Education and Experience:
Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field; and five (5) years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience, and at least two (2) of which were in a management capacity; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment: A valid State driver’s license is required. Current, valid registration as a Professional Engineer with the California State Licensing Board is required.
As a future member of our team, you’ll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity.
San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.
About the Position:
The Land Development Engineer plays a critical role in overseeing and guiding land development projects through the City’s Engineering Division. This position provides expert civil engineering oversight in areas including grading, ADA compliance, stormwater/NPDES regulations, and construction management. Working collaboratively with multiple departments and external partners, the Land Development Engineer ensures that development in the City aligns with municipal standards and state/federal requirements. This role may also provide leadership and supervision to professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Technical Expertise: Demonstrates strong knowledge of civil engineering principles, land development processes, and applicable regulations, including grading, stormwater (NPDES/MS4), and ADA compliance.
- Analytical Thinking: Reviews complex development plans with a keen eye for detail, identifying potential issues early and proposing practical, code-compliant solutions.
- Communication Skills: Explains technical information clearly to developers, contractors, residents, and internal teams; prepares professional written correspondence, staff reports, and plan review comments.
- Project Management: Balances multiple priorities with efficiency—coordinating plan checks, inspections, and permit processes while meeting deadlines and maintaining high service standards.
- Customer-Focused: Builds cooperative working relationships with applicants, consultants, and colleagues, guiding stakeholders through the development process with responsiveness and respect.
- Team-Oriented: Collaborates effectively across departments and with external agencies, contributing to shared goals and supporting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
A Day in the Life Consists of:
As a Land Development Engineer in the Public Works Department, your work ensures that private development within the City is safe, sustainable, and aligned with community standards. Your typical day includes:
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Reviewing grading, drainage, and street improvement plans for new developments, subdivisions, and infill projects.
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Coordinating with Planning, Building, Fire, Water, and other departments to ensure seamless and compliant project approvals.
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Providing clear, constructive feedback to developers and consultants during the entitlement and permitting process.
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Participating in Development Review Committee (DRC) meetings and pre-application discussions to guide applicants from concept to approval.
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Performing field reviews or coordinating with inspectors to ensure conformance with approved plans and City standards.
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Responding to inquiries from property owners, developers, and the public about engineering requirements and permitting processes.
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Preparing technical reports, conditions of approval, and correspondence related to land development cases.
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Supporting updates to City standards, procedures, and policies to improve service delivery and regulatory clarity.