Engineer I​/II

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

To be considered in the first application review, submit your application by Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

The City of Santa Maria is recruiting one Engineer I/II in the Water Resources Division of the Utilities Department. Spring 2026 college graduates who will earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering or a related field are highly encouraged to apply for this job opportunity.

The City of Santa Maria is a full-service city with a Council/Manager form of government with over 700 employees and serves approximately 110,000 residents. The City is located on California’s central coast and covers over 23 square miles, which balances urban and agricultural lands.

The Utilities Department is responsible for providing water, wastewater treatment, sewer collection, refuse collection, and disposal services to Santa Maria. The Mission Statement of the Utilities Department is to provide efficient utility services through the use of progressive innovation, excellent customer service, and the wise use of public resources for the long-term benefit of the community.

Under the general direction of the assigned supervisor, this position assists in the planning, coordination, analysis, and implementation of various engineering activities. This classification is currently in multiple divisions and departments across the City and may be flexibly staffed at the discretion of the Department Director. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification but may act as lead worker for temporarily assigned employees or special projects.

The Engineer I/II position is an Individual Contributor role that provides design and engineering services to ensure City-owned infrastructure, assets, and facilities are constructed and modified in a functional and safe condition. Their role enables City of Santa Maria residents to enjoy a healthy, safe and pleasant environment in which to live, work and play.

The Engineer I/II will support water, wastewater, and capital projects. The successful applicant will work closely with operating managers and engineers to prepare solutions for pressing problems in the water and wastewater industries. The position is expected to have a thorough understanding of pipeline hydraulics, open channel flow, pipeline design, potable water systems, and wastewater treatment plant. This position will have meaningful career growth capability as well as mentorship opportunities from principal engineers and water resource managers serving in the public sector.

The ideal candidate for Engineer I/II is a motivated individual with a passion for engineering who can support vital water resources projects. This person will play an integral part in developing engineering solutions for water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, and collaborating with various outside agencies to ensure successful project outcomes. Individuals with a degree in civil or mechanical engineering, or those currently in the final stage of their academic journey, are highly encouraged to apply.

A valid Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate issued by the State Board of Registration Civil, Geologist, and Professional Engineers is the minimum qualification for this recruitment. A final offer of employment will only be issued upon verification that the selected candidate has met all requirements related to this recruitment.

(Salary placement at the appropriate level will depend upon qualifications and experience)

• Enginee…