastructure initiatives that are shaping the future of Lake Forest. As the Principal Civil Engineer, you’ll serve as a senior technical and supervising leader overseeing large‑scale, highly complex civil engineering projects that shape Lake Forest’s community. Your expertise will guide the planning, design, and construction of critical public infrastructure, including streets, utilities, traffic systems, and sustainable development initiatives.

You will supervise and mentor engineering professionals while serving as project manager on the City’s most significant capital improvement and public works projects.

Through collaboration with City departments, local agencies, contractors, consultants, and community stakeholders, you’ll ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Your leadership and strategic vision will be essential for managing multiple high‑priority infrastructure projects and advancing Lake Forest’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in public service.

• Ability to prepare precise and detailed engineering reports and specifications describing Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects for contracts, requests for proposals (RFPs), and grant applications; prepares agenda reports for all phases of the project.
• Build strong working relationships with contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders through excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Interprets City engineering standards and policies and analyzes the feasibility of engineering designs and estimates labor and material costs; recommends approval of change orders in consultation with engineering management personnel.
• Manage multiple complex capital projects simultaneously while maintaining responsiveness to community needs and meeting critical deadlines.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, presentations to the City Council, and public engagement.

For full position details, please click the job description: Principal Civil Engineer

Reports to: Director of Public Works/City Engineer

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Civil Engineering or related field; and,
• Five years of professional civil engineering design and review experience, including project management duties and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California

This position is required to work on‑site at the City of Lake Forest City Hall from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, following a 9/80 work schedule (with every other Friday off). (

Note:

The incumbent may be eligible to hybrid work one day per week, per department approval).