Principal Civil Engineer

Why WeHo

The City of West Hollywood is like no other city in the world. Located in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles and only 1.9 square miles, the City of West Hollywood was incorporated in 1984 by a unique collaboration of people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender activists, seniors, and advocates for affordable housing. West Hollywood is an international tourism destination with a diverse population and is also the location of many entertainment, design, technology, and hospitality-based businesses. The City is a robust economic and cultural center instilled with idealism, creativity, and innovation. A spirit of community activism and civic pride thrives in West Hollywood for many of its approximately 36,500 residents. The City of West Hollywood has a strong progressive voice, is a leader among communities, and is filled with a rich history. The City prides itself on strong core values: Respect and Support for People; Responsiveness to the Public; Idealism, Creativity, and Innovation; Quality of Residential Life; Promotion of Economic Development; Public Safety; and Responsibility for the Environment – as well as being proactive in responding to the needs of its diverse community.

How We Serve

The Engineering Division provides essential services that affect the daily lives of everyone who lives, works, and visits West Hollywood. We are responsible for the administration, planning, design, maintenance, and construction management of the City's critical infrastructure from streets and sewers to traffic signals and storm drains. The Division delivers comprehensive engineering services, including preliminary design, construction inspection, and project management for public works projects. We oversee street and sewer maintenance, coordinate with utility companies, and manage the Capital Improvement Program. Our team handles development review, sanitation systems, traffic engineering, roadway lighting, and drainage evaluation for all new and redeveloped properties.

What You'll Contribute

As the Principal Civil Engineer, you'll serve as a senior technical and supervising leader overseeing large-scale, highly complex civil engineering projects that shape West Hollywood's future. Your expertise will guide the planning, design, and construction of critical public infrastructure, including streets, utilities, traffic systems, and sustainable development initiatives. You will supervise and mentor engineering professionals while serving as project manager on the City's most significant capital improvement and public works projects.

Through collaboration with City departments, regional agencies, contractors, consultants, and community stakeholders, you'll ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Your leadership and strategic vision will be essential for managing multiple high-priority infrastructure projects and advancing West Hollywood's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in public service.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have expert knowledge of civil engineering principles, California public contract codes, and federal/state regulations governing public works projects, with demonstrated experience in project management and construction administration.
• Build strong working relationships with contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders through excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrate a proven track record in grant writing and administration, with successful experience identifying, pursuing, and securing federal, state, and regional funding and managing grant compliance and audit requirements.
• Lead and mentor engineering staff through effective supervision, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Manage multiple complex capital projects simultaneously while maintaining responsiveness to community needs and meeting critical deadlines.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, presentations to the City Council, and public engagement.

For full position details, please click the job description: Principal Civil Engineer

Reports to: Engineering Manager/City Engineer

This position is eligible to work remotely up to 50% of the time, subject to approval and based on the City's ongoing operational needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Civil Engineering or related field; and,
• Five to six years of full-time progressively responsible professional-level experience in civil engineering, including two years of experience in project management and supervising or leading and coordinating the work of others.
• Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, complex analytical skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California