Assistant County Engineer



Job Details

Assistant County Engineer
Employer

Lewis County

Salary

$9,285.00 - $12,485.00 Monthly

Location

Chehalis, WA

Job Type

Full-Time

Department

Lewis County Public Works

Closing Date

Continuous

Lewis County is hiring an Assistant County Engineer! Qualified individuals should apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to Lewis County Human Resources at HR@lewiscountywa.gov by August 18, 2025, to be considered in the first review of applicants.

NATURE OF WORK

Under limited supervision, directs the Engineering Design and Permitting, Construction Engineering, and Survey Divisions of the Public Works Department (PWD); assures compliance of program activities with state and Federal regulations, and County policies and procedures; may act in the place of the County Engineer during his or her absence or as assigned.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

  • Manages and directs the daily activities of the Engineering Design and Permitting, Construction Engineering, and Survey Divisions of Public Works Department (PWD) through appropriate delegation, managerial support, and work supervision.

  • Manages the County Annual Construction Program according to County Road Administration Board standards and requirements and the County Engineer’s priorities.

  • Acts in the place of the County Engineer during his or her absence or as assigned; reviews and approves plans, technical documents, permits, and procedures within scope of authority.

  • Coordinates integration of PWD Engineering services with other programs, departments and agencies; analyzes trends, and evaluates program requirements and resource utilization.

  • Plans, prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; directs the development of performance standards; counsels, trains and coaches staff; monitors work, develops staff skills, and evaluates performance.

  • Meets regularly with staff to offer technical advice and guidance; analyzes and evaluates issues and proposals, develops recommendations, and directs the implementation of solutions.

  • Monitors operations and procedures; develops and approves recommendations for improving the Division’s operations and processes; assures that project deadlines and performance standards are met.

  • Conducts research and planning functions; analyzes workload trends and makes recommendations for staffing adjustments and personnel assignments.

  • Manages, allocates, and coordinates numerous internal and external resources;

  • Provides leadership, direction and guidance in technical strategies and compliance issues; analyzes issues, develops recommendations, and recommends solutions.

  • Assures Department’s activities are in compliance with all laws, policies, project permits, regulations and standards.

  • Develops and monitors budgets; assures that appropriate services are provided; coordinates information and assures effective communication between programs and other agencies.

  • Manages contractor claims, additional work and contractor disputes during project construction.

  • Coordinate and direct county and contractor forces during emergency/natural disaster response.


WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Work is performed in an office environment; light physical demands; frequent use of a personal computer.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This position directs three critical PWD technical and engineering Divisions; the incumbent also serves as Engineering Manager and as a multidisciplinary technical expert.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, or related field; AND five (5) year’s professional civil engineering experience. 

  • Must be registered as a Professional Engineer with Washington State Board of Registration; OR by the technical board of another state, with the ability to obtain Washington Registration within one year of employment.   

  • Must possess a valid Driver’s License.

 COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors):

Knowledge of:

  • Fundamentals of civil engineering, mathematics and physics.

  • Principles of design, construction and maintenance of public works projects.

  • Methods, materials and equipment used in public works construction, maintenance and repair.

  • Principles and practices of government project management and methods of evaluating construction contract compliance.

  • Federal and state codes and regulations related to civil engineering and public works projects, including County Road Administration Board, and Department of Transportation standards.

  • Facility and equipment maintenance procedures and practices.

  • Contract development and management principles.

  • Principles of record keeping and records management.

Skills in:

  • Analyzing technical issues, evaluating alternatives, and developing solutions based on findings.

  • Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance

  • Interpreting and applying engineering standards and procedures, Federal and state rules and regulations, and County policies and procedures.

  • Analyzing and evaluating technical engineering data and construction documentation.

  • Reviewing and approving designs, details, estimates, plans, and specifications of engineering projects.

  • Interpreting technical instructions and analyzing complex variables.

  • Reviewing and verifying mathematical calculations.

  • Working effectively with others to develop solutions for public works issues.

  • Effectively presenting technical information to public and professional audiences.

  • Analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting technical data.

  • Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.

  • Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.

  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other County employees, public officials, and representatives from other local, state and Federal agencies.

  • Effective verbal and written communication.

 Ability to:

  • Learn and follow County policies and procedures.

 Behaviors:

  • Regular, reliable attendance.

If you are looking for an exciting and rewarding profession, consider a career in public service. Join Lewis County's workforce of dedicated public servants in helping shape the future of our growing community.

Lewis County offers the following benefits:

CORE BENEFITS:
(for Employees and family)

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life insurance
  • AD&D
  • Retirement
  • Long-term disability
  • EAP Program     

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

  • Flexible Spending account
  • Dependent care assistance
  • Supplemental insurance
  • Deferred Compensation Program

Additional Compensation and Benefits flyer (Right click on image to open in new tab):

Employer
Lewis County
Address
-

Chehalis, Washington, 98532
How to Apply
Applications accepted at: hr@lewiscountywa.gov