Principal Civil Engineer at City of Lake Forest – Lake Forest, California

JOB SUMMARY

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. First review is scheduled for January 20, 2026. Apply early for priority consideration.

Why Lake Forest

The City of Lake Forest is nestled in the heart of South Orange County and the beautiful Saddleback Valley. The City of Lake Forest is a thriving, family-friendly community known for its natural beauty, high quality of life, and strong commitment to public service. Incorporated in 1991, Lake Forest has grown into a vibrant city of approximately 87,830 residents, offering a unique blend of suburban comfort and outdoor recreation. The City features 32 public parks, two scenic man-made lakes, and the expansive Whiting Ranch Regional Wilderness Park, providing countless opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor enjoyment. Lake Forest has quality public schools for grades K-12, several preschools, private elementary schools, and technical and trade schools within the city. Higher education is only minutes away at the University of California at Irvine, California State University at Fullerton, Chapman University, Concordia University, and Saddleback and Irvine Valley Community Colleges.

How We Serve

In 2023, Lake Forest launched a 2023–2030 Capital Improvement Program, planning 68 projects. The City has recently completed a range of impactful public works projects that have enhanced infrastructure and community spaces throughout the city. These include the replacement of over 7,000 square feet of sidewalk at 88 locations, synchronized traffic signals, installed audible pedestrian signals, and enhanced medians to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Parks and public spaces saw major improvements with upgrades to new lighting at the dog park, and the addition of lighting for pickleball and volleyball courts.

The selected candidate will have the exciting opportunity to participate in several major infrastructure initiatives that are shaping the future of Lake Forest. As the Principal Civil Engineer, you will perform complex professional level duties in support of the City's engineering services and activities including leading and managing public works capital improvement projects in the planning, engineering, and construction phases and the review of civil engineering design and land development projects.

The ideal candidate will:

• Ability to prepare precise and detailed engineering reports and specifications describing Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects for contracts, requests for proposals (RFPs), and grant applications; prepares agenda reports for all phases of the project.
• Build strong working relationships with contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders through excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Interprets City engineering standards and policies and analyzes the feasibility of engineering designs and estimates labor and material costs; recommends approval of change orders in consultation with engineering management personnel.
• 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: Assistant Director of Public Works / Assistant City Engineer

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 years of professional civil engineering design and review experience, including project management duties and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

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

This position is required to work on-site at the City of Lake Forest City Hall from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, following a 9/80 work schedule (with every other Friday off). (Note: The incumbent may be eligible to hybrid work one day per week, per department approval).