CIVIL ENGINEER

Salary : $118,840.00 - $137,768.00 Annually
Location : (City Hall) Poulsbo, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-00023
Department: Engineering
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


DESCRIPTION

Summary:
The Civil Engineer is responsible for planning, managing, and delivering the City's Capital Projects, with primary responsibility for transportation, water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer utilities. This includes overseeing the improvement and production of all potable water as well as conveyance systems for storm and sanitary sewer systems.


This individual works closely with City staff, consultants, regulatory agencies, contractors and the public to identify and assess roadway and utility infrastructure needs, develop engineering solutions, and serve as the primary point of contact for providing technical information and guidance to the public, city staff, and other interested parties. This position may also support private development projects by reviewing plans and ensuring compliance with City standards related to transportation and utility infrastructure during design and construction.

This position is distinguished from the Engineer I-IV classifications by the level of responsibility, technical expertise, and demonstrated competency to independently manage and deliver highly complex or politically sensitive projects. This position will provide project management oversight and direction to assigned staff, including assigning tasks, development and implementation of procedures, and providing training on best practices to support successful capital project delivery.


The Civil Engineer is expected to independently manage highly complex projects and activities with minimal guidance, applying advanced technical knowledge and sound judgement to resolve issues, maintain compliance with project requirements, and ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget. This position is responsible for adhering to critical project timelines and maintaining regulatory compliance. The Civil Engineer monitors project progress and communicates project status, risks, budget, schedules, and issues to Department Heads, Mayor, and City Council.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Job Duties:

• Manage multiple concurrent capital improvement projects through all phases of project delivery, including planning, funding, environmental documentation, property acquisition, design, permitting, construction, and closeout. Develop and monitor project schedules, budgets, cost estimates, and long-range capital improvement plans.
• Provide technical assistance, guidance, direction, feedback and oversight of other staff including assignment of tasks, training and quality control review.
• Assist in developing long-range plans for City facilities, prepare financial plans and projections related to expenditures, revenues and requirements. Develop and meet project schedules and project budgets.
• Conduct plan review, construction inspection, and acceptance of public and private infrastructure improvements to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, specifications, and City requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and update engineering records, CAD drawings, GIS databases, base maps, and as-built documentation to support planning, design, construction, operations, and asset management.
• Prepare and/or oversee engineering studies and calculations, technical reports, plans, specifications, cost estimates, calculations, and supporting documentation for capital improvement and development projects with the ability to present findings in a public forum.
• Analyze infrastructure systems, engineering data, and field conditions; identify deficiencies; evaluate alternatives; and recommend operational and capital improvements.
• Prepare, coordinate and deliver presentations and briefings to a variety of contributors including the public, other agencies or jurisdictions and City Council.
• Provide technical assistance and respond to inquiries from the public, developers, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders regarding engineering projects, development requirements, permits, standards, and public infrastructure.
• Development and supervision of architect and engineer contracts for the development of public works projects or engineering studies.
• Maintain and provide updates to the City Construction Standards.
• Maintain and update digital infrastructure records, CAD/GIS mapping systems, and as-built information for utility and transportation assets.
• Assist in selecting and managing engineering consulting firms.
• Develop funding packages for various capital projects (including grant and loan proposals).
• Represent the department at meetings, works with the public to address and resolve complaints.
• Operate City vehicles to travel to project sites, construction sites, and other field locations to perform engineering inspections, collect field data, investigate infrastructure conditions, monitor construction activities, verify compliance with approved plans and specifications, and coordinate with contractors, consultants, property owners, and City staff.
• Coordinate with City departments, consultants, contractors, developers, regulatory agencies, and other contributors to support the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of public infrastructure.
• Participate in emergency response and disaster recovery activities as assigned. All employees may be required to perform emergency response duties and support the City's emergency operations during local emergencies or disasters.
• Contribute to a workplace culture that promotes respect, professionalism, collaboration, and dignity in interactions with colleagues, elected officials, contractors, business partners, and members of the public.
• This position may provide management and supervision of particular staff within the department of engineering and public works as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned by the City Engineer and/or Public Works Director.

Utilities:

• Develop and maintain the basis of engineering information of potable water, storm water and sanitary sewer systems, including but not limited to the computer aided design (CAD) digital base maps, ArcGIS, as-builts and other computer and paper data. Integrates existing utility records and information from field crews, private engineers, State engineers to show new construction, utility extensions, water services, side sewer hookups or right-of-way information on base maps.
• Develop, maintain and operate computer models using software to model water hydraulics and hydrology related to private and public development projects
• Works with the technical staff of the utility departments to analyze and troubleshoot problems, developing alternative solutions and assisting with their implementation
• Prepare storm water reports in accordance with City and DOE requirements and incorporates low impact design best practices.
• Respond to public requests and inquiries regarding the utilities and public works projects.
• Assist in analyzing current utility systems for deficiencies and make recommendations for improvement in design and operation, expansion or extension. Research and coordinate the implementation of programs to comply with legislative mandates related to the City's utilities.
• Answer questions regarding Engineering/Public Works requirements for new building construction and procedures for utility extensions. Respond to questions regarding utility charges, latecomer's agreements, density charges, permit fees, easements, street vacations, etc.
• Develop procedures for and the review and approve the inspection and testing of utility infrastructure improvements to be conveyed to the City for compliance to City design and development standards. This will include the water system, storm and sanitary sewers and appurtenances.

Transportation:

• Manage the development of multiple and diverse capital projects including streets, facilities, and parks.
• Develop procedures for and the review and approve the inspection and testing of roadway infrastructure improvements to be conveyed to the City for compliance to City design and development standards.
• Coordinate directly with Public Works regarding streets design and maintenance needs
• Determine the size, location, wording, and diagrams on traffic control devices, signs, and markings; direct their installation, changes, maintenance, and record keeping
• Direct the preparation of plans, specifications and cost estimates for projects involving traffic flow and safety such as, traffic signals, channelization and traffic calming devices
• Review, evaluate and recommend modifications and improvements to the transportation network to improve safety; research and implement alternative traffic systems including new technologies
• Collect, maintain and use data such as traffic counts and accident records to identify opportunities for safety improvements or modifications to the traffic system
• Review, evaluate and design for ADA elements and components of the public right of way.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Knowledge of engineering principles, practices, materials, methods, and equipment related to the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Public Works infrastructure.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and engineering standards applicable to municipal engineering and development, including WSDOT, AASHTO, MUTCD, ADA, and related requirements.
• Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) software, including Autodesk AutoCAD, and engineering software used in the profession, including EPANET, WaterCAD, or similar hydraulic modeling applications.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping applications, including ArcGIS, Nearmap, Kitsap County Parcel Search, and similar platforms.
• Skill in operating computer systems in a network (LAN/WAN) environment and using standard business software, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, presentation software, project management software, and internet-based applications.
• Skill in preparing, organizing, and maintaining engineering reports, records, maps, as-built drawings, and other technical documentation.
• Skill in researching, analyzing, and interpreting technical, statistical, narrative, and mapping information to develop sound engineering recommendations and solutions.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to City staff, elected officials, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, developers, and the public.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop and implement practical engineering solutions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, developers, and the public.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team-oriented problem solver while managing multiple priorities, meeting project deadlines, and exercising sound professional judgment.
• Ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance during scheduled work hours to support departmental operations.
• Ability to operate City vehicles and travel between job sites, meetings, and project locations as required.

Work Environment :

• Work is mainly performed in an office setting with extensive work performed at a computer workstation and includes field and outdoor environments with uneven terrain.
• The environment includes a normal range of noise and other distractions.
• This position requires extensive reading and involves repetitive motion tasks.
• Duties require interaction with employees, elected officials, contractors, regulatory agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Regular independent travel throughout the jurisdiction is required to inspect public infrastructure, construction projects, utility systems, facilities, and other work sites.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, traffic, construction activities, noise, dust, vibration, and other conditions associated with public works operations or construction projects may occur.
• Position may require working evening hours to attend meetings, public hearings, and community events.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to perform the physical activities necessary to carry out the essential functions of the position, including but not limited to, occasional lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, climbing, and walking over uneven terrain during field inspections and site visits.
• Must be able to occasionally bend, stoop, reach, climb, and lift or carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time while performing duties and using a computer.
• Ability to inspect construction projects, utility facilities, roadways, drainage systems, and other public infrastructure in a variety of environmental work conditions.
• Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through written correspondence.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and travel to various work sites throughout the service area.
• Observe and assess field conditions, read maps, plans, specifications, and technical documents, and distinguish colors and markings used in engineering and utility work.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university and registration as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT), with the ability to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license within one (1) year of employment.
• Eight (8) or more years of increasingly responsible civil engineering experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position may be considered.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier is required. A Washington State driver's license must be obtained within thirty (30) days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications :

• A Washington State Professional Engineer (PE) designation is desired.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) desired.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The City of Poulsbo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law(s).

Reasonable Accommodation
The City of Poulsbo is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io or at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
The City contributes 95% of the cost of medical/vision premiums and 100% of dental premiums. In 2025, the employee's cost is $84.73 per month for full family coverage. There is a $30,000 life insurance policy paid for by the City. Employees receive 11 paid holidays, 8 hours of sick leave accrual per month, and 200 hours of vacation accruals annually.


After six months of employment, employees receive one floating holiday; and after one year, two personal leave days are provided. Employees receive an additional 2% longevity pay after five years which increases every five years thereafter with a 6% maximum. This position is eligible for retirement benefits with the State of Washington's PERS System.
01


A completed application is required to be considered for this position. Resumes and cover letters cannot replace the application, but you may attach them to your application and/or bring them to your interview if invited. Do you understand and agree?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you possess at least a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you currently registered as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT), and do you have the ability to obtain a Professional Engineering (PE) license within one (1) year of employment?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have a Professional Engineer (PE) license or the ability to obtain and maintain a Professional Engineer (PE) license within one (1) year of employment?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you eight (8) or more years of increasingly responsible civil engineering experience?

• Yes
• No

06


If you do not meet the education and experience qualifications exactly, do you possess an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position?

• Yes
• No

07


This position requires a valid driver's license and driving in the course of conducting City business. If selected for employment, a motor vehicle record (MVR) check will be conducted as part of the pre-employment screening process. Continued eligibility to drive on City business is subject to the City's driving standards and insurance requirements. A Washington State driver's license must be obtained within thirty (30) days of hire. Minor traffic infractions do not necessarily disqualify an applicant.Can you meet these requirements, including authorizing a motor vehicle record (MVR) check if selected for employment?

• Yes
• No

08


Please briefly tell us why you want to work for the City of Poulsbo and specifically in this position.

• Yes
• No

Required Question