What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supervising Engineer position at City of Sacramento?
THE POSITION
With supervisor approval, incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the Sacramento region or have the ability to regularly report to a City of Sacramento physical worksite with little notice.
The Transportation Division of Public Works is responsible for maintaining and enhancing traffic operations, traffic safety, and multimodal mobility citywide. Core functions include traffic design and plan review, traffic studies, development entitlements, traffic safety investigations, signal operations, and maintenance of all traffic control devices, including signs, pavement markings, traffic signals, and street lighting. The Supervising Engineer ensures these functions meet required safety, engineering, and regulatory standards. The Supervising Engineer position is critical to maintaining safe, reliable, and legally compliant traffic operations across the City of Sacramento. This role directly influences citywide safety outcomes through oversight of engineering review and design decisions that address collision patterns, signal timing, pedestrian safety, and multimodal access. The Supervising Engineer will lead the Entitlements and Traffic Studies Section and the Traffic Engineering Design Section, within the Transportation Division.
This position reports to the City Traffic Engineer and is responsible for managing professional and technical staff; overseeing engineering reviews and design; assisting in development and implementation of goals and policies; and supervising and assisting in preparation of budgets and capital improvement programs.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of the latest traffic engineering methods, standards, and practices related to traffic control devices, geometric design, signing and striping, roundabout design, multimodal best practices, traffic safety evaluations, speed limit setting, traffic studies, and traffic investigations; and will have experience with the review of the transportation elements of private development projects. They will demonstrates sound engineering judgment and will be capable of making timely, defensible decisions that impact public safety, mobility, and regulatory compliance; and the ability to apply this expertise in real-world conditions, balancing technical requirements with community expectations, development pressures, and City priorities. Registration as a Traffic Engineer is desired.
Under direction, the Supervising Engineer supervises professional and technical staff performing professional engineering work for a major unit of a City department; prepares engineering studies and reports; assists in development and implementation of goals and policies; supervises and assists in preparation of budgets and capital improvement programs.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This supervisory classification is populated with multiple incumbents. Supervising Engineers manage large, complex projects within a specific section or department, or support projects of other sections or departments. Incumbents provide technical expertise within a specific engineering discipline. The Supervising Engineer is distinguished from the Senior Engineer in that the former manages broad professional engineering categories, such as electrical, mechanical, civil, traffic, water, and sanitation while the latter performs complex engineering work and supervises a project team. Supervising Engineer is distinguished from higher-level professional engineering classifications in that incumbents of the latter classifications have broader responsibility for multiple disciplines and programs or projects.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Direction is provided by a higher level classification or division manager. Responsibilities include the direct and indirect supervision of professional, technical, clerical, and consulting staff.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Knowledge of:
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Five years of experience in the performance of professional engineering work in the area of assignment, including two years supervisory experience.
-OR-
Five years of experience in the performance of professional engineering work in the area of assignment, including four years lead over professional and technical personnel on a team or project basis performing duties which have included difficult and complex engineering responsibilities, scheduling and assigning, coordinating and/or evaluating work.
-AND-
Education
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering discipline related to the area of assignment.
Substitution
A Masters Degree may be substituted for one year of the experience
PROOF OF EDUCATION
Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
Special Qualifications
Driver License:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Certifications
Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California.
PROOF OF CERTIFICATION
Proof of the required certificate and/or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
THE SELECTION PROCEDURE
Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.
Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Sacramento 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.
Additional Information
Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf
Union Contracts: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html
Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf
01
APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment
PROOF OF EDUCATION: To qualify for this classification you may use education or experience as listed in the substitution option to provide required knowledge, skills, and abilities. I understand proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment if I am using education to qualify for this position. Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Proof of Education Requirements (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment) for information on accepted documentation.
EDUCATION CONFIRMATION: If I am using education to qualify for this position, I attest I possess or will possess the following level of education by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
PROOF OF CERTIFICATION: I understand proof of certification, should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment.
CERTIFICATION CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a Certificate of Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER: Please enter your Professional Engineer Registration number below. (If you are not registered as a Professional Engineer please enter "N/A". )
07
DRIVER'S LICENSE CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a valid California Class C Driver's License by the time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: The answers to the questions below will be reviewed by the hiring department along with the information provided in your employment application. Therefore, your answers must be consistent with your employment application information (especially in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections), must be unambiguous, and must contain sufficient but concise detail and organization. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of completing this Supplemental Questionnaire. Lack of clarity, incomplete or inconsistent information, and/or disorganized presentation may negatively affect the hiring department's review of your Supplemental Questionnaire. I understand and agree to the above instructions.
Describe your experience leading traffic engineering functions such as signing, striping, traffic calming, traffic studies, or signal design. How did you ensure technical quality, prioritize competing needs, and deliver projects on time?
10
Describe a complex project where you had to balance competing priorities from the community, elected officials, and internal stakeholders. What decision did you make, how did you communicate it, and what was the outcome?
11
Describe a situation where you had to make a decision that impacted public safety or carried potential liability risk. What factors did you consider, how did you make your decision, and what was the outcome?
With supervisor approval, incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the Sacramento region or have the ability to regularly report to a City of Sacramento physical worksite with little notice.
The Transportation Division of Public Works is responsible for maintaining and enhancing traffic operations, traffic safety, and multimodal mobility citywide. Core functions include traffic design and plan review, traffic studies, development entitlements, traffic safety investigations, signal operations, and maintenance of all traffic control devices, including signs, pavement markings, traffic signals, and street lighting. The Supervising Engineer ensures these functions meet required safety, engineering, and regulatory standards. The Supervising Engineer position is critical to maintaining safe, reliable, and legally compliant traffic operations across the City of Sacramento. This role directly influences citywide safety outcomes through oversight of engineering review and design decisions that address collision patterns, signal timing, pedestrian safety, and multimodal access. The Supervising Engineer will lead the Entitlements and Traffic Studies Section and the Traffic Engineering Design Section, within the Transportation Division.
This position reports to the City Traffic Engineer and is responsible for managing professional and technical staff; overseeing engineering reviews and design; assisting in development and implementation of goals and policies; and supervising and assisting in preparation of budgets and capital improvement programs.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of the latest traffic engineering methods, standards, and practices related to traffic control devices, geometric design, signing and striping, roundabout design, multimodal best practices, traffic safety evaluations, speed limit setting, traffic studies, and traffic investigations; and will have experience with the review of the transportation elements of private development projects. They will demonstrates sound engineering judgment and will be capable of making timely, defensible decisions that impact public safety, mobility, and regulatory compliance; and the ability to apply this expertise in real-world conditions, balancing technical requirements with community expectations, development pressures, and City priorities. Registration as a Traffic Engineer is desired.
Under direction, the Supervising Engineer supervises professional and technical staff performing professional engineering work for a major unit of a City department; prepares engineering studies and reports; assists in development and implementation of goals and policies; supervises and assists in preparation of budgets and capital improvement programs.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This supervisory classification is populated with multiple incumbents. Supervising Engineers manage large, complex projects within a specific section or department, or support projects of other sections or departments. Incumbents provide technical expertise within a specific engineering discipline. The Supervising Engineer is distinguished from the Senior Engineer in that the former manages broad professional engineering categories, such as electrical, mechanical, civil, traffic, water, and sanitation while the latter performs complex engineering work and supervises a project team. Supervising Engineer is distinguished from higher-level professional engineering classifications in that incumbents of the latter classifications have broader responsibility for multiple disciplines and programs or projects.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Direction is provided by a higher level classification or division manager. Responsibilities include the direct and indirect supervision of professional, technical, clerical, and consulting staff.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Supervises, trains, and evaluates professional and technical subordinates; provides technical advice and assistance to staff; selects and supervises the work of contractors; supervises the development of plans and estimates for construction and major repair of public works systems; supervises and participates in the preparation of special engineering studies and reports.
- Assists in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for an engineering unit; assists in the preparation and administration of unit budget; supervises and participates in the preparation of capital improvement programs and budgets.
- Confers with supervisors and assistants regarding project priorities and progress; participates in planning, progress and design review meetings; provides technical assistance to resolve barriers to completion; negotiates contractor claims.
- Reviews and approves engineering drawings, work orders, consultant and related bills and purchase orders; prepares and monitors consultant agreements, reviews new and proposed laws, regulations, codes, methods, materials and technique for application to projects; develops and implements procedures, standards and systems.
- Serves as staff to a variety of City commissions, boards, and committees on public works systems matters; coordinates engineering activities with other City departments, divisions, and sections, and with outside agencies; makes presentations to Council Members and responds to their questions and concerns; meets with community groups, business leaders and other interested parties regarding projects and concerns.
- Performs other or related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of the assigned area of engineering.
- Methods and techniques used in the design and construction of a variety of public works projects.
- Modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding the assigned area of engineering.
- Applicable Federal and State laws and regulations.
- Applicable laws and regulatory codes related to development and construction in the area of assignment.
- Project management and capital improvement program principles.
- Technical project management.
- Contract negotiation and administration.
- Supervision of personnel.
- Problem solving utilizing limited resources.
- Use of automated engineering aids including computer hardware and software.
- Budgeting.
- Manage, plan, assign, and supervise the work of a diverse staff in the accomplishment of multiple engineering projects.
- Supervise the preparation of specifications, cost estimates, work schedules, plans, maps, and reports.
- Make complex engineering computations and check, design and supervise the construction of a wide variety of public and private facilities.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, and members of the public.
- Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
- Perform research, analyze data, and develop and present recommendations on complex engineering projects.
- Conduct technical research on engineering problems.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Five years of experience in the performance of professional engineering work in the area of assignment, including two years supervisory experience.
-OR-
Five years of experience in the performance of professional engineering work in the area of assignment, including four years lead over professional and technical personnel on a team or project basis performing duties which have included difficult and complex engineering responsibilities, scheduling and assigning, coordinating and/or evaluating work.
-AND-
Education
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering discipline related to the area of assignment.
Substitution
A Masters Degree may be substituted for one year of the experience
PROOF OF EDUCATION
Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
Special Qualifications
Driver License:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Certifications
Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California.
PROOF OF CERTIFICATION
Proof of the required certificate and/or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
THE SELECTION PROCEDURE
Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.
- Application: (Pass/Fail) – All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application to the Employment Office by the final filing deadline:
- Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
- Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
- If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).
- If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.
- Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
- Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.
- Proof of certification and/or license should be submitted online with your application. Proof of certification and/or license will be required at time of appointment.
- Supplemental Questionnaire: (Pass/Fail) – In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, all applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire to the City of Sacramento Employment Office by the final filing deadline;
- Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaire will not be accepted.
- Incomplete supplemental questionnaire will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
- A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
- Possession of the minimum qualifications is not necessarily a guarantee for further advancement in the selection process.
- Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail) – All applications received by the final filing deadline will be forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.
- Interview Process: Human Resources will forward applications to the hiring department. Those determined to be the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process.
- Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass LiveScan/fingerprinting. If applicable, candidates may also need to pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and/or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:
- Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
- For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627.
- Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment;
- Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org;or
- Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.
Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Sacramento 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.
Additional Information
Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf
Union Contracts: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html
Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf
01
APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment
- Yes
PROOF OF EDUCATION: To qualify for this classification you may use education or experience as listed in the substitution option to provide required knowledge, skills, and abilities. I understand proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment if I am using education to qualify for this position. Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Proof of Education Requirements (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment) for information on accepted documentation.
- Yes
EDUCATION CONFIRMATION: If I am using education to qualify for this position, I attest I possess or will possess the following level of education by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
- No units from an accredited college or university
- A Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering discipline
- A Masters Degree
PROOF OF CERTIFICATION: I understand proof of certification, should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment.
- Yes
CERTIFICATION CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a Certificate of Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
- Yes
- No
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER: Please enter your Professional Engineer Registration number below. (If you are not registered as a Professional Engineer please enter "N/A". )
07
DRIVER'S LICENSE CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a valid California Class C Driver's License by the time of appointment if I am selected for this position.
- Yes
- No
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: The answers to the questions below will be reviewed by the hiring department along with the information provided in your employment application. Therefore, your answers must be consistent with your employment application information (especially in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections), must be unambiguous, and must contain sufficient but concise detail and organization. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of completing this Supplemental Questionnaire. Lack of clarity, incomplete or inconsistent information, and/or disorganized presentation may negatively affect the hiring department's review of your Supplemental Questionnaire. I understand and agree to the above instructions.
- Yes
Describe your experience leading traffic engineering functions such as signing, striping, traffic calming, traffic studies, or signal design. How did you ensure technical quality, prioritize competing needs, and deliver projects on time?
10
Describe a complex project where you had to balance competing priorities from the community, elected officials, and internal stakeholders. What decision did you make, how did you communicate it, and what was the outcome?
11
Describe a situation where you had to make a decision that impacted public safety or carried potential liability risk. What factors did you consider, how did you make your decision, and what was the outcome?
- Required Question