Engineer I-II-III-IV
County of Ventura Ventura, California, United States
- Location: Ventura, California, United States
- Categories: Engineering
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Dec 30, 2025
Job Description:
Engineer I-II-III-IV
Description
DescriptionWHAT WE OFFER
- General Salary Increase: 3.5 % effective December 20, 2026, and December 19, 2027.
- Educational Incentive: An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree that is not required to work in the classification.
- Bilingual Incentive: Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill. Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I); $1.00 per hour (Level II); or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
- Professional License: Incumbents may also be eligible for a professional license incentive of 5% depending upon classification and certification of skill.
- Annual Leave Accrual: New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 20 days of annual leave a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; annual leave accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 32 days a year and 640 hours of annual leave banked.
- Annual Leave Redemption: New Hires may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 80 hours of accrued annual leave after using 80 hours of annual leave in the preceding calendar year.
- Deferred Compensation: Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions.
- Health Plans: Full-time employees are afforded a flexible credit allowance for purchasing medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans: Tier One for employee only is $667 per biweekly pay period, Tier Two for employee plus one is $772 per biweekly pay period and Tier Three for employee plus family is $877 per biweekly pay period.
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Choice of participation in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increase spending power through reimbursement of pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
- Pension Plan: Both the County and employees contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If eligible, reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems, such as PERS.
- Holidays: 13 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
The Public Works Agency employs Engineers in four Departments:
- Water & Sanitation : operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to serve the public and is responsible for the administration, customer service, billing, operation, maintenance, design, construction, and inspection of water and sewer systems: specifically four potable water systems, seven sewer collection systems, three wastewater treatment plants, and one recycled water system.
- Watershed Protection : emphasizes integrated watershed management to solve flood control/protection and water quality problems with environmentally sound approaches, protecting life, property, watercourses, watersheds, and public infrastructure from the dangers and damages associated with flood and stormwaters.
- Roads & Transportation : responsible for planning, designing, funding, building, operating and maintaining the County Road System, approximately 542 centerline miles of roadway, bridges, drainage and related transportation facilities, and coordination of unincorporated area public transit needs.
- Engineering Services : responsible for a wide range of engineering services to clients within the County of Ventura organization and the public. The ES Department is comprised of three (3) divisions: Project Services, Land Development Services, and the Surveyor’s Office. Services include project and construction management for vertical projects, contract administration, land development services, floodplain development permitting, and land surveying services.
The position: Under general supervision (I,II), direction (III,IV) performs progressively complex engineering field and office duties which may include the supervision of other engineers and technicians on Public Works engineering projects; and performs related duties as required.
There are currently 5 (five) Regular vacancies; one (1) Regular vacancy within Engineering Services; two (2 ) Regular vacancies within Roads and Transportation; one (1) Regular vacancy within Water and Sanitation; and one (1) Regular vacancy within Watershed Protection.
The Engineers (one (1) vacancy) within Engineering Services will have experience and knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), ability to assist in development/negotiations of the scope of work for professional services contracts with architects and/or engineers, and experience administering construction contracts. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and organized engineer with knowledge in a broad range of civil engineering technical areas with the ability to apply this knowledge to provide public works services to enhance the quality of life in Ventura County. This candidate will have strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.
The Engineers (two (2) vacancies) within Roads & Transportation will have experience in advance planning, encroachment permitting, asset management, pavement management, bridge engineering and inspection, land use and subdivision discretionary permit reviews, transportation planning, implementing active transportation plans, preparing feasibility studies and reports, preparing grant applications for Federal, State and local funding, RMRA reporting, cost estimating, administering traffic impact mitigation fees programs, Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) programs, master planning, damage assessment, FEMA & FHWA emergency management programs. Will also have experience in the design and construction of roadway, pavement resurfacing, storm drain, traffic and pedestrian/bike improvement projects; the ability to administer contractors, consultants, inspectors, and third-party material testing firms. The candidate will also be able to communicate, collaborate and work effectively with internal and external agencies/departments, problem-solve, be accountable, and be a motivated team player.
The Engineers (one (1) vacancy) within Watershed Protection are responsible for reviewing consultant plans, specifications, and reports for compliance with County or special district requirements; will have experience and proficiency in the design of flood control/protection facilities and shall have excellent verbal/written communication. The candidates shall be familiar with Standard Plans and Specification for Public Works Construction, “GREENBOOK” and be able to perform complex technical engineering calculation and reporting. This includes knowledge of hydrology, hydraulic and structural analyses, grading and drainage plans, geometric design, horizontal and vertical alignments, preparing technical reports, specifications, quantity calculations, cost estimating, and construction scheduling. Familiarity with USACE levee and dam safety guidelines is highly desirable.
The Engineers (one (1) vacancy) within Water & Sanitation will have experience in the design and construction of water/wastewater facilities; administering contractors, consultants, inspectors, and third-party material testing firms; the review and or preparation of design studies, plans and specifications, and calculations; executing consultant contracts and managing construction contracts. Possess an understanding of the principles of public water/wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection systems. The candidate will also be able to communicate and work well with various internal and external parties, possess strong computer skills, and be a team player.
PAYROLL TITLES & APPROXIMATE SALARIES:
Engineer I - $2,897.95 - $4,365.68 Biweekly
Engineer II - $3,443.73 - $5,180.67 Biweekly
Engineer III - $3,762.45 - $5,652.74 Biweekly
Engineer IV - $4,178.37 - $6,261.04 Biweekly
Engineers are represented by the Ventura Employees Association (VEA) and are not eligible for overtime compensation.
Examples Of Duties
The depth and breadth of assignments increase at each level and may include any combination of the duties described below. Incumbents are assigned in the various groups of the agency and depending on specialty area, may assist and/or perform the following duties:
- Assists project engineer on construction and infrastructure projects.
- Reviews studies and designs flood control/protection facilities, road systems, water, hydrology, sanitation, transportation and other public works projects.
- Prepares or reviews plans and specifications and makes recommendations regarding feasibility of proposed projects.
- Acts as coordinator of maintenance crews and activities during periods of emergency.
- Coordinates complex engineering projects and administrative duties with other County agencies and Public Works divisions, governmental agencies, engineering firms, private organizations and public utility companies.
- Represents the County at meetings and serves on committees and councils.
- Coordinates field operations and conducts special field studies.
- Conducts field site inspections to monitor progress and ensure conformance to engineering plans, specifications, construction, and safety standards.
- Reviews subdivision road, flood control/protection, drainage water and sewer plans for compliance with County or special district requirements.
- Coordinates planning with State Highway Construction Program, assists in preparation of budgets, and compiles data and reports on status of current budgets.
- Assists in developing and maintaining traffic control programs.
- Supervises subordinate personnel as required.
- Supervises the issuance of encroachment permits and inspection of related work.
Typical Qualifications
These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Engineer I: One of the following:
- Possession of a Bachelor's degree in engineering; or
- Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer in California issued by the California Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists; or
- Possession of certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) in California issued by the California Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists and four (4) years of engineering related experience; or
- Possession of a Bachelor's degree in a related physical science or mathematics curriculum and up to three (3) years of engineering related experience.
Engineer III: In addition to the requirements of Engineer I, Engineer III also requires at least three (3) years of qualifying professional engineering experience, including some experience in the specialty assignment area. Specialty assignment areas include:
- water and wastewater systems planning, engineering, and construction
- design and construction of flood control/protection facilities
- stormwater-related water resources engineering
- design and construction of transportation improvements
- transportation planning
- transportation asset (pavement, bridge, drainage, active transportation, safety, etc.) management
- capital improvements including vertical construction
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (all levels)
- Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills
- Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license
- Ability to work outside and occasionally be exposed to inclement or hazardous conditions requiring moderate to heavy physical activities
- California Registration as a Professional Engineer in a specific field
- Ability to administer public works contracts
- Familiarity with Greenbook and Caltrans guidelines
- Familiarity with CEQA requirements and completing regulatory and municipal permits applications
- Familiarity with USACE levee and dam safety guidelines
- Strong background in land development
- Expertise in AUTO-CAD Civil 3D, GIS, RISA-3D, Retain Pro, HEC-RAS, WSPG, FLO-2D, Adobe Acrobat, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office software
- Certification as a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) and/or Qualified Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Developer (QSD)/Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP)
Some to thorough knowledge (depending on level in series) of: current principles of engineering and their application to public works/infrastructure projects; modern methods, materials and equipment used in the construction of buildings, sewer systems, water systems, road, flood control/protection structures and other public works construction; principles and practices employed in hydrology, water supply, drainage, flood control/protection, stormwater compliance, including BMPs, and other related phases of hydraulic engineering; engineering economics and financing; and computer systems applications.
Some to thorough ability (depending on level in series) to: make engineering studies, prepare reports and make recommendations for consideration in the planning of public works programs and policy determinations; prepare plans and specifications and write technical reports; manage and coordinate work of outside consultants; inspect plans and methods of construction; conduct field inspections to monitor progress, identify deficiencies, and ensure compliance with standards; estimate cost of various public works construction or maintenance projects; use good engineering judgment; develop and maintain good working relationships with employees, the public, outside consultants, contractors and developers; assist in the training of subordinate employees; and operate office computer systems and civil engineering equipment.
Supplemental Information:
While most positions work primarily indoors in an office environment, depending on position and/or assignment, incumbents may be required to work outside and occasionally be exposed to inclement or hazardous conditions requiring moderate to heavy physical activities.
Recruitment Process
FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested. Applications must be received by County of Ventura, Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date .
To apply online, please refer to our web site at http://www.venturacounty.gov/jobs . If you prefer to fill out a paper application, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura, Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualification. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application; however, it/they may not be substituted in lieu of the application.
NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here for additional information.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. This questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.
APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the recruitment process.
TRAINING and EXPERIENCE EVALUATION: A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a structured evaluation of the job application materials submitted by a candidate, including the written responses to the supplemental questionnaire. The T&E is NOT a determination of whether the candidate meets the stated requirements; rather, the T&E is one method for determining who are the better qualified among those who have shown that they meet the stated requirements. In a T&E, applications are either scored or rank ordered according to criteria that most closely meet the business needs of the department. Candidates are typically scored/ranked in relation to one another; consequently, when the pool of candidates is exceptionally strong, many qualified candidates may receive a score or rank which is moderate or even low resulting in them not being advanced in the process.
NOTE: In a typical T&E, your training and experience are evaluated in relation to the background, experience and factors identified for successful job performance during a job analysis. For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
ORAL EXAMINATION - 100%: A job-related oral examination may be conducted to evaluate and compare participating candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an examination will not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.
ELIGIBLE LIST: Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future Regular (including Temporary, and Fixed-term), Extra Help and Intermittent vacancies.
Note: If appointed at the lower level, incumbents may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with business needs of the department.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough post-offer, pre-employment background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record may be required for this position.
For further information regarding this recruitment, please contact Sylvia Campos by email at Sylvia.Campos@venturacounty.gov .
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE
Ventura Employees' Association
(VEA)
To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.
- Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
- Retirement FAQ's
- Memorandum of Agreement
Closing Date/Time: Continuous