Are you ready to shape the future of transportation?

Are you an experienced civil engineer with a passion for delivering high-impact infrastructure projects? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where innovation, efficiency, and public service matter? If so, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) invites you to bring your expertise to their team as the next Senior Transportation Engineer!

We’re seeking a proactive, innovative professional with strong technical skills and a background in managing complex transportation and infrastructure projects—from concept to completion. The ideal candidate excels in communication, embraces teamwork, and brings a solutions-oriented mindset to every challenge. You'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that improve regional mobility, safety, and sustainability.

At the RTC, you’ll join a dedicated team working to create a connected, vibrant, and equitable future for the residents and visitors of Santa Cruz County. If you're looking for a role where you can make a lasting difference, this is your opportunity.

Take the next step in your career—apply today and help build the future of transportation in Santa Cruz County!

Under supervision and direction of the Director of Capital Projects, prepares, manages, and conducts complex and professional transportation engineering work in the field and office including for structures, drainage, railway facilities, roadways, highways, bikeways, walkways and intersections; is responsible for project management and delivery; performs complex transportation engineering analyses, studies and other related work as is required. This is an at-will management position.

The position requires a collaborative, experienced professional who will strengthen the agency’s culture of teamwork, accountability, innovation, empowerment, and service to its customers. This position participates in Commission meetings and will engage a well-informed community. Some of the top priorities for the incoming Senior Transportation Engineers include strengthening staff, building trust and creating a cohesive team.

Future projects include:
 

Santa Cruz County, home to over 270,000 residents, is a dynamic community nestled along the northern shores of Monterey Bay. Located just 75 miles south of San Francisco and 25 miles southwest of Silicon Valley, the county is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse economy, and vibrant lifestyle.

The county encompasses four incorporated cities: Santa Cruz (population 65,021), Watsonville (population 53,796), Scotts Valley (population 11,928), and Capitola (population 10,180), as well as several unincorporated areas. Santa Cruz County is a gateway to the stunning Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, boasting 29 miles of pristine coastline, including six state parks and six state beaches.

Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities, from surfing, kayaking, and sailing to mountain biking, cycling, hiking, golfing, and camping. The county's diverse landscapes include vast sandy beaches, lush redwood forests, and productive farmland.

Santa Cruz County also offers vibrant shopping, dining, and cultural experiences unique to the region. The economy is powered by key industries such as high technology, agriculture, and tourism. The area is well-connected, with access to San Jose International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Monterey Peninsula Airport, and Watsonville Municipal Airport.

Additionally, the county is home to leading educational institutions, including the University of California, Santa Cruz, a globally recognized research university. Santa Cruz County is a truly exceptional place to live, work, and explore.

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) serves as Santa Cruz County’s regional transportation planning agency (RTPA) and is a state designated agency responsible for planning and financial programming of transportation projects.

Working together with our local and regional partners, RTC obtains and distributes funding, including voter-approved Measure D funds, to maintain the existing transportation network as well as prepare for the transportation needs of the next generation. The RTC keeps residents, business, and visitors moving wherever they want to go and however they choose to get there.

The Commission consists of five members from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, one member each from the Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Capitola City Councils, and three members appointed by the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District. The Caltrans District 5 Director serves as an ex-officio member of the Commission.

In addition to its funding, planning and policy roles, the RTC also provides valuable services to the community including:

Excellent project management skills.

• Community engagement and excellent customer service delivery.
• Working effectively and positively with departments that occasionally have conflicting priorities.

Typical Qualifications:

Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, traffic engineering, construction management, or related transportation field from an accredited college. MA/MS, MBA, or similar advanced degree is desirable.

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible transportation engineering experience.

Must possess and maintain valid registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in California.

Employees pay employee contribution (7% of income) and RTC pays employer contributions as defined by CalPERs:

 - Classic employees – 2% at 55

 - PEPRA employees – 2% at 62

Health Insurance: RTC pays insurance premiums Employees only: 95% of the monthly premium for the Blue Shield Access (EXT) HMO premium

Employees plus one: 90% of the monthly premium for the Blue Shield Access (EXT) HMO premium

Employees + two or more: 90% of the monthly premium for the Blue Shield Access (EXT) HMO premium

Dental: 100% Paid by RTC for Employee and Family Vision: RTC covers 100% premium for employees only

Life Insurance: RTC pays premium for $50,000 with AD&D.

Employees can pay for additional insurance coverage through AFLAC

Leave with Pay

RTC provides PTO which is used for vacation and sick. It accrues at the following rates (note that it’s based on hours of service, not years of employment):

Staring at .0846 hours per hour for the first 10,400 hours worked (about 4 years of employment), which is approximately 22 days of leave. Increasing to approximately 37 days of leave after working 31,201 hours.

The Remote Screen Interview will be conducted via a video conference platform and is tentatively scheduled for June 25 and June 26, 2025.