What are the responsibilities and job description for the SPECIAL PROJECTS ENGINEER - Land Development position at City of San Marcos, CA?
Summary Description
Our Land Development Engineering team is growing, which means we have an exciting opportunity for a Special Projects Engineer.
THE POSITION
As the Special Projects Engineer, you work with applicant/developer teams, City staff, residents, and external agencies to guide the priorities and direction of specially assigned projects from inception, through the entitlement process, to the development of construction drawings, and into construction. The development is inspiring, fast-paced, and challenging. Develop strong professional partnerships as you navigate these impactful projects. Lend your perspective and experience to staff engineers who can benefit greatly from the wealth of experience that you bring to the San Marcos culture. The position reports to the Land Development Principal Civil Engineer lead. Your contributions will shape a city that serves generations to come. Click here to read the full job description and learn more about the Special Projects Engineer position.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
This is a highly experienced technical position. San Marcos will accept applications from licensed and unlicensed engineers. Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of California is desirable but not required.
Experience specifically in civil engineering is sought; experience in other fields may not lend the required knowledge and abilities to function in this role.
Both private- and public-sector experience may be qualifying. Expertise in the review of construction plans and reports is highly desired. Experience in entitlement processing is highly desirable.
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field, with six years of increasingly responsible civil engineering experience.
Alternative qualifying experience without a PE license and/or a related degree might be ten or more years of increasingly responsible experience in the private or public sector processing of construction drawings and entitlements, including the ability to quickly learn the private sector role in the process.
CONTACT US
Getting to know us is simple, with no strings attached.
Reach out and meet our team on your schedule. We’re always accessible by phone or email! Contact one of our team members by email or by phone at 760.744.1050.
Kyrenne Chua, Principal Civil Engineer: KChua@SanMarcosCA.gov
Stephanie Kellar, Deputy City Engineer: SKellar@SanMarcosCA.gov
Isaac Etchamendy, City Engineer and Development Services Director: IEtchamendy@SanMarcosCA.gov
About
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SAN MARCOS CULTURE BELOW.
THE SAN MARCOS WAY.
In a region where public agency engineering jobs can feel overstretched and under-supported, City of San Marcos is building something better. We invest in our people and help them grow. In fact, in the past three years alone, nearly half of the staff in our department have earned promotions.
FLEXIBILITY IS BAKED INTO OUR CULTURE. San Marcos offers hybrid work built to your schedule and real flexibility to manage your commitments in a way that works for you.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE THAT ACTUALLYMAKES A DIFFERENCE. We deliver on real work-life balance. Our team members get the flexibility to coach kids' sports, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy enriching personal lives.
ROOM TO RUN. Here in San Marcos, you are a trusted professional, supported by leadership that respects boundaries between staff work and our elected policymakers.
A POSITIVE ENGINEERING CULTURE WITH ROOM TO BREATHE. Supportive colleagues, collaborative problem-solving, and genuine respect for your expertise- San Marcos offers a friendlier working environment than you’ll find in most jurisdictions. We’ve intentionally built it that way.
Recruitment Timeline
APPLICATION PERIOD Applications accepted beginning May 20, 2026
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Applications must be received by 4:00pm, June 3, 2026
FIRST INTERVIEWS June 18, 2026
SECOND INTERVIEWS June 25, 2026
Our Land Development Engineering team is growing, which means we have an exciting opportunity for a Special Projects Engineer.
THE POSITION
As the Special Projects Engineer, you work with applicant/developer teams, City staff, residents, and external agencies to guide the priorities and direction of specially assigned projects from inception, through the entitlement process, to the development of construction drawings, and into construction. The development is inspiring, fast-paced, and challenging. Develop strong professional partnerships as you navigate these impactful projects. Lend your perspective and experience to staff engineers who can benefit greatly from the wealth of experience that you bring to the San Marcos culture. The position reports to the Land Development Principal Civil Engineer lead. Your contributions will shape a city that serves generations to come. Click here to read the full job description and learn more about the Special Projects Engineer position.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
- You are a highly-experienced project engineer with technical expertise in entitlements as well as the review of grading and public improvement plans, subdivision mapping, and technical studies such as flood analyses, stormwater quality documents, soils reports, drainage studies, traffic impact analyses, and CEQA documents.
- You implement a hands-on approach to constructive problem solving and resolve challenging technical issues through collaboration and partnership. You are responsive, tactful, collaborative, and accountable to our community and customers.
- You understand the importance of a strong working culture, and you set a positive tone for the City and our customers.
- You prioritize mentorship, and you cultivate the development of junior staff and create a culture of support and growth in the group.
- You understand and strengthen the San Marcos customer service legacy with creativity, respect for internal and external customers, and an eye towards forging productive and successful relationships.
This is a highly experienced technical position. San Marcos will accept applications from licensed and unlicensed engineers. Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of California is desirable but not required.
Experience specifically in civil engineering is sought; experience in other fields may not lend the required knowledge and abilities to function in this role.
Both private- and public-sector experience may be qualifying. Expertise in the review of construction plans and reports is highly desired. Experience in entitlement processing is highly desirable.
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field, with six years of increasingly responsible civil engineering experience.
Alternative qualifying experience without a PE license and/or a related degree might be ten or more years of increasingly responsible experience in the private or public sector processing of construction drawings and entitlements, including the ability to quickly learn the private sector role in the process.
CONTACT US
Getting to know us is simple, with no strings attached.
Reach out and meet our team on your schedule. We’re always accessible by phone or email! Contact one of our team members by email or by phone at 760.744.1050.
Kyrenne Chua, Principal Civil Engineer: KChua@SanMarcosCA.gov
Stephanie Kellar, Deputy City Engineer: SKellar@SanMarcosCA.gov
Isaac Etchamendy, City Engineer and Development Services Director: IEtchamendy@SanMarcosCA.gov
About
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SAN MARCOS CULTURE BELOW.
THE SAN MARCOS WAY.
In a region where public agency engineering jobs can feel overstretched and under-supported, City of San Marcos is building something better. We invest in our people and help them grow. In fact, in the past three years alone, nearly half of the staff in our department have earned promotions.
FLEXIBILITY IS BAKED INTO OUR CULTURE. San Marcos offers hybrid work built to your schedule and real flexibility to manage your commitments in a way that works for you.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE THAT ACTUALLYMAKES A DIFFERENCE. We deliver on real work-life balance. Our team members get the flexibility to coach kids' sports, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy enriching personal lives.
ROOM TO RUN. Here in San Marcos, you are a trusted professional, supported by leadership that respects boundaries between staff work and our elected policymakers.
A POSITIVE ENGINEERING CULTURE WITH ROOM TO BREATHE. Supportive colleagues, collaborative problem-solving, and genuine respect for your expertise- San Marcos offers a friendlier working environment than you’ll find in most jurisdictions. We’ve intentionally built it that way.
Recruitment Timeline
APPLICATION PERIOD Applications accepted beginning May 20, 2026
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Applications must be received by 4:00pm, June 3, 2026
FIRST INTERVIEWS June 18, 2026
SECOND INTERVIEWS June 25, 2026
Salary : $130,416 - $195,687