Join the City of Modesto as a Senior Civil/Traffic Engineer and help shape the infrastructure that keeps our community moving! This is your chance to lead exciting projects, collaborate with talented professionals, and bring innovative ideas to life. Make a lasting impact - apply today and be part of Modesto's future!

Upcoming Salary Increases
$145,464 - $185,647 effective 7/1/2026
2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree
5% Education Incentive - Master's Degree

Read more in our comprehensive brochure

*Senior Civil/Traffic Engineers are allocated to multiple departments within the organization. The list established with this recruitment will be utilized to fill the existing vacancies in the Engineering Services and Public Works departments.

Key Qualifications By Division (Department):

When assigned to Transportation Engineering (Engineering Services):

Creative, persistent, and excited to work within a motivated and talented team focused on innovative solutions for challenging transportation issues.
Knowledgeable in traffic engineering principles and practices with an up-to-date understanding of complete streets design guidelines such as The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO).
Passionate about promoting safe and sustainable transportation improvements for all roadway users.
Experienced in roundabout engineering and design; the City of Modesto is a leader in the State of California for implementing roundabouts.
Knowledgeable in class IV bicycle transportation engineering and design; TED is focused on providing safe bicycle infrastructure with each and every project.

When assigned to Traffic Engineering (Public Works):

Knowledgeable in principles and practices of traffic signal timing.
Familiarity with communications fiber, twisted pair, and wireless technology.
Passionate and has an up-to-date understanding of traffic control devices as well as traffic signal design.
Knowledge of Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) California Supplement.
Understanding of the process for establishing speed surveys.
Ability to collaborate effectively with both office staff and field crews; providing outstanding customer service even under difficult situations.
Thrives on managing multiple projects while also being confident and excited to run meetings and keeping our team engaged.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME."

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications of the position will be placed on an eligible list and invited to a selection interview with the hiring department.

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City. The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for the performance of technical and professional engineering duties; implement policies and procedures.

Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staff involved in technical and professional engineering duties related to the design, construction, and maintenance and operation of a variety of public facilities and development projects, including water and wastewater utility, street, storm drain, storm water management and traffic systems.

Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.

Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and control expenditures.

Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.

Manage and/or participate in the preparation of complex engineering studies and reports related to public works, utilities, streets, highways, signal timing and capital improvement projects according to assignment; oversee coordination of activities with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies, citizens, consultants, and developers.

Manage the most complex and difficult engineering projects; develop and monitor project schedules and budget; ensure project funding.

Prepare agenda reports and resolutions for Council approval; make presentations to Council and other City committees and commissions.

Initiate and conduct engineering planning studies to identify public works systems and facility needs and standards for planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation.

Supervise, review, and participate in preparation of environmental assessments and studies related to City and private projects; meet with developers to discuss proposed projects or to resolve design issues; review new development plans.

Prepare Requests for Proposals; research and recommend use of consultants and contractors; negotiate contracts, review work plans, monitor progress, and authorize payments according to contract terms and conditions.

Assist in negotiation of right-of-way agreements, professional services agreements, and cooperative agreements.

Administer, design, and review assigned projects; ensure compliance with federal, state, and local codes and regulations.

Direct the preparation and filing of deeds, maps, and legal descriptions. Manage automated traffic management system and related traffic management systems.

Oversee implementation and maintenance of intelligent traffic system elements.

Consult with a variety of health officials, public officials, engineers, attorneys, water consumer groups, etc. on water quality management plans, treatment facilities, wastewater and storm water issues, research projects, policies, and studies.

Prepare and make presentations to citizen groups, outside organizations, the City Council, and other groups, as necessary.

Represent the division to committees and outside organizations, coordinate engineering activities with other divisions and outside agencies.

Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action to resolve complaints, as necessary. Receive and review public requests for traffic control device changes; collect and analyze data to evaluate request and prepare recommendations; perform intersection traffic control analyses to determine need for traffic control measures.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

Marginal Functions:

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of professional engineering as applied to a variety of public works, utilities, building/facilities construction, water quality, and private development projects.

Methods, materials, and techniques used in the design, construction, inspection, and maintenance and operation of public works and development programs and projects.

Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluations.

Principles and practices of budget monitoring.

Principles and practices of safety management.

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.

Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding civil and structural engineering.

Principles and practices of project management.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

Organize, implement, and direct professional engineering operations and activities.

Interpret, explain, and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program and project budgets.

Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.

Make engineering design computations.

Check, design, and prepare engineering plans.

Understand and interpret engineering construction plans, specifications, and other contract documents.

Perform technical research and solve difficult engineering problems.

Prepare contracts, agreements, specifications, and contract documents.

Conduct comprehensive engineering studies and prepare reports with appropriate recommendations.

Ensure project compliance with federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.

Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Operate office equipment including computer and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Experience and Training Guidelines

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

Experience:

Four years of increasingly responsible professional experience in civil and/or traffic engineering, including one year of supervisory responsibility.

Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, traffic engineering, or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a professional civil or traffic engineer in the State of California.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.

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