Pasadena, Calif.-based Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. announced on Tuesday that it has been named Private Sector Employer of the Year by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) of Northern California.

The award will be presented at the Fifth Annual COMTO Industry and Awards Recognition Reception Aug. 13, 2009, in San Francisco.

This annual event honors outstanding women and minorities, minority business enterprises, organizations and companies for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the transportation industry in the Bay Area, and for furthering the goals of COMTO.

Jacobs Engineering Group is being recognized as one of the largest global providers of professional transportation services with a culturally diverse workforce. Jacobs also partners with small and disadvantaged businesses to maximize resources and expertise, and strongly supports COMTO's scholarship programs.

Founded in 1971 in Washington, D.C., COMTO is a national, multi-ethnic organization serving as advocate for the transportation careers and transportation needs of minorities. Its membership includes transportation officials from most of the major transportation agencies and transportation-related business sectors.