Principal Engineer (First 50 Qualified)

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DUTIES SUMMARY

For staff assigned to the Construction Services Group, under the general direction of the Engineering Manager, to plan, direct, supervise, and review the activities of staff engaged in the construction management, inspection, constructability review, and assist in the planning and scheduling for the construction, or alteration of water utility, water reclamation, sewer collections, power generation, and geothermal systems; gather and compile data, prepare, and review design plans for constructability, preparation or review of construction cost estimates, specifications, and reports; direct and assist engineering personnel with matters associated with construction management and construction inspection; oversee the management and coordination of contractor/developer-installed projects; and perform other related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The class of Principal Engineer is the advanced professional level class in the engineering series. Supervision is received from the Engineering Manager. Supervision may be exercised over Engineering Section staff. In the absence of the Engineering Manager, the Principal Engineer may act as his or her designee.

This class is distinguished from the Engineering Manager by the latter’s full management authority in planning, organizing, and directing the full scope of programs, projects, and related engineering activities for the entire Engineering Section, including GIS and mapping services, development services, planning and design services, and construction services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

For staff assigned to the Construction Services Group, the following minimum qualifications shall apply:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, architecture, Water Technology, Wastewater Technology, or closely related field.

And

Experience: Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in construction management or project management handling multiple large and complex Public Works projects involving pipes and complex process facilities, wastewater collection systems, mechanical equipment, medium voltage and instrumentation systems, tenant improvements, or new facilities, including experience in a lead or supervisory role.

Certification: Must possess a valid Professional Engineer License (Civil) in the State of California at the time of application

And

Must obtain and maintain a California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 or higher and an SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 or higher within 36 months of appointment;

General contractor license is highly desirable.

Certified Construction Manager certification is highly desirable.

Obtaining and maintaining required certification is a condition of employment. Failure to obtain and maintain any required certifications noted within the stipulated timeframes shall be considered grounds for termination. The responsibility for obtaining and maintaining certifications is the sole responsibility of the employee.

This position is primarily responsible for overseeing the construction management and inspection of Public Works projects, not performing operations, maintenance, construction, repair, or installation of Department assets or systems, therefore, experience in the performance of these tasks shall not be considered as meeting the minimum experience qualifications.

Necessary Special Requirements

Must be able to respond to call-outs or emergencies including being on-call

Possession of a valid California Class “C: driver’s license is required upon application. For out-of-state applicants, a valid driver’s license is required and a valid California driver’s license is required within ten (10) days of appointment (CA Vehicle Code 12505c).

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions

Work involves exposure to potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and infectious disease. There is frequent need to stand, sit, stoop, walk, and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Incumbents require sufficient mobility to work in an office setting and operate office equipment, transport materials and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, and to travel to various locations. Must be able to see in the normal visual range with or without correction with vision sufficient to read small print, computer screens and other printed documents. Must be able to hear in the normalaudio range with or without correction.  Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

Salary $11,694.68 to $14,925.71

Apply online at: www.sbmwd.org

Recruitment opens 9/15/25 and closes 10/12/25 or at 1st 50 Qualified

EEO/ADA (909)453-6091

• 

• City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department

• (909)453-6090