Senior Transportation Engineer for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission

Job Description:

Senior Transportation Engineer for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission

Description

Position Description

Are you ready to shape the future of transportation?

Are you an experienced civil engineer with a passion for delivering high-impact infrastructure projects? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where innovation, efficiency, and public service matter? If so, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) invites you to bring your expertise to their team as the next Senior Transportation Engineer!

We’re seeking a proactive, innovative professional with strong technical skills and a background in managing complex transportation and infrastructure projects-from concept to completion. The ideal candidate excels in communication, embraces teamwork, and brings a solutions-oriented mindset to every challenge. You'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that improve regional mobility, safety, and sustainability.

At the RTC, you’ll join a dedicated team working to create a connected, vibrant, and equitable future for the residents and visitors of Santa Cruz County. If you're looking for a role where you can make a lasting difference, this is your opportunity.

Take the next step in your career-apply today and help build the future of transportation in Santa Cruz County!

Regional Government Services (RGS) and its staff are conducting this recruitment on behalf of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission.

THE POSITION

Under supervision and direction of the Director of Capital Projects, prepares, manages, and conducts complex and professional transportation engineering work in the field and office including for structures, drainage, railway facilities, roadways, highways, bikeways, walkways and intersections; is responsible for project management and delivery; performs complex transportation engineering analyses, studies and other related work as is required. This is an at-will management position.

The position requires a collaborative, experienced professional who will strengthen the agency’s culture of teamwork, accountability, innovation, empowerment, and service to its customers. This position participates in Commission meetings and will engage a well-informed community. Some of the top priorities for the incoming Senior Transportation Engineers include strengthening staff, building trust and creating a cohesive team.

Future projects include:

• Highway 1 Construction - 3 miles under construction and 2.5 miles in final design.
• Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail. Engineering oversight and implementation of the 32-mile multiuse trail.
• 2016 Measure D - Assist with the development, updating, adopting, implementing the five-year plan and strategic implementation plan.
• Community Engagement - The Commission is committed to encouraging community engagement and communication regarding its projects and services.
• State and Federal Programming Involvement- Work with State and Federal staff to develop and program future transportation programs.

THE COMMUNITY:

Santa Cruz County, home to over 270,000 residents, is a dynamic community nestled along the northern shores of Monterey Bay. Located just 75 miles south of San Francisco and 25 miles southwest of Silicon Valley, the county is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse economy, and vibrant lifestyle.

The county encompasses four incorporated cities: Santa Cruz (population 65,021), Watsonville (population 53,796), Scotts Valley (population 11,928), and Capitola (population 10,180), as well as several unincorporated areas. Santa Cruz County is a gateway to the stunning Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, boasting 29 miles of pristine coastline, including six state parks and six state beaches.

Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities, from surfing, kayaking, and sailing to mountain biking, cycling, hiking, golfing, and camping. The county's diverse landscapes include vast sandy beaches, lush redwood forests, and productive farmland.

Santa Cruz County also offers vibrant shopping, dining, and cultural experiences unique to the region. The economy is powered by key industries such as high technology, agriculture, and tourism. The area is well-connected, with access to San Jose International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Monterey Peninsula Airport, and Watsonville Municipal Airport.

Additionally, the county is home to leading educational institutions, including the University of California, Santa Cruz, a globally recognized research university. Santa Cruz County is a truly exceptional place to live, work, and explore.

THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) serves as Santa Cruz County’s regional transportation planning agency (RTPA) and is a state designated agency responsible for planning and financial programming of transportation projects.

Working together with our local and regional partners, RTC obtains and distributes funding, including voter-approved Measure D funds, to maintain the existing transportation network as well as prepare for the transportation needs of the next generation. The RTC keeps residents, business, and visitors moving wherever they want to go and however they choose to get there.

Governance
The Commission consists of five members from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, one member each from the Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Capitola City Councils, and three members appointed by the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District. The Caltrans District 5 Director serves as an ex-officio member of the Commission.

Other Services Provided
In addition to its funding, planning and policy roles, the RTC also provides valuable services to the community including:

• Cruz511 Traveler Information: A go-to place online for a wide range of multi-modal travel resources including a real-time traffic map.
• Motorist Aid: Call boxes, freeway service patrol and extra CHP enforcement on highways during peak periods.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Hazard Reporting: A system to alert local public works departments to sidewalks and bikeway conditions that need attention.
• Guide to Specialized Transportation Services: for Seniors and People with Disabilities. Lists all accessible transportation services in Santa Cruz County.
• Transit Support: The RTC also supports and funds a variety of transit projects, including funding for expansion and improvements to local bus service, accessible transportation services, and planning for future uses of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line.

Examples of Duties

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

Deep Knowledge of and Technical Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of effective transportation engineering, construction administration, project delivery, and project management.
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations and policies relating to environmental review, design and construction standards, procurement and contract management.
• Current standards and policies for design and construction of complete streets, roads and highways, bikeways, sidewalks and trails, and safe crossings.
• Transportation funding sources and reporting requirements.
• Interrelationships between federal, state, regional, and local agencies involved in or affected by transportation engineering projects and programs.
• Structural, railway and drainage engineering principles and concepts.
• Effective team leadership and staff management, project development team, and/or construction team management skills.
• Supervisory and personnel management principles and practices.

Ability to:

• Plan, fund, and deliver complex transportation engineering projects on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to the traveling public.
• Review engineering plans and specifications prepared by private contractors and consultants.
• Perform complex transportation engineering analyses and studies utilizing software applications for data analysis.
• Coordinate work of consultants, government agencies, utilities, project partners and staff to ensure timely, cost-effective project and program delivery.
• Oversee all phases of engineering work in progress and enforce common safety practices and procedures in the field.
• Mentor, train, and provide input on performance appraisals of technical staff.
• Make presentations that convey complex engineering information and transportation data to a variety of audiences in a manner that is persuasive and easy to understand.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing utilizing technical and statistical information.
• Develop effective working relationships with Agency Board members, member agencies, business and public groups to gain cooperation and consensus.
• Use the various tools of the trade for transportation engineering whether in software or hardware form.
• Operate and use standard office equipment such as a computer with a variety of software applications for word processing and other functions including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Access and email and calendaring systems.
• Organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments.
• Work independently and keep accurate records.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Proven Leadership Skills in:

Excellent project management skills.

• Working with a diverse community.
• Collaboration with internal departments, outside agencies and the community.
• Creative and strategic management with the ability to fully implement best practices and improve efficiencies.
• Community engagement and excellent customer service delivery.
• Working effectively and positively with departments that occasionally have conflicting priorities.

COMPETENCIES


Accountability - Considers alternative available actions, resources, and constraints before selecting a method for accomplishing a goal or project
Leadership - Understands formal and informal power and influence structure within the organization

Analytical Thinking - Identifies diverse solutions to complex problems integrating findings from several different disciplines

Collaboration - Fosters staff and stakeholder connection and dialogue; identifies creative opportunities to build consensus for options, decisions, and outcomes

Communication - Exchanges information with constituents using oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Customer Service - Continuously searches for ways to increase customer satisfaction

Influence - Maintains an awareness of organizational goals and objectives while simultaneously navigating solutions towards desired outcomes and preserving relationships

Judgment - Makes decisions based on careful thought taking both agency goals and input from others into account

Problem Solving- Collaborates effectively with others to solve problems and develop solutions that are easily sustainable.

Training and Development- Contributes to an organizational culture that supports the learning and growth of all employees; flexible and willing to learn.

Time Management Organization - Manages and prioritizes both everyday responsibilities and high-level, longer-term objectives
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Typical Qualifications

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, traffic engineering, construction management, or related transportation field from an accredited college. MA/MS, MBA, or similar advanced degree is desirable.

Experience:

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible transportation engineering experience.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

• Must possess and maintain valid registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in California.

Supplemental Information

BENEFITS

Employees pay employee contribution (7% of income) and RTC pays employer contributions as defined by CalPERs:

- Classic employees - 2% at 55

- PEPRA employees - 2% at 62

Health Insurance: RTC pays insurance premiums Employees only: 95% of the monthly premium for the Blue Shield Access (EXT) HMO premium

Employees plus one: 90% of the monthly premium for the Blue Shield Access (EXT) HMO premium

Employees + two or more: 90% of the monthly premium for the Blue Shield Access (EXT) HMO premium

Dental: 100% Paid by RTC for Employee and Family Vision: RTC covers 100% premium for employees only

Life Insurance: RTC pays premium for $50,000 with AD&D.

Employees can pay for additional insurance coverage through AFLAC

Leave with Pay

RTC provides PTO which is used for vacation and sick. It accrues at the following rates (note that it’s based on hours of service, not years of employment):

Staring at .0846 hours per hour for the first 10,400 hours worked (about 4 years of employment), which is approximately 22 days of leave. Increasing to approximately 37 days of leave after working 31,201 hours.

SELECTION PROCESS

DEADLINE TO APPLY: June 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.

Apply at: INSERT LINK

Application - Qualified candidates are required to submit a Letter of Interest and a focused resume detailing their recent experience (within the past 10 years) and demonstrated career accomplishments relevant to this position along with their application online. All materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications. All statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification. False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list, or discharge from employment.

Minimum Qualifications (MQ) Appraisal - All completed application packages will be reviewed for each applicant's ability to meet the minimum work experience, training, and education qualifications. A training and experience evaluation may be used as part of the evaluation process.

Remote Screening - The most qualified candidates from application assessment may be invited to a Remote Screen Interview Examination to evaluate training, experience, and other job-related qualifications for the position.

The Remote Screen Interview will be conducted via a video conference platform and is tentatively scheduled for June 25 and June 26, 2025.
Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Agency will tentatively hold hiring interviews the week of July 7, 2025.

All communication and notices will be sent via e-mail.Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to lbutler@rgs.ca.gov.

Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Regional Government Services by emailing lbutler@rgs.ca.gov.

Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Closing Date/Time: 7/6/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$150,792.00 - $202,080.00 Annually