SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER/MANAGING ENGINEER at City of La Quinta – La Quinta, California

Do you have a passion for leading Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects and collaborating with diverse consultants and contractors? The City of La Quinta is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Civil Engineer/Managing Engineer to join our Public Works/Engineering Department.

This position will lead the Engineering CIP Division, guiding complex engineering functions and overseeing major projects that drive the City’s growth and sustainability. Under the direction of the Department Director, you will serve as the primary authority on capital projects, engineering standards, and consultant coordination, ensuring that every initiative reflects excellence, efficiency, and the long-term vision for La Quinta’s infrastructure.

If you are a results-driven professional with the expertise and dedication to shape the future of our community, we encourage you to apply today!

The Senior Civil Engineer/Managing Engineer will be responsible for assisting in the management and direction of the department by managing the work and staff of a critical, complex, or multiple City divisions and/or contracted services. This position will supervise staff, including conducting performance evaluations, coordinating training, and implementing hiring, discipline, and termination procedures, and will report to an executive position.

• Acts as the City’s primary project manager for CIP projects, including high-profile and complex projects; prepares and monitors schedules, activities, specifications, and budgets; reviews, investigates, and provides direction on technical issues; approves change orders; performs project close-out activities. Reviews and approves RFPs and contracts. Makes recommendations for vendors to executive management.
• Administers and monitors the division’s budget and contracts, including allocating resources and approving expenditures.
• Attends required meetings with the department director, city manager, other city departments, other regulatory entities, public boards, and commissions; provides responsible staff assistance to executive management.
• Creates and implements Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to define engineering and CIP operations and processes and streamline communication and roles.
• Leads the construction and inspections team to develop a comprehensive construction management program. Guides decisions on inspection levels and standards, as well as staffing.
• Manages consultants and internal staff assigned to projects and division operations; ensures efficiency, clarity of roles, and quality outcomes. Establishes CIP project delivery priorities and ensures compliance with municipal, state, and federal regulations. Evaluates consultant and staff performance in project delivery.
• Provides technical guidance, expertise, and support on CIP engineering phases and topics. Acts as a licensed professional engineer for the department, enhancing professional capacity and credibility. Conducts special studies, analyses, and projects within the division.
• Supervises staff typically through subordinate supervisors, including recruitment, training, creating and approving staffing schedules, assigning and reviewing work, conducting performance appraisals, recommending disciplinary actions, and facilitating meetings with staff.
• Supports department leadership in cross-functional projects and department strategy, policy development, and planning. Represents engineering interests in interdepartmental meetings and with external agencies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Licensing/Certifications

• Valid Class C California Driver’s License.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License.

• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Budgetary principles.
• Business administration principles.
• Civil engineering, construction, and survey principles and methods.
• Contract administration and performance monitoring.
• GIS and CAD applications and systems.
• Managerial principles.
• Modern office procedures and equipment.
• Municipal development processes and programs.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Procurement principles and practices.
• Program development, administration, and regulations.
• Project management principles and methods.
• Research methods, program analysis, and report preparation.
• Supervisory principles.
• Technical report writing.

• Analyzing problems, identifying solutions, and making decisions.
• Applying local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Budget management.
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Comprehending and correctly interpreting a variety of construction/engineering documents.
• Contract administration and management.
• Engineering and construction project management.
• Maintaining effective working relationships with peers, public, and staff.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Operating a computer and relevant software applications.
• Preparing complex technical written reports and documents.
• Public bid processes and procurement management.
• Public speaking.
• Reading and evaluating maps, designs, and/or plans.
• Supervision and evaluation of staff.
• Supervising and evaluating division operations.

• Oral Exam
• Supplemental Exercise