Engineer -III

Job Posting

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking motivated and talented candidates for Engineer I–III. Two vacancies are currently available — and this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a community consistently recognized for its high quality of life. One position is in Public Works, and one is in Community Development. The eligibility list established through this recruitment may also be used to fill future Engineer I–III roles in other departments, including Utilities, giving applicants the chance to be considered for multiple pathways within the City.

This recruitment will remain open until the positions are filled. Applications submitted by 11:59 PM on Monday, July 27, 2026, will receive first consideration. As this is a continuous recruitment, the posting may close at any time without notice; interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.

Candidates selected to move forward will be invited to in-person interviews on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Please hold that date.

The level of responsibility and salary will be based on the qualifications of the applicant. (see Education and Experience below)

The successful candidate will be a well-rounded civil engineering professional with strong technical capabilities, proven adaptability, and an interest in contributing to a collaborative, dynamic team environment. Candidates should demonstrate motivation, sound judgment, and the ability to support a variety of public infrastructure projects.

Provides general engineering support and direction to a variety of public and private projects. Performs professional and technical civil engineering work starting with simple and moving to more complex projects. Typical projects may include the following: roads, drainage, grading, buildings, water and wastewater pipelines, treatment facilities, tanks, parks and landscaping, bike paths, environmental mitigation, and other related infrastructure. As employees show an increase in knowledge, skills, abilities, and initiative, employees will be eligible for promotion within this career series.

This classification is part of the Engineer I, II, III career series.

Employees in this classification work under general supervision of the Division Manager or Supervising Civil Engineer. Entry level employees may also work under the direction of a Senior or Engineer III within a broad framework of policies and procedures.

Employees in the Engineer positions are not directly responsible for the supervision and evaluation of other engineering staff; however, they may provide supervision of work product to technician or intern staff.

Prepares construction drawings and specifications for a variety of City public works projects using AutoCAD and related civil design software to process projects through the City.

Reviews and evaluates preliminary and final plans and specifications for private development.

Inspects and evaluates ongoing public works and development projects to ensure compliance with plans and specifications and regulatory agency requirements.

Conducts surveys, and/or assists survey personnel in obtaining field data and conducts a variety of field construction tests for compliance purposes.

Verifies and maintains appropriate records and files; prepares comprehensive technical reports and agenda reports related to assignments. Presents reports as needed.

Attends various meetings and makes presentations as a representative of the City.

Performs a variety of computer and tracking support functions.

Interacts with the public at the public counter answering questions and issuing permits for construction in the City's right of way.

Performs studies, researches files, records, plans, and maps.

Gathers, assembles, analyzes and interprets field data, and prepares reports.

Plans, directs, participates, supervises the work product of technicians and interns, and effectively completes assigned projects. This technical work involves engineering, surveying, construction, or other activities related to the civil engineering profession.

Administers consultant contracts for support services such as surveying, soil testing, biological studies, etc.

Coordinates with other…