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Director Civil Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$118K - $144K/yr

... Director of Public Works. Serves as a management-level engineer overseeing complex citywide engineering, design, and project delivery functions. Applies advanced civil engineering expertise and ...

Senior Civil Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$140K - $172K/yr

The Senior Civil Engineer will plan, organize, direct and supervise the work of staff involved in complex, professional engineering work in support of a wide range of complex Public Works projects ...

The Senior Civil Engineer will plan, organize, direct and supervise the work of staff involved in complex, professional engineering work in support of a wide range of complex Public Works projects ...

Senior Civil Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$141 - $173/hr

The Senior Civil Engineer will plan, organize, direct and supervise the work of staff involved in complex, professional engineering work in support of a wide range of complex Public Works projects ...

Staff Civil Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

GFT is seeking Civil/Structural Engineers to support the design and construction of critical ... Attending client meetings and participates under direct supervision of project manager.

Staff Civil Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

GFT is seeking Civil/Structural Engineers to support the design and construction of critical ... Attending client meetings and participates under direct supervision of project manager.

Staff Civil Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

GFT is seeking Civil/Structural Engineers to support the design and construction of critical ... Attending client meetings and participates under direct supervision of project manager.

Senior Civil Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$141 - $173/hr

The Senior Civil Engineer will plan, organize, direct and supervise the work of staff involved in complex, professional engineering work in support of a wide range of complex Public Works projects ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Suisun City, CA · On-site +1

$118K - $144K/yr

... Director of Public Works. Serves as a management-level engineer overseeing complex citywide engineering, design, and project delivery functions. Applies advanced civil engineering expertise and ...

The Opportunity We are seeking a motivated and experienced Civil Engineer, PE to join our Irvine ... Ability to self-direct work and review plan sets and reports. * Familiarity with applicable codes ...

Civil Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$121K - $147K/yr

Plan, direct, coordinate, assign, train, and review the work of land surveyors, engineers, and ... AND Four (4) years of full-time, professional civil engineering experience, one (1) year of which ...

Mid -Level Civil Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Direct and mentor junior staff during field investigations, landfill monitoring, construction ... S. degree in civil engineering or environmental engineering, or a closely related engineering ...

Mid -Level Civil Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site

$100 - $115/hr

Direct and mentor junior staff during field investigations, landfill monitoring, construction ... S. degree in civil engineering or environmental engineering, or a closely related engineering ...

Mid -Level Civil Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Direct and mentor junior staff during field investigations, landfill monitoring, construction ... S. degree in civil engineering or environmental engineering, or a closely related engineering ...

Showing results 21-40

Director Civil Engineer information

See California salary details

$33.6K

$70.4K

$106.6K

How much do director civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for director civil engineer in California is $70,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,200.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director civil engineer do?

A Director Civil Engineer is a senior management professional responsible for overseeing civil engineering projects within an organization. Their duties include leading engineering teams, managing project budgets and timelines, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and developing strategic plans for infrastructure projects. They also liaise with clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery. The role requires extensive experience in civil engineering and strong leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director civil engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Civil Engineer, you need extensive experience in civil engineering principles, project management, and a relevant degree with Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, project management tools, and compliance with industry codes and regulations is essential. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are crucial for overseeing large-scale projects, ensuring safety and quality, and leading multidisciplinary teams to successful outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by a director civil engineer in leading large-scale infrastructure projects?

As a Director Civil Engineer, one of the primary challenges is managing diverse teams across multiple disciplines while ensuring that projects remain on schedule and within budget. Balancing stakeholder expectations, regulatory requirements, and technical complexities is a key part of the role. Additionally, Directors must foster effective communication between project managers, engineers, contractors, and clients to minimize risks and resolve issues quickly. Staying updated on industry innovations and maintaining a strategic vision for project delivery are also essential for success.

What is the difference between Director Civil Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectDirector Civil EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, often with managerial experienceBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentSenior management, overseeing projects and teamsDesign, planning, and execution of civil projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, government agencies, consulting firmsConstruction companies, engineering firms, government departments

The main difference between a Director Civil Engineer and a Civil Engineer lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Director Civil Engineer typically holds a leadership role, overseeing multiple projects and teams, while the Civil Engineer focuses on technical design and project execution. Both roles require a civil engineering degree, but the director position often demands additional managerial experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Director Civil Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Civil Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Civil Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $70,425 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

$118K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, review, inspect, and maintain streets, utilities, and public facilities.

  • Evaluate private development plans, approve permits, and assist the Director of Public Works.

  • Oversee complex citywide engineering, design, and project delivery functions.


Job description

Description The Senior Civil Engineer performs advanced civil engineering work supporting public infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include designing, reviewing, inspecting, and maintaining streets, utilities, and public facilities; evaluating private development plans; approving permits; and assisting the Director of Public Works. Serves as a management-level engineer overseeing complex citywide engineering, design, and project delivery functions.

Applies advanced civil engineering expertise and regulatory knowledge to guide projects, develop solutions, and ensure efficient operations. Requires a California Professional Civil Engineer license and extensive municipal engineering experience. Typical Qualifications Education/Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or a related field.

Experience: Six (6) years of responsible civil engineering experience; supervisory experience is desirable. License or Certificates: Professional Civil Engineering Certification in the State of California is required. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license is required.

Knowledge of extensive knowledge of civil and traffic engineering principles, design standards, and public works practices, including project management, budgeting, contract administration, and regulatory compliance. Familiar with modern engineering tools, CAD, GIS, and current industry trends. Ability to analyze complex engineering problems, manage capital improvement projects, and review plans, specifications, and reports for accuracy and compliance.

Coordinate with stakeholders, administer grants, conduct traffic studies, and ensure projects meet timelines and budgets. Communicate effectively and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, officials, and the public. Physical Demands and Working Environment: The conditions outlined in the class specification are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Application/Selection Procedure: Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the City's official application form but should accompany the application. All applications and resumes will be reviewed to select those applicants whose qualifications appear to most closely match the requirements of the position.

A limited number of the most highly qualified applicants may be invited to participate in the subsequent phase(s) of the recruitment process, which may include one or more of the following: written examination, performance examination, assessment exercises, oral interviews, and complete background checks. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the selection process. Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): With prior notice to the Personnel Department regarding testing or job performance modifications, the City will make reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Disabled individuals requiring accommodation during the application/hiring process should notify the personnel office. Immigration Reform & Control Act: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all potential employees will be required to provide proof of United States Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.