Engineering Technician, Specialist

Description

Notice of change: This recruitment will close on 7/3/2026 at 4:59 PM PST.

Salary: $92,245.92 - $111,003.36 Annually

We are accepting applications to fill a full-time Engineering Technician, Specialist vacancy with the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department. The current vacancy is in the Flood Control District – Hydrology Section.

We are also accepting applications to establish an employment list for future Full-Time, Part-Time, Civil Service Rule 1414*, and Extra-Help Engineering Technician, Specialist vacancies for multiple divisions (Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Transportation, and Flood Control) in multiple locations (Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, etc.). Please make sure you select on your application which location(s) and division(s) you are willing to accept current and future employment.

THE POSITION: Under direction, performs the most technically complex paraprofessional civil engineering duties in such areas as: construction, contract administration, hydrology, database management, materials testing, development review and permitting, or other engineering specialties; and performs related duties as required.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE Will Possess

• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills and experience (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Project)
• Ability to prepare and write clear and concise technical documents and communication, and keep records organized accordingly
• Ability to maintain and build large databases utilizing software to provide reports for permit compliance
• Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and manage competing deadlines
• Ability to exercise good judgement, high ethical standards, and dedication to assigned tasks with attention to detail
• Knowledge of RWQCB Waste Discharge Requirements and Title V operating permits
• Experience working with automated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems to critically analyze the operational status of various environmental management systems, including but not limited to gas-to-energy systems, combustion equipment, wastewater treatment systems, and stormwater conveyance systems
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally with managers, executives, operations staff, other agencies, vendors, and regulators
• Experience in procurement of goods and service contracts with vendors and contractors along with the desire to be a good steward of public funds
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle high stress situations, thrive under pressure and adapt to change
  
  

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is a specialized, multiple-option class. Work in this class is characterized by the complexity of the assignments and by the independence with which an incumbent performs. Incumbents in this class may be assisted by and/or supervise other technicians.

Examples of Duties

Note: The following is not intended to be a comprehensive list.

• Construction: Oversees construction projects of substantial complexity; leads and participates in construction inspection; prepares final labor and materials reports; recommends approval of construction work and contract payments.
• Contract Administration: Tracks operational contracts for environmental management systems; schedules contractors for maintenance of technical operating systems including SCADA, landfill gas collection, liquid collection and gas-to-energy systems; coordinates competitive bidding on projects; writes public notices relating to construction projects.
• Hydrology: Oversees hydrologic telemetry and flood hazard warning system; analyzes and interprets rainfall, streamflow, and reservoir data; prepares hydrology reports; trains technicians in rainfall data collection and analysis.
• Design: Coordinates the design work of complex engineering projects; reviews the designs, calculations, and cost estimates of other technicians; trains and assists technicians in the various functions of CAD software and other specialized applications.
• Materials Testing: Leads and participates in field and lab inspections and tests of construction materials; certifies material test results; recommends materials of construction; prepares material testing reports; and trains technicians in testing procedures and equipment.
• Compliance Reporting and Permitting: Assists in the preparation of various reports to regulatory agencies; collects and analyzes field data in order to maintain environmental compliance at all times; assists in acquiring regulatory permits.
• Development Review and Permitting: Informs public and private agencies regarding conditions for development; coordinates the issuance of permits for private or commercial construction and road right-of-way construction work; leads and participates in construction inspection.
• Field Work: Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot and repair various hydrometeorological equipment; maintain accurate logs and records; work independently and at times in remote areas; Work in inclement weather (rain); drive a vehicle in remote areas that may be unpaved and unlighted.
  
  

Employment Standards

• Four (4) years of paraprofessional civil engineering experience, including at least one year of journey-level experience in Hydrology . Completion of 24 semester units or 36 quarter units of college-level courses in civil engineering or a closely related subject, such as soils erosion, soils testing, blueprint reading, mathematics, computer graphics, hydrology, environmental science, geology, geography, water resources, or other physical sciences may be substituted for one year of the required general experience; OR,
• One (1) year of experience in hydrology performing duties equivalent to Engineering Technician II with Santa Barbara County; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
  
  

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required for some positions.
• The ability to perform physical tasks of moderate difficulty may be required for some positions in this class.
• The ability to be on standby 24/7 to respond to maintenance needs of electrical equipment may be required.
  
  

Knowledge of: algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and drafting; civil engineering and construction practices; computer assisted applications; engineering methods, practices and techniques relating to the assigned specialty.

Ability to: work independently; perform complex engineering calculations; read and interpret engineering plans and specifications; conduct technical research; collect and analyze data; prepare clear and concise reports; meet and consult with engineers, contractors and others on technical matters; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; train staff.

Supplemental Information

Application & Selection Process

• Review applications to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.
  
  

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking assessment to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a 12-month probationary period.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

BENEFITS: For more information on County benefits, please visit here . In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate
  
  

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Monday, July 6, 2026 at 4:59 PM PST. Postmarks are not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com .

Collin Graham, Recruiter: [email protected]