OPPORTUNITY

This recruitment will remain open until filled. 

To be considered in the first application review, submit your application by Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

The City of Santa Maria is recruiting one Engineer I/II in the Water Resources Division of the Utilities Department. Spring 2026 college graduates who will earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering or a related field are highly encouraged to apply for this job opportunity.

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO
The City of Santa Maria is a full-service city with a Council/Manager form of government with over 700 employees and serves approximately 110,000 residents. The City is located on California’s central coast and covers over 23 square miles, which balances urban and agricultural lands. 

The Utilities Department is responsible for providing water, wastewater treatment, sewer collection, refuse collection, and disposal services to Santa Maria. The Mission Statement of the Utilities Department is to provide efficient utility services through the use of progressive innovation, excellent customer service, and the wise use of public resources for the long-term benefit of the community.

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the assigned supervisor, this position assists in the planning, coordination, analysis, and implementation of various engineering activities. This classification is currently in multiple divisions and departments across the City and may be flexibly staffed at the discretion of the Department Director. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification but may act as lead worker for temporarily assigned employees or special projects.

The Engineer I/II position is an Individual Contributor role that provides design and engineering services to ensure City-owned infrastructure, assets, and facilities are constructed and modified in a functional and safe condition. Their role enables City of Santa Maria residents to enjoy a healthy, safe and pleasant environment in which to live, work and play.

THIS POSITION

The Engineer I/II will support water, wastewater, and capital projects. The successful applicant will work closely with operating managers and engineers to prepare solutions for pressing problems in the water and wastewater industries. The position is expected to have a thorough understanding of pipeline hydraulics, open channel flow, pipeline design, potable water systems, and wastewater treatment plant. This position will have meaningful career growth capability as well as mentorship opportunities from principal engineers and water resource managers serving in the public sector. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate for Engineer I/II is a motivated individual with a passion for engineering who can support vital water resources projects. This person will play an integral part in developing engineering solutions for water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, and collaborating with various outside agencies to ensure successful project outcomes. Individuals with a degree in civil or mechanical engineering, or those currently in the final stage of their academic journey, are highly encouraged to apply.

IMPORTANT

A valid Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate issued by the State Board of Registration Civil, Geologist, and Professional Engineers is the minimum qualification for this recruitment. A final offer of employment will only be issued upon verification that the selected candidate has met all requirements related to this recruitment. 

REQUIRED APPLICATION SUBMITTALS

• Online application
• Cover letter which explains how your education and experience align with the Ideal Candidate Statement
   

Full Job Descriptions:

(Salary placement at the appropriate level will depend upon qualifications and experience)

• Engineer I - $85,213.44 - $103,577.50  Annually
• Engineer II - $93,948.40 - $114,194.86  Annually
   

DUTIES

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization.  This position:

• Performs sub-professional civil engineering field and office work, including utilizing computer-aided drafting software to prepare and produce engineering drawings and other computer input.
• Participates in the development and administration of the division or section budget.
• Consults with and aids other governmental agencies in engineering matters.
• Receives citizen complaints and takes appropriate action.
• Represents the division or department at conferences and meetings with other departments, agencies and organizations.
• Develops written reports, correspondence, change orders, technical memos, applications, permits, and other written information.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the Director.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
   

Positions assigned to Water Resources may:

• Provide engineering technical support for water resources operations and capital projects.
• Assist with planning, designing, and executing engineering solutions to support water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. Typical projects could include pipeline upgrades, well rehabilitation, WWTP process upgrades, water quality analysis, and permit compliance.
• Support development of compliance reports and standard operating procedures.
• Perform engineering analysis and develop technical reports to analyze percolation or infiltration techniques and identify effective solutions for operations.
• Perform survey and grade control activities and maintain as-built record drawings.
• Conduct construction quality assurance monitoring and reporting; track project costs; and develop project specifications and cost estimates.
   

Individual Contributor

Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance (See the full definition of Individual Contributor Competencies):

• Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.
• Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.  
• Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.
• Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation.
• Functional/Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.
• Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.
• Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.