Job Summary

Clark County Public Works is currently seeking a Civil Engineer to join its Engineering & Design Section, one of a handful of groups that make up its Engineering & Construction Division.

The 10-person Engineering and Design Section has the tight-knit feel of a small firm with access to the expertise and resources of the larger Clark County Public Works organization. The team is production oriented with a focus on design and plan production to support the County’s Capital Improvement Programs. Engineering and Design Section engineers design county infrastructure and have opportunities for career development through planning, project development, project management, emergency response assistance and other interesting and challenging work.

This position will be primarily focused on civil roadway and stormwater design with opportunities for stormwater modeling, specification, and standards development. This is a professional level engineering position for the Department of Public Works. Within general parameters established by management, the employees occupying positions of this class perform complex technical work in a specialized phase of engineering.

This position is open to a range of possible career experiences and can be underfilled as an Engineer II.

The Engineering and Design Section team follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office in the Public Services Center building (1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, WA 98660) as needed, based on the demands of specific tasks and manager approval. This is subject to change based on business needs.

This position is represented by Local 17, Professional and Technical Employees.

Applications will be accepted until an adequate number of applications are received. This posting may close at any time after 8/31/2024 with no additional notice.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Engineer III:

B.S. degree in Civil or related Engineering and two (2) years of experience in an Engineer II or equivalent position and registration as a professional civil or structural engineer; AND
Possess or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license by date of appointment.

Engineer II:

B.S. degree in Civil or related Engineering and two (2) years’ experience in an Engineering I classification or equivalent.; OR
High School diploma or G.E.D. and four (4) years relative engineering work experience to include a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in an Engineering I classification or equivalent and possession of an E.I.T. certification.

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of civil engineering and of the physical sciences (hydraulics, mechanics, etc.) involved; modern and efficient engineering methods and techniques in the design, construction and maintenance of facilities relative to one or more areas of Public Works engineering (e.g. Transportation, Design, Utility, Construction, etc.); project management, including planning, scheduling, monitoring, and problem solving; Knowledge of the application and interpretation of County regulatory codes, state regulatory and legislative requirements, court decisions and Attorney Generals opinions concerning the wide variety of engineering functions; departmental policies and procedures, work standards and codes applicable to the job.

Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with engineering and survey staff, contractors, and the public; adopt approved engineering methods and standards to the planning, design and construction of a variety of public works projects; read and interpret complex plans and specifications and to become familiar with engineering standards; perform highly technical research work and to give reliable advice on difficult engineering problems; prepare, draft, interpret and utilize complex engineering plans, maps, specifications and reports, and to maintain orderly, accurate engineering records; perform complex and difficult engineering computations in designing major engineering projects; inspect and provide direction to technicians inspecting the work of contractors on complex engineering projects and to obtain adherence to plans and specifications; coordinate and effectively manage resources dedicated to a number of ongoing projects; communicate and express ideas effectively, orally and in writing, including public speaking; give accurate and factual testimony at hearings or trials.

Skill in: The use and care of instruments and equipment employed in the area of specialization.

Selection Process:

Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application. Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required. Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

It is general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.

First review of candidates will be August 31st. This recruitment may close at any time on or after the first review date.

Examples of Duties

KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develops, or provides direction and coordination of the development of construction design plans and specifications for complex engineering projects involving road, bridge and drainage control structures; sewage collection and treatment facilities; water quality, traffic signal, and transportation systems. Certifies with Professional Engineer's seal and signature that engineering designs conform with accepted professional engineering standards and practices and the requirements of law.
Prepares complex technical engineering and administrative reports and develops critical correspondence and comprehensive reports in support of engineering projects and decisions.
Inspects proposed highway routes, bridge and other structure placements and recommends final route or placement to achieve efficient, economical design as to grade, curves, cross section, soils excavation problems, transportation, maintenance, drainage features, etc. Develops detailed final cost estimates and financing proposals for project implementation.
Conducts in depth studies and analyses on the effectiveness of current Public Works policies/comprehensive plans, suitability of existing structural facilities, feasibility of proposed designs and design concepts, etc. Interprets results and makes recommendations regarding comprehensive plans, designs, and Public Works improvement projects.
Utilizes the computer as an aid in analyzing and developing solutions to engineering problems.
Prepares construction reports for matching funds and cooperative contracts with Federal, state and city governments. Reviews design plans and specifications for conformance to job requirements. Prepares, develops, and checks complex specialized contract provisions and design agreements. Conducts pre bid and preconstruction conferences detailing principle construction features and agreements.
Coordinates with other sections and departments on issues related to grant and contract administration.
Coordinates with Planning and Permit staff in the review of development plans for sewer and storm drainage; residential and commercial street development; and profiles of short plats and sub divisions to ensure compliance with County standards and policies. With input from the divisions of Transportation, Design and Maintenance, makes recommendations regarding changes necessary for achieving compliance. Represents Public Works at public hearings on proposed developments.
Performs inspections of construction projects. Ensures that all phases of several road projects proceed on schedule and that specifications are met by contractors, utilities and other organizations involved in projects. Reviews progress reports and authorizes payments.
Directs investigations and develops resolutions of claims and complaints from contractors or property owners. Maintains office records of design, construction and other engineering activities, as required by County, State, and Federal regulations.
Coordinates with the Survey Section Supervisor/County Surveyor to ensure accurate, complete, and quality field survey data is collected and that information is acquired in a cost effective, efficient manner. Directs the preparation of, and prepares, more complex property descriptions.
Requests and monitors material quality control review, sampling and analysis; preparation of soil profiles (testing and sampling) in connection with highway location and construction design; evaluation of new materials, construction materials, new test equipment and related activities. Ensures record files relative to sampling and testing are complete and accurate.
Prepares, and provides direction in the preparation of, resolutions and documents for developments and Local Improvement Districts. Represents Public Works at public hearings; conducts and certifies elections and petitions for the formation of a Local Improvement District as necessary. Develops right-of-way data, information pamphlets, and procedural manuals. Works with the Prosecuting Attorney in preparation of bond sales for Local Improvement District financing. Recommends alternative financing methods as may be possible.
Develops and maintains effective relations with the public. Represents Public Works on various committees; at neighborhood organization and community meetings; public hearings; before governmental bodies and in legal processes.
Participates in the development, implementation and review of ongoing programs and existing methods assessing job effectiveness and cost efficiencies.
Participates in the formulation and updating of goals and objectives consistent with the mission of the Department.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Clark County Public Works jobs

Clark County Public Works Engineer II/III, Engineering and Design