Principal Engineering Technician

The Position: This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:11/2/2026, 11/16/2026, 12/2/2026 (Final) Principal Engineering Technician is the advanced and/or lead specialist level in the Engineering Technician series. Principal Engineering Technicians are leadworkers of assigned staff, perform difficult field or office research and administrative tasks, and assist in the supervision of a program or functional area or perform a variety of complex, technical work involving plan checking, map checking, design & drafting assignments similar to those often assigned to beginning level professional engineers. Specialty assignments include interpreting and applying engineering principles and techniques to the resolution of problems. Examples of Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of All Options Extensive and varied knowledge of public works construction principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques; Principles of training and work direction. General OptionExtensive and varied knowledge of public works contract administration, fee & permit requirements; Construction conditions requirements; Traffic utilization analysis techniques and practices; Labor compliance requirements; Related legislative and rules relating to public works construction in the County. Design & Drafting OptionThe specialized engineering support principles and practices utilizing conventional or computer-aided design and drafting techniques applicable to plans, schematics, sketches, and other materials utilized for the construction of public works facilities and structures. Computer Specialist OptionThe principles and practices of the utilization and application of automated equipment and systems to the resolution of engineering related problems, including the knowledge of techniques and procedures for advanced development and modification of software packages in the design, configuration, and implementation of unique solutions to engineering specific problems. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) OptionExtensive and varied knowledge of GIS applications, including the capabilities, limitations, and characteristics; Extensive knowledge of ArcInfo computer software; Mapping and geoprocessing operations of local government; Computer-aided drafting. Plan & Map Check OptionThe principles and practices of public works design and construction, Federal, State, and County improvement standards as they are applied to map and plan checking for conformance to established requirements and standards, including parcel and subdivision criteria. Ability to Independently perform specialized assignments requiring extensive knowledge of sub-professional engineering work; Represent the County in meetings and conferences with outside consultants, contractors, and other public agencies; Assign, coordinate, and provide technical direction to assigned staff; Speak, read, and write English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance. Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Any combination of experience and education or training that is likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities for this class. Typical ways to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Either: Two years of full-time experience in the class of Senior Engineering Technician in Sacramento County service including one year of experience in the option be tested. Or: Four years of sub-professional engineering experience involving public works facilities or structures work, including two years of experience comparable to the Senior Engineering Technician in Sacramento County service in the option being tested. Education Substitution Criteria: Completion of coursework in engineering or related field at an accredited college or university may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience. Related education substitutions for the required experience are computed on the basis of 3 semester units or 4.5 quarter units = 1 work month 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 or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.

Driver's License: Some positions in this series require a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher at the time of appointment.

Note: Failure to maintain the appropriate valid California Driver's License constitutes cause for termination from the class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4. Background/Criminal History: Applicants for positions assigned to the Department of Airports are subject to a criminal history record check in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration, FAR 107.11(f) and Sacramento County Personnel Policies and Procedures. Probationary PeriodThe probationary period for this classification issix (6) months. Application and Testing InformationAPPLICATIONQualified 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 Division700 H Street, Room 4667 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service Email EmployOffice@Saccounty.netInter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667www.SacCountyJobs.netEmployment 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 QUESTIONNAIREApplicants 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 QUESTIONSClick here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) For information regarding County jobs: Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change. We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711. For more information, visit: EMPLOYEE BENEFITSAt Sacramento County, we strive to provide benefit programs designed to meet our employees' current and future needs and help them as they balance their careers and personal life. County of Sacramento employees have a variety of benefits available. These benefits include: Dental Insurance Vision Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Health Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) Life Insurance Critical Illness Retiree Health Savings Plan (RHSP) Deferred Compensation More information can be found on the TEMPORARY POSITIONS:Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions.

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 by the Board of Supervisors. SICK LEAVE:Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation. TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:Regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies may be eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.

RETIREMENT: The County's defined-benefit pension plan is provided by the County Employees' Retirement Law of 1937 and is managed by the Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System (SCERS) Board of Retirement. For more information, visit the SCERS website, DENTAL INSURANCE:For more information, visit the LIFE INSURANCE:The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction. For more information, visit the DEFERRED COMPENSATION:A deferred compensation program is available through the County 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information, visit the 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 More information can be found on the 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 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. SPECIAL SKILL QUALIFICATIONS (WHEN SPECIFIED ON THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT):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. 01 The following Supplemental Questionnaire is the Civil Service Exam for this position and will be used to determine your exam score.

Note: The Supplemental Questionnaire and the Application are administered as two separate documents. The Application is used only to determine if the minimum qualifications are met; and the Supplemental Questionnaire will be used only to determine your exam score. In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. Each answer will be scored separately. References such as 'See Resume' as a response will not be scored. By continuing in the exam process, you are certifying that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge. I have read and understood the above instructions02 NOTE: If you meet the minimum qualifications (via the information you provided on your application and requested documentation), your exam score (based on your supplemental questionnaire responses) places you within the reachable ranks on the resulting eligible list and you are invited to interview; you will be asked to expand on, clarify, and/or provide examples to support your responses on this exam (supplemental questionnaire). I have read and understood the above instructions03 Select the one box that best describes your education from an accredited college or university. Examples of closely related fields are Physical Sciences, Construction, Construction Management, Architecture, Math, Surveying, Computer Science, Geographic Information System (GIS), Drafting, and Business. NoneLess than thirty (30) semester units in engineering or a closely related field Certificate or thirty (30) semester units in engineering or a closely related field Associate's degree or sixty (60) semester units in engineering or a closely related field Completion of some upper division units leading toward a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related field Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or a closely related field04 Select all of the boxes that best describe the technical areas where you have a minimum of two years advanced journey level or supervisory experience. None Construction project inspection and/or contract administration Preparing plans and specifications for proposed engineering projects including experience working by hand and with an AutoCAD system Fee collection and permit issuance Plan and map checking to identify and streamline proposed work Surveying, including experience with legal descriptions and easements Traffic engineering analysis techniques and practices Materials lab testing Engineering earth work Labor compliance Project planning and design Regulatory compliance Working with layers to develop maps in Geographic Information System (GIS) Working with public works facilities / asset management Providing environmental monitoring and reporting05 Select all of the boxes that best describe the duties you have performed in the planning and construction of infrastructure and structures. None Drafting detailed drawings of structures and installations Developing topographical profiles Developing and reviewing maps, plans, and specifications Reviewing improvement plans and/or building permits Inspection of construction improvements and/or reviewing construction submittals06 Select all of the boxes that best describe the areas you have experience working with infrastructure projects or programs to ensure conformity with County ordinances or state laws. None TransportationDrainageSanitary / SewerWater SupplyOther infrastructure programs such as solid waste, planning, development, etc.07 Select all of the boxes that best describe the types of individuals you consult with on a regular basis in the course of your work with engineering projects or programs. None Consultants, design engineers, contractors, vendors, manufacturers, etc. Construction contractors External public agencies such as cities, utility companies, or other government agencies General public Other Sacramento County agencies or departments08 Select the one box that best describes your experience as a paid leadworker/supervisor over sub-professional engineering staff. None Occasionally work in a leadworker/supervisor positionRegularly work in a leadworker positionRegularly work in a supervisor position09 Describe any leadwork or supervision experience you have directly related to engineering. In your description, specify the job titles of the employees to whom you have provided lead direction / supervised. Include examples of training which you provided to staff. If you have no relative experience, write none.10 Select the one box that best identifies your proficiency using Microsoft Word or similar program/software. You may be required to demonstrate your proficiency during the interview process. NoneBasic: Operating, creating, and saving simple documents; using document templates; cutting and pasting; centering text; changing font size and style; formal line spacing; page numbering; margins tabs; page orientation; etc. Intermediate: Creating templates; creating and using styles; inserting graphics from different data sources; mail merge; tables; columns; section breaks with internal page numbering; headers and footers; etc. Advanced: Creating multiple level lists to organize a multi-page document including a table of contents; keyboard shortcuts; linking multiple documents; creating merge queries; embedding images, objects, and text; etc.11 Select the one box that best identifies your proficiency using Microsoft Excel or similar program/software. You may be required to demonstrate your proficiency during the interview process. NoneBasic: Data entry; inputting data to create simple reports; using and creating simple formulas; etc. Intermediate: Using complex formulas; using macros; creating spreadsheets/worksheets; etc. Advanced: Creating macros; creating complex spreadsheets; extracting data from multiple sources and worksheets; creating charts and graphs; etc.12 Select the one box that best identifies your proficiency using Microsoft Access or a similar database. You may be required to demonstrate your proficiency during the interview process. NoneBasic: Creating a table by using Table Wizard and Design View; adding fields to a table and setting the primary key; saving and adding records; modifying field names; deleting and inserting fields, finding and replacing values in a table; creating queries by using the Query Wizard and Design view; etc. Intermediate: Filtering records; setting field properties; sorting and filtering query results; adding fields to and removing fields from a query; grouping and summarizing data in a report; adding report headers and footers; creating a multiple item form, etc. Advanced: Establishing one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many table relationships; creating a lookup field and a multivalued field; creating inner and outer joins; adding a graphic to a form and embedding graphic; creating a calculated field and aligning controls; creating a PivotTable form; etc.13 Select the one box that best describes your current valid California Driver License. I possess a California Class C Driver License or higher I have the ability to immediately obtain a California Class C Driver License I do not possess nor have the ability to immediately obtain a California Class C Driver License14 Select the one box that describes your cross-connection certification(s) and/or D1/D2 operator license in Water Supply for the Recycled Water program. I possess cross-connection certification(s) and/or D1/D2 operator license I am interested in obtaining cross-connection certification(s) and/or D1/D2 operator license I do not possess nor am I interested in obtaining cross-connection certifications and/or D1/D2 operator license15 Background and Criminal History Check: The County may access criminal history information on candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment within this class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and Procedures and applicable federal and state law. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained. The County may also conduct a background check on the candidate prior to appointment to a position within this class. The background check may include personal and professional reference checks, credit history checks, Social Security Number verification, professional license/registration verification, military service information and driving history. Information obtained in the course of this background check will be considered by the appointing authority in the selection process. In obtaining such information, the County will comply with applicable consent and disclosure practices in the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act. I understand this may be required depending on the location of the position.16 List your employment experience that qualifies you for the Principal Engineering Technician position. For all experience listed, provide the following: Employer Dates of employment Position title Position level (e.g. management, supervisory, lead, journey level, etc.) Primary duties and responsibilities, to include experience as related to selections for each prior supplemental question. If you have no qualifying experience, write none.17 I have read the General Requirements and Other Requirements as stated on the job announcement. Yes18 The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment must pass a drug test administered by the County and at no cost to the applicant. I understand, if offered conditional employment, I will be subject to a drug test administered by the County as described in Sacramento County Personnel Ordinance Section 2.78.030. Yes. No.19 Select the one box that best describes whether you have attended a career fair and/or job event where you have interacted with representatives from Sacramento County. Attended in the last one (1) - three (3) months. Attended in the last four (4) - six (6) months. Attended in the last seven (7) months - one (1) year. Attended an event more than one (1) year ago. Have attended a career fair and/or job event but did not interact with Sacramento County representatives. Have not attended a career fair and/or job event.20 List the following for the career fair and/or job event you attended: Name of event Location of event Month and year of event If you have not attended an event where you interacted with representatives from Sacramento County, please write "None". Required Question