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Principal Civil Engineer

Citrus Heights, CA, USA

Employer

Principal Civil Engineer

Citrus Heights Water District

Citrus Heights, CA, USA

Lead Recruiter

Bryan Noblett and Greg Nelson

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THE OPPORTUNITY

The Citrus Heights Water District (CHWD) offers an inspiring career opportunity to experienced professional civil engineers who have a passion to serve as the next Principal Civil Engineer for a unique special district that finds itself in a period of transformational growth and expansion of its water distribution infrastructure.


ABOUT THE CITRUS HEIGHTS WATER DISTRICT

The Citrus Heights Water District was founded in 1920, operating under the State of California Water Code.  CHWD provides drinking water to an estimated service area population of 70,000 customers through more than 20,000 water service connections. CHWD’s service area is 12.8 square miles, including portions of Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, Carmichael, Roseville and unincorporated Placer County in the Greater Sacramento Region.  CHWD has 38 full-time dedicated employees to operate and maintain its water system, ensuring high-quality and reliable water, while providing great customer service. The 2023 CHWD annual operating budget is approximately $16 million, and its 2023 Capital Improvement Budget is $8.23 million.


THE POSITION

The Principal Civil Engineer for the Citrus Heights Water District will report to the Director of Engineering and serve in an at-will, FLSA exempt capacity. The Principal Civil Engineer will have the responsibility to plan, perform, organize, direct and supervise engineering operations within the Engineering Department and to coordinate assigned activities with other District departments. Some of the essential job duties of this position include overseeing and, at times, performing the design, plan review, and/or inspection of capital improvement and private development projects; coordinating and administering the District’s Capital Improvement Program; participating in budget preparation and administration; preparing cost estimates for budget recommendations; and planning, prioritizing, assigning, supervising and reviewing the work of staff involved in engineering projects and activities.


The ideal candidate for the position of Principal Civil Engineer will have a strong background in water distribution system planning, design, operation and maintenance; have experience in crafting and administering capital improvement project budgets and project management; and be a civil engineer who enjoys being part of an engineering team doing transformational work, along with a desire to prepare documents and conduct the field work associated with ensuring important projects are accomplished in a manner consistent with the District’s vision.


QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

  • Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field. A Master’s degree is desirable.

  • Experience: Four years of responsible experience similar to that of a Senior Civil Engineer with the District.

  • Licensure: Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California.

  • Certifications: Possession of a Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Certification and a Grade T1 Water Treatment Operator Certification issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board may be required at the time of appointment or within a reasonable amount of time after appointment to the position.


COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for the Principal Civil Engineer is $143,051 to $193,127, with placement in the range made depending on qualifications. In addition, subject to Board direction/approval, District salaries are reviewed annually for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Retirement is provided through CalPERS, in addition to Social Security contributions. Classic CalPERS members are eligible for 2% @ 55 formula, while PEPRA members are 2% @ 62. Employee pays the employee portion. Optional enrollment in a pre-tax payroll-deducted 457 plan is available and the District offers a 3% employer match, based on annual limits as established by the IRS.


The District also offers a competitive and attractive executive benefits package that includes an innovative Pay for Performance system which is in conjunction with the annual employee performance evaluation. Based on an employee’s performance rating, both merit adjustments and one-time rewards and recognition amounts may be awarded. A .pdf summary of the program can be viewed by clicking on the CHWD - Pay for Performance link on this page.


In addition, the District provides medical, dental, vision and life insurance, observes a 4/40 work schedule, offers generous leave benefits and paid days off between the Christmas and New Year's holidays.


Interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure for additional benefit information.


RECRUITMENT PROCESS

This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. Confidential inquiries are welcomed to Bryan Noblett or Greg Nelson at (916) 550-4100. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.


Interested candidates are encouraged to apply below immediately, as this recruitment will close once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.

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