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Professional Civil Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Are you a registered California professional civil engineer? The City of Ventura is accepting applications for a Senior Civil Engineer vacancy in our collaborative Public Works Department. To be ...

SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$92K - $124K/yr

Are you a registered California professional civil engineer? The City of Ventura is accepting applications for a Senior Civil Engineer vacancy in our collaborative Public Works Department. To be ...

Senior Civil Engineer

San Diego, CA

$135K - $163K/yr

  • Retirement

Three years of full-time professional civil engineering experience. NOTE: City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written documentation ...

Senior Civil Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$135K - $163K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Three years of full-time professional civil engineering experience. NOTE: * City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written documentation ...

Civil Project Engineer Manager

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The company is committed to professional development, technical excellence, and building long-term relationships with clients and communities. Position Summary The Civil Project Engineer Manager will ...

Civil Project Engineer Manager

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The company is committed to professional development, technical excellence, and building long-term relationships with clients and communities. Position Summary The Civil Project Engineer Manager will ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$122K - $163K/yr

Strong support for professional development * Flexible Work Options: 9/80 and hybrid schedules ... Senior Civil Engineer - $122,342.90 - $163,941.44 Annually DOQ About the Opportunity The City of ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Ventura, CA ยท Hybrid

$122K - $163K/yr

Strong supportfor professional development * Flexible Work Options: 9/80 and hybrid schedules ... Senior Civil Engineer - $122,342.90 - $163,941.44 Annually DOQ About the Opportunity The City of ...

$118K - $144K/yr

Requires a California Professional Civil Engineer license and extensive municipal engineering experience. Typical Qualifications Education/Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an ...

CIVIL ENGINEER

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$53.79 - $73.21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Current registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California (proof required)*. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS TO FILE * Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Under direction, performs responsible professional civil engineering work in preparing, reviewing, and/or supervising the preparation of studies, designs, plans, specifications ...

Civil Engineer - Land Development

Fairfield, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

For the Senior Civil Engineer level, five years of increasingly responsible professional civil engineering experience, including two years equivalent to Associate Engineer with the City of Fairfield.

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Showing results 1-20

Professional Civil Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$81.6K

$121.4K

How much do professional civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional civil engineer in California is $81,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional civil engineer?

Professional Civil Engineers are licensed experts who design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water supply systems. They apply principles of engineering, mathematics, and physics to solve real-world problems and ensure that projects are safe, sustainable, and compliant with regulations. Civil Engineers work in both public and private sectors, collaborating with architects, contractors, and government officials to bring projects from concept to completion. To become a Professional Civil Engineer, one typically needs a relevant engineering degree, work experience, and to pass a licensing exam.

How do professional civil engineers typically collaborate with other professionals on large infrastructure projects?

Professional Civil Engineers frequently work as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating closely with architects, surveyors, construction managers, and government officials. They are often responsible for coordinating design solutions, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and addressing technical challenges as they arise. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as civil engineers must relay technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This collaborative environment not only supports successful project delivery but also provides valuable opportunities for learning and professional development.

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

To thrive as a Professional Civil Engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a civil engineering degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Proficiency with design and analysis software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and SAP2000, as well as familiarity with project management systems, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork skills distinguish outstanding professionals in this field. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure design and construction, while facilitating collaboration and project success.

What is the difference between Professional Civil Engineer vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectProfessional Civil EngineerCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, PE licenseAssociate degree or diploma, technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, oversightFieldwork, data collection, drafting
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, government agenciesConstruction companies, consulting firms

The main difference between a Professional Civil Engineer and a Civil Engineering Technician lies in their credentials, responsibilities, and roles. Civil Engineers hold a PE license and are responsible for designing and overseeing projects, while Civil Engineering Technicians support engineers through technical tasks and data collection. Both roles are essential in the civil engineering industry, but they differ in scope and level of responsibility.

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 Professional Civil Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Professional Civil Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,591 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Associate Engineer/Associate Civil Engineer/Civil Engineer/Senior Civil Engineer (DOQ)

City of Hanford, CA

Hanford, CA โ€ข On-site

$91K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Salary : $91,344.00 - $149,652.00 Annually
Location : Utilities & Engineering, 900 S. 10th Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25/26-42
Department: Utilities and Engineering
Division: Admin/Engineering
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
DESCRIPTION
The City of Hanford is seeking a qualified engineering professional to join the Utilities & Engineering Department - Engineering Division. The City will fill one (1) vacancy at the Associate Engineer, Associate Civil Engineer, Civil Engineer, or Senior Civil Engineer level, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
ASSOCIATE ENGINEER ($7,612 - $9,252/month)
Under general direction, performs professional engineering work and related responsibilities on a variety of municipal and private development projects, including capital improvement project (CIP) contracts, and provides general and technical support to lower-level engineering staff.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced entry-level classification in the professional engineering series. Incumbents perform a range of professional engineering duties under general supervision and are typically assigned projects of a higher degree of scope and complexity. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and increasingly complex. Positions in this class may provide limited supervision and training to assigned lower-level engineering staff.
This class can be distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer by the latter's responsibility for independently managing projects, making technical decisions, obtaining Professional Engineering certification, and performing the full range of professional engineering duties.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction and supervision from the Senior Engineer or City Engineer. May provide limited supervision duties over assigned lower-level engineering staff.
The position may provide engineering services to departments outside of the Utilities and Engineering Department and, as such, may receive direction from that department's respective staff.
ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER ($8,408 - $10,220/month)
Under general direction, performs professional civil engineering work on a variety of municipal and private development projects; administers capital improvement project (CIP) contracts; and provides professional-level support to assigned management staff.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey-level classification in the professional engineering series. Incumbents perform the full range of professional engineering duties and are responsible for independently managing assigned projects and making technical decisions. Positions at this level require California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or registration as a Professional Civil Engineer
This class is distinguished from the Associate Engineer by greater independence, technical responsibility, and accountability for engineering decisions and project outcomes.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from a Senior Civil Engineer or the City Engineer.
Provides limited supervisorial duties as assigned to lower-level engineering staff.
May provide engineering services to other City departments and, in those instances, may receive functional direction from assigned departmental staff.
CIVIL ENGINEER ($9,288 - $11,290/month)
Under general direction, performs complex professional civil engineering work involving the design, investigation, development, and construction of private and public infrastructure, projects; provides technical expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is an advanced journey-level classification in the engineering series. Positions at this level exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion in applying engineering principles and making decisions within established guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Senior Civil Engineer by the latter's broader supervisory responsibilities and higher-level program oversight.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Senior Civil Engineer and/or City Engineer.
Provide lead direction, training, and technical guidance to professional and technical staff.
SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER ($10,260 - $12,471/month)
Under general direction, plans, organizes, directs, and oversees complex engineering projects and programs, including capital improvement and land development activities; provides technical and functional supervision to assigned staff; and performs highly responsible professional engineering work in support of City operations.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced-level classification in the engineering series. Positions at this level are responsible for managing high-profile and complex projects and programs, exercising a high degree of independent judgment, and providing supervision and technical leadership over professional and technical staff. This class is distinguished from the City Engineer by its greater emphasis on program management, supervisory responsibility, and decision-making authority.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the City Engineer. Provides supervision, training, and technical direction to assigned professional and technical staff. May provide engineering services to other City departments and, in those instances, may receive functional direction from assigned department staff.
EXAMPLE OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
ASSOCIATE ENGINEER
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Assist in the design and preparation of plans and specifications for CIP.
Prepare staff reports, presentations, agendas, correspondence, and research requiring knowledge of professional engineering principles and techniques.
Assist in administering professional and construction project contracts, agreements, and coordinate project meetings.
Coordinate with consultants, contractors, public agencies, and utility providers.
Conduct field inspections and consultations with property owners, contractors, inspectors, utility companies, and other City officials.
Assist the general public with engineering-related inquiries.
Support project management activities, including tracking budgets and schedules.
Prepare cost estimates, specifications, and final reports.
Perform engineering studies and analysis under direction.
Review and approve onsite and offsite improvement plans associated with the issuance of permits for private commercial, residential, and industrial developments.
Serve on the Site Plan Review committee, conduct research, and establish conditions of approval.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other public agency employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
Be an integral team player, demonstrating flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
Perform related duties as assigned.
ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Oversee the design and preparation of plans and specifications for CIP.
Prepare staff reports, presentations, agendas, correspondence, and technical documentation.
Administer professional services and construction contracts, including oversight of scope, schedule, and budget.
Coordinate and direct the work of consultants, contractors, public agencies, and utility providers.
Conduct field inspections and consultations with property owners, contractors, inspectors, utility representatives, and City staff.
Independently manage assigned engineering projects, including scope, schedule, budget, and compliance.
Serve as project engineer for assigned capital improvement and development projects.
Review and approve engineering plans, specifications, and calculations prepared by consultants and staff.
Prepare cost estimates, specifications, and final reports.
Perform complex civil engineering studies, calculations, analysis, and design.
Provide technical direction and guidance to lower-level engineering staff as needed.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, public agency representatives, and the public.
Assist the general public with engineering-related inquiries.
Promote a work environment that values diversity, equity, integrity, trust, and respect.
Demonstrate teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication.
Perform related duties as assigned.
CIVIL ENGINEER
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Assign, schedule, monitor, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
Assist in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, engineering standards, and priorities.
Manage and deliver a variety of engineering projects and programs, including streets, drainage, traffic, grading, land development, sewer, stormwater, and water systems.
Coordinate and direct the work of consultants, contractors, public agencies, and utility providers.
Manage and deliver multiple, complex projects and programs, including oversight of cross-functional coordination and project prioritization.
Prepare and administer capital improvement plans and budgets within assigned areas.
Develop project schedules, methods, and procedures to ensure timely and efficient completion of work.
Respond to public works inquiries and coordinate appropriate responses.
Conduct field inspections and consult with property owners, contractors, inspectors, utility representatives, and City staff.
Review proposed private development projects and establish conditions of approval.
Oversee and prioritize multiple projects and assignments across functional areas.
Issue and manage public works permits for contractors and utility companies.
Review and approve engineering plans and documents prepared by private engineers.
Prepare plans, specifications, cost estimates, and bid documents for capital improvement projects.
Verify engineering calculations, materials, and plans for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Facilitate public participation and communication related to public works projects.
Participate in the selection and oversight of consultants for studies, plans, and reports.
Serve as a technical resource to the public, contractors, and City departments.
Demonstrate teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication.
Perform related duties as assigned.
SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Manage and deliver complex engineering projects and programs, including streets, drainage, traffic, grading, land development, sewer, stormwater, and water systems.
Plan, organize, assign, supervise, and review the work of assigned staff.
Oversee capital improvement projects (CIP) planning, design, budgeting, and delivery.
Review and approve engineering plans, specifications, studies, and reports for public and private development projects.
Serve as project manager for complex or high-profile projects; resolve technical, budgetary, and scheduling issues.
Coordinate and direct the work of consultants, contractors, public agencies, and utility providers.
Negotiate and administer contracts; ensure compliance with City standards, timelines, and budgets.
Develop and implement program goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Participate in developing and administering departmental and capital improvement budgets.
Conduct and oversee engineering studies, analyses and investigations; prepare and review technical reports.
Review development proposals and establish engineering conditions of approval.
Oversee permitting processes and ensure regulatory compliance.
Coordinate land acquisition activities, including review of maps, easements, and exhibits.
Represent the City in meetings with developers, consultants, regulatory agencies, and the public.
Prepare and present staff reports to the City Council, commissions, and other boards.
Monitor project progress and ensure completion within scope, schedule, and budget.
Promote a work environment that values diversity, equity, integrity, trust, and respect.
Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication.
Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
ASSOCIATE ENGINEER
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of civil engineering.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Principles and practices of capital improvement planning, budget management, cost estimation, and contract administration.
Practices and techniques of preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
Engineering-related computer applications, including CAD and related software.
Construction methods and materials.
California Subdivision Map Act.
Ability to:
Assist in managing contracts, projects, and related activities.
Perform engineering studies and analysis under direction.
Assist in the coordination of work of assigned staff, contractors, and consultants.
Prepare specifications and write technical reports.
Use and maintain proficiency with contemporary office technologies, including computers, digital tools, and relevant software applications.
Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, acro