Principal Engineer/Architect

Job Description:

Principal Engineer/Architect

Description

The Position

There is an additional 3.35% Management Differential which is added to the posted salary for this class.

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

11/13/2024, 12/18/2024 (Final)

The Principal Engineer/Architect performs a variety of professional engineering and/or architectural activities in connection with the planning, design, construction, alteration, code enforcement, surveying, testing of materials, contract administration and/or management of public works projects, including, but not limited to, buildings and other structures; streets, highways and bridges; sewer, water, and drainage pipeline systems; water supply; wastewater treatment; solid waste management; airports and parks; and site improvements.

Principal Engineer/Architect is a management level class requiring a high degree of professional skill and knowledge in planning, administering, evaluating complex engineering/architectural programs such as engineering and/or architectural studies and related environmental documentation, administration and management of construction contracts; inspection of facilities and installations; contract preparation and review; project funding; site suitability studies; and review of legal descriptions of real property. Most Principal Engineer/Architects manage/supervise an organization of large size composed primarily of engineers/architects and which may include a number of technical and administrative occupations. A few Principal Engineer/Architect positions may not involve the supervisory responsibilities normally associated with this class, but may have significant responsibility for a County-wide program that impacts on many County Departments and Agencies and/or other jurisdictions. Positions in this class may also plan, organize, direct and coordinate the activities of engineering/architectural consultants.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

Applicable to all options

• Engineering and/or architectural procedures and principles pertinent to the specific job
• Principles and techniques of human resources management, and supervision to include team dynamics, team building, leadership, mentoring, etc.
• Principles and practices of public administration, organization, and management
• Budget preparation and monitoring
• Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to the program and their funding
• Contract preparation, negotiation and administration
• Contracts and legal relationships between owner, consultant, contractor, and subcontractor
• Planning for public works facilities
• Plans and specification requirements
• Facilities design
• Strength, properties, and the use of materials in construction
• Construction administration and management
• Safety requirements

Building Design Option

• Principles and practices applicable to the structure evaluation and design of complex buildings and structures
• Effective space utilization
• Principles and practices applicable to the understanding and implementation of architectural and engineering design techniques of complex buildings and spaces
• Construction practices
• Drafting principles and techniques
• Interrelationship between human and environmental factors as they apply to building design
• Principles and practices applicable to the evaluation and design of complex buildings and structures
• Construction code requirements including, but not limited to, occupancy safety, fire resistive construction, approved standards, building systems, and State disability accessibility requirement
• Building permit procedures used by local governments

Building Inspection Option

• Principles and practices applicable to the evaluation and design of complex buildings and structures
• Construction code requirements including, but not limited to, occupancy safety, fire resistive construction, approved standards, building systems, and State disability accessibility requirements
• Building permit procedures used by local governments

Sanitary Engineering Option

• Biological, physical, and chemical processes involved in the treatment of wastewater
• Laws and regulations relating to wastewater treatment, collection, distribution and quality control
• Laws and regulations relating to environmental issues such as wastewater treatment, environmental permit requirements, hazardous waste, air pollution, etc.
• Principles and practices applicable to heavy mechanical equipment, control and instrumentation systems, and electrical systems used at industrial facilities

Construction Management Option

• Principles and practices applicable to the evaluation and design of complex buildings and structures, including bridge; waste-water treatment and pumping plants; potable water systems; roads; water, sewer, and drainage pipeline systems; parks; airports; and other works facilities
• Construction code requirements including, but not limited to, occupancy, safety, fire resistive construction, approved standards, building systems, and the State disability accessibility requirements
• Construction administration and management techniques and practices
• Legal and regulatory requirements related to construction management
• Principals of performing constructability reviews

Ability to

• Plan, supervise, direct and coordinate the work of a multiple disciplinary professional, technical and/or administrative staff
• Evaluate complex engineering and architectural design and consulting work
• Review plans and specifications and recognize needed changes prior to approval
• Prepare complete and comprehensive budget
• Analyze statistical and financial records and reports
• Analyze engineering and managerial problems and work out effective solutions
• Maintain effective collaborative working relationships
• Effectively represent the department to other organizations - other County departments, other counties, cities, districts, State and Federal organizations, public interest groups
• Make effective oral and written presentations concerning policy questions/engineering problems, alternatives, conclusions, and recommendations

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Either: 1.Current possession of a valid certificate of registration as an engineer or architect in the State of California.
AND

Four years of full-time experience in Sacramento County in the class of Associate Civil Engineer, Associate Mechanical Engineer, Associate Electrical Engineer, Associate Engineer/Architect or higher or in the class of Senior Instrumentation and Control Systems Engineer.

A Masters Degree in an engineering discipline or in architecture may be substituted for one year of this experience.

Or: 2.Current possession of a valid certificate of registration as an Engineer or Architect in the State of California

AND

Four years of full-time experience as a registered Engineer or Architect performing duties which have included difficult and complex engineering or architectural projects. The projects must have provided significant involvement with budget preparation or monitoring of project expenditures; principles and techniques of human resources management and supervision; Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to the programs and their funding; and interface with other coordinating organizations and regulatory jurisdictions.

A Masters Degree in an engineering discipline or in architecture may be substituted for one year of this experience.

Note: If the word “experience” is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.

Special Requirements

Driver's License: A valid Driver's License, Class C or higher, is required prior to appointment to all positions in this class series.

Note: (1) Failure to maintain a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher may constitute cause for termination from this class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4.
(2) Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Certificates/licenses: Per Assembly Bill 717, positions assigned to the Building Inspection Division are required to obtain a certification from a recognized state, national, or international association, as determined by the County, within two years of date of hire or assignment.

Some positions in this class series require incumbents to complete one year of verifiable experience in the appropriate field, and one year thereafter, to obtain certification from a recognized state, national, or international association, as determined by the County.

Any person currently and continuously employed by the County as an inspector, plans examiner or building official, for not less than two years prior to January 1, 1996, is exempt from the certification requirements as outlined above.

In addition, persons appointed to this class might be required to complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education every three years. The County may determine appropriate providers of continuing education such as community colleges or organizations affiliated with code enforcement.

Note: Failure to meet the required certification requirements may constitute cause for termination from this class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Work hours: frequent: working in excess of 40 hours a week; occasional: working irregular hours, particularly during emergency situations.

Emotional/psychological: frequent: having public contact, making decisions effecting health and safety of employees/residents, responding to changing priorities.

Visual: Frequent: good overall vision, reading, close-up work, and peripheral vision. Some positions require the ability to discern the full spectrum of colors.

Hearing: frequent: hearing normal speech and on the telephone.

Talking: frequent: talking in person and on the telephone.

Mobility: frequent: performing keyboard operations and sitting for long periods; occasional: walking on uneven terrain at construction sites, etc.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.

Application and Testing Information

APPLICATION

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click here to apply.

County of Sacramento

Department of Personnel Services

Employment Services Division

700 H Street, Room 4667

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service

Email EmployOffice@Saccounty.net

Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667

www.SacCountyJobs.net

• Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.
• Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.

Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

• Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
• The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.
• Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.
• If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.
• Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.
• If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
• For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
• If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed , therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

For information regarding County jobs:

• www.saccountyjobs.net

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

As an employee of the County of Sacramento, there will be a variety of benefits available to you. These benefits currently include: health, dental and life insurance; flexible spending account options for dependent care and unreimbursed dental and/or medical cost; and an employee assistance program (EAP).

GENERAL BENEFITS:
Most employee benefits are similar to the following for all County employees. However, some benefits differ, depending on the employee representation unit to which the employee's job classification is assigned. Information about the exact benefits applicable to a particular job classification may be obtained from the Sacramento County Department of Benefits or by visiting www.saccountyjobs.net.

TEMPORARY POSITIONS:
Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions. The explanations of benefits applies to employees in regular positions.

SALARY STEP INCREASES:
The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% are given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.

PAY:
All employees are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit into the employee's bank account. The pay period covers fourteen (14) calendar days, starting on a Sunday and ending on the second Saturday thereafter. Salaries are generally paid on the Friday following the end of the pay period. Employees can set up their direct deposit and access their pay information via Employee Self Service in MySacCounty.

VACATION:
Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.

HOLIDAYS:
14.5 holidays per year as recognized.

SICK LEAVE:
Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation. Upon retirement, unused sick leave is converted to retirement service credit.

PARENTAL LEAVE:
Entitles a regular County employee, with at least one year of continuous employment, to schedule a paid parental leave of up to 160 hours upon the birth or during the process of an adoption of a minor child. Parental leave shall be approved by the employee's appointing authority, except where the granting of the parental leave request would unduly interfere with or cause severe hardship upon department operations.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:
Dependent upon union agreements, regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies are eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.

RETIREMENT:
Social Security and Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System coverage.

HEALTH INSURANCE:
The County offers a variety of health plan design options to fit individual needs.

DENTAL INSURANCE:
The County provides a comprehensive dental benefit program for regular full-time and part-time employees and their eligible dependents. This plan pays on a set fee schedule that varies by procedure. Any amount over the fee schedule is the employee's responsibility. The yearly maximum is $2,000 per person, not including orthodontia. The orthodontic benefit is 50% of covered charges with a lifetime maximum of $1,000 per person.

LIFE INSURANCE:
The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit of $15,000 to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION:
The County offers a Deferred Compensation Program which enables employees to save in a systematic way without paying income tax on either the payroll deduction or the earned interest, prior to withdrawal.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The County of Sacramento provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services in areas such as:

• Legal Advice/Difficult Decisions
• Marriage or Family Relationships
• Financial or Credit Worries/Elder Care
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse

WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM:
The County will recognize and award time off to eligible employees who maintain an excellent attendance record.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT:
The County offers regular employees two separate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's). These accounts allow employees to set money aside, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deduction, to pay for medical, dental or dependent care expenses.

• DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
  Employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare or dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and/or spouse to continue working.
  
  
• MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
  The Medical Reimbursement Account allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid by insurance or reimbursed by any other benefit plan.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION:
In case of injury while on the job, each employee is protected under the Workers' Compensation laws of California.

SACRAMENTO CREDIT UNION:
The credit union offers loan facilities and systematic saving plans through payroll deduction.

SELECTION AND PLACEMENT

Sacramento County encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, gender, disability, political affiliation, or age.

Certain age limits may be required by law, ordinance, or Civil Service direction for specific classifications such as those identified with hazardous occupations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Please read carefully the "Minimum Qualifications" section of your announcement. You must meet those qualifications by the application deadline date unless otherwise specified. Your application must clearly show you meet the minimum qualifications by the application deadline date, or it will not be accepted. All statements are subject to verification.

"Experience" means full-time paid experience unless the announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATIONS:
If the announcement indicates the examination is given on a promotional basis, candidates must hold permanent status in Sacramento County Civil Service by the application deadline date and must meet the minimum qualifications.

OPEN EXAMINATIONS:
Any person who meets the minimum qualifications may apply.

CONTINUOUS FILING EXAMINATIONS:
Applicants are eligible to reapply to and retake a continuous filing exam after 6 months from the date the previous exam results was received.

ELIGIBLE LISTS:
Names of qualified persons who made a passing score on an examination are entered, in order of their final grades, on an eligible list. To fill each vacancy, the hiring department will make a selection from among the top three ranks on the employment lists.

EXAMINATION RATINGS:
Unless otherwise stated on the announcement: To be successful, candidates must obtain a rating of at least 70% on each part of the examination. This may be an adjusted score or an arithmetic 70% of the total possible score as determined by the Director.

APPEAL PROCESS:
Persons who believe their applications have been improperly rejected may request the Employment Services Division to review its decision to reject the application. If the applicant desires to submit additional proof of qualifications, such proof must be received by Personnel Services not less than two (2) calendar days prior to the scheduled date for the examination.

Persons who are disqualified in any phase of the examination may appeal such adverse action, in writing, to the Civil Service Commission, 700 H Street, Room 2640, Sacramento, CA 95814, telephone: (916) 874-5586. Such appeals must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days after notice of the adverse action was mailed to the candidate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs): https://personnel.saccounty.net/Pages/EmploymentServicesFAQs.aspx

OTHER INFORMATION

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:
Military veterans who have served during wartime shall be given preference in initial appointment to County service. Such preference shall apply, provided the veteran has first achieved a minimum passing score in the examination. The passing score of a veteran shall be annotated to indicate the veteran's score shall be regarded as 5 points or higher, OR 10 points higher for disabled veterans, only for the purpose of determining the three ranks along with which the veteran's name shall be certified. No score shall actually be changed and no new rank shall be created as a result of application of veteran's preference for certification purposes.

"Disabled Veteran" means any veteran who has served during wartime and, who, as of the final filing date for an examination is declared by the United States Veterans Administration or military service department to be 10% or more disabled as a result of his/her military service. Persons claiming eligibility for disabled veteran's preference must submit to the employment office, on or before the application deadline date, a certification from the United States Veterans Administration or a military service department, dated within 1 year, which certifies the present existence of a service related disability of 10% or more, or other acceptable proof of such disability as a result of his/her military service.
Persons claiming eligibility for veterans preference must submit a copy of Form DD 214 or other acceptable proof of veteran's status on or before the final filing date for the examination. For purpose of this rule "reserve" status does not constitute active duty.

CITIZENSHIP OR AUTHORIZED ALIEN REQUIREMENT:
As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all County employees must be United States citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Proof of citizenship or authorized status will be required prior to appointment.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE:
Some County Civil Service positions are covered by financial disclosure requirements intended to identify potential conflicts of interest.

CONCURRENT EMPLOYMENT:
No employee may concurrently occupy more than one County position.

SPECIAL SKILL QUALIFICATIONS (WHEN SPECIFIED ON THE APPLICATION):
Persons who have special skills required by some (but not all) positions in a class may be certified ahead of others provided that:

Such special skills are based on the duties and requirements of the positions and are in conformance with merit system and equal opportunity principles, and
The certification of eligibles who possess special skills have been approved by the Civil Service Commission.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION & DRUG TESTING:
The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment to positions must pass a medical examination and a drug test, administered by the County at no cost to the applicant.

DRIVER LICENSE:
Possession of a valid California Driver License may be required for some positions.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Regular positions are subject to a probationary period which is an extension of the selection process. Unless otherwise indicated on the announcement, the probationary period is six (6) months.

AGENCY SHOP/FAIR SHARE FEE:
Some positions require, as a condition of continued employment, that the person either:
1. Become a union member;
2. Pay a fair share fee to the union; or,
3. Meet specific requirements under which an equivalent amount must be paid to a charity.

FINGERPRINTING AND CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS:
Fingerprinting and criminal record checks are required for some positions.

Closing Date/Time: 12/18/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$160,734.24 - $177,208.56 Annually