Civil Engineer - Public Works (Multiple Levels)

Salary : $81,312.00 - $133,356.00 Annually
Location : 1600 13th Ave. S, Kelso, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-007
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 03/24/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NON


General Position Summary
Now filling at multiple levels:

Associate Engineer ($6,776 - $8,470 / month)

Engineer III ($8,055 - $10,069 / month)

Senior Engineer ($8,890 - $11,113 / month)
This is a professional civil engineering position that functions as a Civil Engineer for Cowlitz County. The position consists of two divisions that provide engineering and planning services for the Utilities and Stormwater Division, and the Diking and Development Division. This position also provides a broad range of engineering and planning services to all divisions of Public Works, such as road engineering, road maintenance, stormwater, water, sewer, diking, solid waste, parks, and other projects as assigned. This position is responsible for managing engineering projects, addressing engineering and administrative duties, and following established procedures, policies and practices. This position supervises the activities of other engineering and technical staff assigned to projects under their direction. If qualifications, experience, and longevity criteria are met, this position can be elevated to the Senior Engineer - Civil job classification.
This position is opened until filled!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Associate Engineer:

1. 1. Coordinate the design of various public works projects that may include roads, drainage and stormwater, water, sewer, diking, solid waste and parks, as well as other projects.
   2. Perform design duties for different aspects of a project including management, scoping, technical design, specifications, permitting, scheduling, and all other activities necessary for the successful completion of assigned projects.
   3. Coordinate the daily work activities of technical and other staff assigned to the project.
   4. Provide comprehensive transportation planning which may include coordination with transportation planning and funding agencies; coordination with County Road and Utilities to ensure compliance with policy and standards; coordination and updating of the annual and six-year transportation improvement programs, project priority array, pavement management system, bridge inventory and the road log. Coordinate with transportation planning and funding agencies.
   5. Coordinate reviews of land development, annexations, utility extensions, environmental considerations, and all activities within and adjacent to the public right-of-way to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations.
   6. Identify and coordinate multiple funding sources for the programs of the department. Prepare grant applications and coordinate with federal, state, and local funding agencies.
   7. Collaborate in the preparation and update of comprehensive plans, policies, reports, budgets, and other documents.
   8. Perform general administrative duties to effectively administer and document the activities of engineering projects.
   9. Attend and participate in department meetings. Present recommendations and ideas to enhance the division's performance and services it provides. Organize and conduct project staff meetings to coordinate project efforts.
   10. Research and stay up to date on issues pertinent to the department.
   11. Perform other duties as assigned.

Engineer III / Senior Engineer:

1. 1. Coordinate the design of various public works projects that may include roads, drainage and stormwater, water, sewer, diking, solid waste and parks, as well as other projects as assigned.
   2. Perform or oversee activities for different aspects of a project including management, scoping, technical design, specifications, permitting, scheduling, and other duties necessary for the successful completion of assigned projects. Ensure that projects remain within the established scope, budget and schedule.
   3. Supervise the daily work activities of engineering and technical staff assigned to the project(s).
   4. Identify and coordinate multiple funding sources for the programs of the department. Prepare grant applications and coordinate with federal, state, and local funding agencies.
   5. Collaborate in the preparation and update of comprehensive plans, policies, reports, budgets, and other documents.
   6. Perform general administrative duties to effectively administer and document the activities of engineering projects.
   7. Investigate, resolve and respond to citizen's complaints in an effective and tactful manner.
   8. Develop, recommend and implement engineering solutions and other technical procedures, and assist in the preparation of the annual budget.
   9. Attend and participate in department meetings. Present recommendations and ideas to enhance the division's performance and services it provides. Organize and conduct project staff meetings to coordinate project efforts.
   10. Prepare and present written and oral reports to multiple audiences including citizen groups, neighborhood associations, Boards and Commissions.
   11. Research and stay up to date on issues pertinent to the department.
   12. Perform other duties as assigned.

Utilities and Stormwater Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. 1. Coordinate the requirements of the NPDES Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit that may include writing reports, ordinances, and manuals; coordinating tasks with local jurisdictions; providing public involvement and educational opportunities; reviewing, inspecting, and enforcing illicit discharge, stormwater facility maintenance, and all other permit requirements; and collaborate with county staff.
   2. Coordinate water and sewer system capital planning and project development.
   3. Act as a liaison with the Utility Operators for utilities engineering related assistance.
   4. Provide oversight and supervision over water and sewer local, state, and federal permit requirements.
   5. Provide comprehensive water and sewer planning to ensure compliance with policy and standards; and coordination and updating the capital improvement programs.

Diking and Development Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. 1. Attend regular district meetings and provide overall management services and technical recommendations to district officials.
   2. Prepare and present annual budgets, develop capital improvement plans, develop and implement procedures for daily and emergency operations and maintenance of pump stations, levees, and other flood control facilities.
   3. Work with the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on the annual levee inspection program, levee encroachment review, and the development and updating of emergency response plans.
   4. Review and make recommendations on applications for permits to construct within or on any of the district dikes, drains, and ditches. Follow up approved permits with on-site inspection to ensure that the construction is in compliance with the permit provisions.
   5. Organize storm and emergency services training for County employees, other agencies, and the public.
   6. Serve as the district representative in dealing with the public and other agencies and at public meetings.
   7. Prepare maps and legal descriptions and have recorded all legal documents. Maintain maps, files, and equipment maintenance logs, and dike, ditch, and drain improvement records.
   8. Assist in the preparation of the annual budget for the diking, drainage, and flood control districts.
   9. Complete review of development applications for adherence to Public Works Standards.
   10. Coordinate with the Department of Building and Planning review of new development.
   11. Review and suggest changes to the Department's design standards and standard plans.

Minimum Qualifications
Associate Engineer:

1. 1. Bachelor's degree with major course work in civil engineering or a related field, and one year of broad-based experience in civil engineering that would ensure the knowledge required for the duties of the job.
   2. Must be certified as an Engineer in Training with the Washington State Board of Registration or ability to acquire within 6 months.
   3. Or, possess and maintain a Professional Engineer License from the state of Washington or a state having reciprocity with Washington and obtain reciprocity licensing within six months of employment.
   4. Possess and maintain a valid unrestricted driver's license (except for vision).

Engineer III / Senior Engineer:

1. 1. Bachelor's degree with major course work in civil engineering or a related field, and four (4) years of broad-based experience in civil engineering that would ensure the knowledge required for the duties of the job. Or, any combination of education, training and experience that would ensure the knowledge required to successfully perform the duties of this position.
   2. Possess and maintain a Professional Civil Engineer License from the state of Washington or a state having reciprocity with Washington and obtain reciprocity licensing within one year of employment.
   3. Possess and maintain a valid unrestricted driver's license (except for vision).
   4. Water Distribution Manager certification or ability to acquire certification preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. 1. Possess excellent advanced mathematical skills and knowledge of modern engineering methods, practices and techniques, and other fields as they relate to construction and maintenance of public works and public utilities.
   2. Effectively complete the essential job functions independently as well as being able to work well in a team environment.
   3. Skilled in modern supervision practices and techniques. Effectively relay information/instructions, motivate and counsel.
   4. Follow established policies and procedures and attain rigorous high level quality controls.
   5. Excellent interpersonal skills. Establish and maintain effective working relations with department employees, other county employees, other agencies staff, sub-contractors, and citizens. Able to tactfully deal with the public. Effectively relay instructions, explanations, and provide training.
   6. Able to organize and prioritize in order to effectively work in a multi-task and busy work environment with demands from multiple sources and projects.
   7. Excellent oral and written communications skills to prepare technical and other reports and make effective presentations.
   8. Possess research and data analysis skills, with the ability to arrive at appropriate conclusions, and make recommendations.
   9. Exercise judgment and discretion with regards to sensitive or confidential matters.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person's medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• 11 Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.