1 PRINCIPAL CIVIL ENGINEER
Bargaining Unit: OE3: Management Employees’ Group (MEG) FLSA Status: Exempt
Class Code: 3010
Created: 1/1/1997
Updated: 5/18/2026
DEFINITION:
Under administrative direction of the City Engineer, the Principal Civil Engineer plans, organizes, manages, and oversees the day-to-day operations and performance of one or more sections within the Engineering Division; supervises the work of professional and technical staff; performs professional civil engineering work; manages assigned programs and projects; ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and City standards; and performs related duties as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISITICS:
The Principal Civil Engineer is a management-level classification within the Public Works Department’s Engineering Division. Incumbents direct engineering operations, staff, and/or consultants within assigned program areas – including capital improvement projects, development and permitting, traffic and transportation, and stormwater management – to support the achievement of division goals. The work requires a high degree of independence, initiative, and sound judgment in applying established policies and broad guidelines.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only):
The examples of duties and responsibilities are illustrative and may encompass functions performed across multiple program areas, including capital improvement projects, development and permitting, traffic and transportation, and stormwater management.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the work of professional and technical engineering staff within an assigned section such as capital improvement projects, development and permitting, traffic and transportation, and stormwater program.
• Evaluates operations and activities of assigned section(s); implements section goals and objectives; develops and implements section policies and procedures. • Supervises, trains, and prepares performance evaluations for professional and technical staff; recommends salary increases; participates in the selection of staff.
• Understands, interprets, and applies all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to assigned section of work. • Manages and monitors progress of Capital Improvement Projects. • Prepares plans, specifications, and estimates for bids. 2 • Prepares, monitors, and administers grants and other competitive regional special funding.
• Assists in the preparation of operating and capital improvement budgets and participates in budget review process; prepares cost estimates; monitors and controls expenditures.
• Reviews non-routine projects submitted to the division and determines processing requirements, schedules, order of priority, possible problem areas, and assigns necessary related tasks to staff members, noting any special treatment to be given.
• Periodically reviews progress of staff and consultants on assigned projects and checks completed work products including reports, engineering designs, and completeness of construction inspections for final approval by the City Engineer. • Prepares request for proposal (RFP) and request for qualification (RFQ); participates in the selection of consulting engineers, negotiates fees, drafts agreements, outlines project objectives and City requirements, provides project management such as administration of related contracts, provides project management, and reviews and recommends approval of engineering designs. • Conducts field inspections of projects in progress, including frequent site visits to hard-to-reach locations that may not be accessible by public transit and may require rapid response, including carrying field equipment and materials as needed; negotiates and recommends approval of contract change orders which cannot be handled by subordinates; authorizes changes in planned construction when warranted by field conditions.
• Assists in preparation of operating budget for Engineering Division and participates in budget review conferences; assists in preparation of capital improvement budget for City’s proposed construction programs. • Reviews capital needs, arranges for cost estimates, and recommends priorities. • Supervises the processing of and perform reviews of development permits, development contracts and special agreements, and meets with developers, engineers, and representatives of public and private agencies to resolve problems.
• Administers all aspects of assessment district formation including coordination with involved parties, review of plans and specifications, and preparation of related reports with assistance from consultants.
• Conducts or directs special studies as required; oversees and participates in review of all private development proposals including subdivision maps; supervises the preparation, updating, and maintenance of city maps and records. • Attends meetings and makes presentations and serves as support staff to City Council, City Planning Commission, and other public and private groups as required by the City of Union City Engineer.
• Coordinates and collaborates with City departments and divisions, external agencies, and consultants to carry out the tasks necessary for successful project completion.
3 • Represents the City at Alameda County Clean Water Program (ACCWP) meetings, applying subject matter expertise to regional stormwater initiatives, interprets regulatory requirements, and coordinate implementation strategies. • May serve in an acting capacity as the City Engineer in their absence. • Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Graduation from a four (4)-year college with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, AND
Substantial public works-related engineering experience which would include at least six (6) years of progressive experience in civil engineering, with two (2) years of supervisory responsibility highly desirable.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and have a satisfactory driving record.
Registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the State of California Board of Registration for Civil Engineers.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge Of:
• Engineering principles, programs procedures, practices, forms, and techniques pertinent to assigned functions of the Engineering Division, which may include capital improvement projects, development and permitting, traffic and transportation, and stormwater management.
• Principles of supervision; materials, practices, and methods employed in the construction of streets, parks, and other public works. • Applicable laws, codes, and regulations governing the formation of assessment districts and public works construction.
• Public sector budgeting practices.
Ability To:
• Apply engineering principles.
4 • Prepare and present clear and concise written and verbal reports. • Communicate effectively with City department, UC Transit and Public Works staff, engineers, developers, contractors, property owners and the general public.
• Supervise, schedule, coordinate, monitor and evaluate work of subordinate staff.
• Use computer systems and software applications effectively to perform work.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
The City of Union City is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Union City will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Positions in this class typically require sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and ability to perform repetitive motions.
Travel: Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.