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City Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City Engineer

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$78K - $125K/yr

The City Engineer is designated as essential personnel. This job works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major ...

City Engineer

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$78K - $125K/yr

The City Engineer is designated as essential personnel. This job works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major ...

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The Engineer at the Embassy Suites within the Cavalier Resort plays a vital role in maintaining the safety, functionality, and overall guest experience of the property. This position ensures that all ...

... engineering and inspection work. Designs sewers, streets, drainage, parking lots, and other ... The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time. Creates ...

Works with our own city engineers and various engineering firms assisting in design and installation of large facility upgrades or new constructed facilities. Attend progress meetings for those ...

Coordinates City-administered and VDOT-administered projects with all City departments, VDOT, stakeholders and citizens. Manages VDOT Program staff, including 1 Project Manager, 1 Civil Engineer IV, ...

Civil Engineer V

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

City of Norfolk, Norfolk, VA Job Type: Permanent Full-time Job Number: 14220 Department ... The Civil Engineer V (VDOT Program Manager) will be responsible for managing the VDOT program with ...

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City Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$23.8K

$107K

$170.5K

How much do city engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for city engineer in Virginia is $107,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $132,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a City Engineer?

A City Engineer is a professional responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure within a city, such as roads, bridges, water systems, and public buildings. They ensure that city projects comply with safety and environmental regulations, manage budgets, and coordinate with other governmental departments and contractors. City Engineers play a crucial role in urban development and the quality of public services, helping to create safe and efficient communities.

What Does a City Engineer Do?

A city engineer works for a city government. They plan community land use, study environmental impact, design infrastructure, make zoning recommendations, research usage recommendations, and oversee project execution. Additional job duties involve exploring project viability, coordinating contractors, presenting progress reports, and managing the project budget. Though much of this job takes place in an office, a city engineer is required to enter the field on a regular basis. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering.

What are some common challenges City Engineers face when managing urban infrastructure projects?

City Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing budget constraints with the need for high-quality infrastructure, coordinating with multiple government departments, and addressing public concerns during project planning and execution. Additionally, they must navigate regulatory requirements and unforeseen issues like weather delays or utility conflicts. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

What is the difference between City Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCity EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentMunicipal government, urban planning projectsConstruction sites, consulting firms, infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageCity governments, public sectorPrivate firms, engineering consulting, construction companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a City Engineer and a Civil Engineer lies in their work scope and environment. A City Engineer typically works within municipal government focusing on urban infrastructure and public projects, often requiring a PE license. Civil Engineers have a broader role in designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure across various sectors, including private firms and consulting. While both roles require similar credentials, their work settings and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a City Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a City Engineer, you need a strong background in civil engineering, urban infrastructure design, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and construction management platforms is commonly required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help City Engineers coordinate with public agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable urban development that meets regulatory standards and public needs.
What are the most commonly searched types of City Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of City Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to City Engineer jobs in Virginia? For City Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to City Engineer jobs in VA? For City Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various City Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,030 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

$78K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description General Description: The purpose of this job within the organization is to manage and direct the City of Petersburg Engineering Department. The City Engineer is designated as essential personnel. This job works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major activities to executive level administrators through conferences and reports.

Duties and Responsibilities: The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this job. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary. Essential Functions Essential Functions: Manages the City's engineering, construction, traffic engineering, land development, and stormwater management programs.

Directs professional, non-professional, technical and other employees in planning, investigation, development and design of a variety of public works projects. Reviews and confers with the Director of Public Works for approval of plans and specifications for construction contracts. Maintains public relations by meeting with and giving talks to various groups and organizations; investigates complaints.

Prepares and make recommendations to Director of Public Works for work programs and budgets for the Division. Reviews and coordinates right of way permits and site plan approval. Additional Duties: Enforces codes and regulations within Engineering and Stormwater Division.

Attends public hearings, presents information, and answers relevant questions. Performs related work as assigned. Responsibilities, Requirements and Impacts Data Responsibility: Data Responsibility refers to information, knowledge, and conceptions obtained by observation, investigation, interpretation, visualization, and mental creation.

Data are intangible and include numbers, words, symbols, ideas, concepts, and oral verbalizations. Coordinates or determines time, place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities. People Responsibility: People include co-workers, workers in other areas or agencies and the general public.

Counsels or instructs/trains others through explanation, demonstration and supervised practice or make recommendations based on technical expertise. Asset Responsibility: Assets responsibility refers to the responsibility for achieving economies or preventing loss within the organization. Requires responsibility for achieving major economies or preventing major losses through the management of a highly complex and/or technical department or through developing and recommending policy as legal counsel.

Mathematical Requirements: Mathematics requires the use of symbols, numbers and formulas to solve mathematical problems. Uses algebra working with such factors as exponents, logarithms, linear and quadratic equations; concepts of analytic geometry, differentiation and integration of algebraic functions; statistics applying such functions as frequency, distribution, reliability, validity and correlation techniques; finance and economics using financial and econometric models. Communications Requirements: Communications involves the ability to read, write, and speak.

Reads professional literature and technical manuals; speaks to groups of employees, other public and private groups; writes manuals and complex reports. Judgment Requirements: Judgment requirements refer to the frequency and complexity of judgments and decisions given the stability of the work environments, the nature and type of guidance, and the breadth of impact of the judgments and decisions. Decision-making is a significant part of the job, affecting a large segment of the organization and the general public; works in a dynamic environment, responsible to assist in developing policies and practices.

Complexity of Work: Complexity addresses the analysis, initiative, ingenuity, concentration and creativity, required by the job and the presence of any unusual pressures present in the job. Performs supervisory work involving policy and guidelines, solving both people and work related problems; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results and frequent exposure to unusual pressures. Impact of Errors: Impact of errors refers to consequences such as damage to equipment and property, loss of data, exposure of the organization to legal liability, and injury or death for individuals.

The impact of errors is extremely serious -- affects entire organization and impacts other activities/organizations and the general public. Physical Demands: Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Equipment Usage: Equipment usage involves responsibility for materials, machines, tools, equipment, work aids, and products. Handles or uses computer, survey equipment or work aids involving little or no latitude for judgment regarding attainment of a standard or in selecting appropriate items. Unavoidable Hazards: Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

Bright/dim light; dusts and pollen extreme heat and/or cold; wet or humid conditions; traffic; moving machinery; work zones. Safety of Others: Safety of others refers to the level of responsibility for the safety of others, either inherent in the job or to ensure the safety of the general public. Requires considerable responsibility for the mid-level management of the provision of continuous enforcement of the laws and standards of public health and safety.

Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Requires a Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering or a related field. Requires five years' experience in professional engineering or environmental work, traffic and/or land development; including at least one (1) year of supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the position.

Special Certifications and Licenses: Valid Virginia Driver's License. Preferred Qualification: Professional Engineer's License. Additional Requirements Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance: The City of Petersburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADA requires the City of Petersburg to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.