Job Details
Engineer
Engineer
Salary: $129,068.94 - $177,923.20 Annually
Location: 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Non Represented
Job Number: 2026-31
Department: Engineering
Division: General Engineering
Closing: 7/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Join our team as an Engineer!
Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a motivated and collaborative Engineer to support the planning, design, construction, and long-term reliability of the District's water, wastewater, and recycled water infrastructure. This journey-level position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of development review activities, capital improvement projects, and operational initiatives that help ensure the continued delivery of safe and reliable utility services to the community.
Whether coordinating with developers and contractors supporting major infrastructure improvements, evaluating technical studies, this role provides a unique opportunity to work on projects that shape the future of the District and the communities it serves.
About the Role
Under general supervision, the Engineer performs professional engineering work involving the planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and improvement of the District's water, wastewater, recycled water, and infrastructure systems. The position provides technical analysis, project management, and engineering support for development review activities, capital projects, regulatory compliance initiatives, and operational programs while serving as a technical resource to District staff, consultants, contractors, developers, and the public.
The District is seeking a registered Civil Engineer who meets the minimum qualifications outlined in the job posting to support the integration of private land development projects with the District's water and wastewater infrastructure needs. This role plays a key part in ensuring that new development is properly planned, reviewed, and coordinated so that public water and sewer facilities can reliably serve future customers within expanding project areas.
The selected engineer will review public water and sewer improvement plans, hydraulic analyses, technical studies, and related documents prepared by developers and consultants during both the planning and construction phases. Working under the direction of the Chief Engineer, the position will remain involved throughout the full project lifecycle-from conceptual planning through construction and occupancy-and will collaborate closely with District staff, field inspectors, developers, and outside consultants. Projects may range from single custom homes to large-scale master-planned communities serving thousands of customers and may involve both residential and commercial development.
SALARY INFORMATIONPlease note: Effective July 1, 2027, all classes will receive a 3% COLA increase (Cost of Living Adjustment) Meet Santa Margarita Water District
Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region's largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters.
Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD's goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies.
Santa Margarita Water District's values include:
- Exemplary service excellence
- Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive
- Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency
- Environmental and resource stewardship
- Employee development and leadership training
- Building relationships that strengthen communities
Essential Functions
What You Will Do
- Review engineering plans, specifications, technical studies, and construction documents prepared by consultants, developers, contractors, and District staff
- Support development review activities, including tract maps, hydraulic analyses, and infrastructure improvement plans
- Coordinate projects with internal departments, regulatory agencies, utility providers, developers, contractors, and other stakeholders
- Represent the District in meetings with consultants, developers, agencies, contractors, and community groups
- Evaluate infrastructure performance and develop recommendations for system improvements and operational efficiencies
- Manage and coordinate capital improvement projects from planning through design, construction, and closeout
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, Board materials, and engineering recommendations
- Assist with consultant and construction contract administration and project budgeting
- Investigate operational issues and customer concerns requiring engineering analysis and recommendations
- Provide technical support during emergency response and infrastructure-related incidents
- Strong knowledge of civil engineering principles and utility infrastructure systems
- Experience reviewing development plans, engineering studies, and construction documents
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while exercising sound professional judgment
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with developers, consultants, contractors, agencies, and District staff
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Experience with project management, engineering analysis, and infrastructure planning
- Commitment to providing reliable public infrastructure and exceptional customer service
Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a closely related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible engineering experience involving utility infrastructure, development review, land development plan preparation or review, capital projects, water resources, wastewater systems, or related activities. Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (PE) in the State of California is desirable and may be required for advancement opportunities. A valid California Class C driver's license is required.
Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information
To view the full job description please click here: Engineer Job Description
To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/smwdca/jobs/5382531/engineer
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