Principal Civil Engineer *Revised

The Position

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 3/5/26, 6/5/26,
* 7/29/26, 9/4/26, 12/4/26. Incumbents are responsible for a variety of general civil engineering work in connection with the design, surveying, testing of materials and construction of public works projects. Public works projects include, but are not limited to new building construction and remodels; and other structures and projects. Principal Civil Engineer is a management level class requiring a high degree of professional skill and knowledge in administering and evaluating complex engineering programs.

The class of Principal Civil Engineer differs from the next lower class of Senior Civil Engineer, in that the Principal plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the work of a major section involving several programs whereas the Senior is responsible for a specific program. The Principal has greater administrative responsibility in the area of long and short range planning and budget control and review and has more responsibility for the professional growth and development of assigned staff.

The scope of responsibility and discretion allowed is great. Decisions are subject to review only when general policy is involved.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering
• Methods and materials used in the design, construction, and inspection of varied civil engineering projects
• Budget preparation
• Principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision
• Laws and regulations pertaining to public works construction and design

Ability to:

• Plan, supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of a multiple disciplinary professional and technical staff
• Evaluate complex design and consulting work
• Direct the preparation of technical reports
• Direct the preparation of a complicated and comprehensive budget
• Analyze engineering and managerial problems and work out effective solutions
• Maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, consultants, and others
• Train and direct personnel
• Effectively present policy questions, alternatives and recommend solutions to department manager or elected officials

Minimum Qualifications:

Current registration as a civil engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.

AND Four years of full-time experience as a registered engineer performing duties which have included difficult and complex civil engineering projects with responsibilities comparable to those of a project, resident, or operations engineer for public works projects. The projects must have provided significant involvement with budget preparation or monitoring of project expenditures; principles and techniques of human resources management and supervision;
Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to the programs and their funding; and interface with other coordinating organizations and regulatory jurisdictions. Experience to be applied must be comparable to that of an Associate Civil Engineer or higher within County of Sacramento service. Two years of this experience shall be in the option being tested. A Masters Degree in the option being tested may be substituted for one year of the experience.

Note:

If the word "experience" is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note:

If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please  or speak to someone in our office before the final filing or cut-off date listed in this notice.

General

Qualifications:

License Requirement: A valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, is required prior to appointment to this class. Failure to maintain the appropriate California Driver's License, may constitute cause for termination from this class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Certification Requirements:
Per Health and Safety Code, Sections 18949.25 – 18949.31, incumbents may be required to obtain a certification from a recognized state, national, or international association, as determined by the County, within two years of date of hire or assignment. Some positions in this class series require incumbents to complete one year of verifiable experience in the appropriate field and, within one year thereafter, to obtain certification from a recognized state, national, or international association, as…