Assistant Civil Engineer

Salary : $7,630.00 - $9,535.00 Monthly
Location : Lakewood City Hall, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00060
Department: Public Works and Planning
Division: Engineering Services
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


JOB SUMMARY
Are you seeking an opportunity to work in a collaborative, diverse and dynamic Department who is focused on improving customer services and processes across several programs and services? The City of Lakewood's Planning and Public Works Department is a diverse, dynamic and talented team of professionals working to improve the quality of life for all Lakewood residents. The Department is entrusted with a wide range of public services including community planning, building and maintaining transportation and stormwater infrastructure, managing the health of our lakes, permitting, human services and rental assistance, economic development and much more!
This position plays a key role in reviewing engineering permits and development proposals that shape how Lakewood grows and functions. The Assistant Civil Engineer will evaluate civil plans for streets, utilities, stormwater, access, oversize loads and other public infrastructure to ensure projects meet City standards and support public safety, public health and environmental protection.
Beyond technical plan review, this position will help improve and modernize the City's permitting processes by identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and consistency and work collaboratively with applicants and City staff to resolve issues and keep projects moving. The ideal candidate will bring a customer-service mindset to engineering, helping applicants and the public navigate requirements while maintaining sound engineering practices and protecting the community and its infrastructure. This is an opportunity to have a direct and visible impact on development throughout Lakewood combining engineering expertise, problem-solving, process improvement and public service.
Under the direct supervision of the Engineering Services Division Manager or Capital Projects Division Manager, perform civil engineering work in connection with a variety of public works projects. Plan and conduct low to moderately complex design, engineering analysis, studies, and management of public works projects. Assist the Engineering Services Division Manager or Capital Projects Division Manager with coordination and direction of consultants on assigned projects and studies. The Assistant Civil Engineer assures construction within City rights-of-way is in compliance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, and practices. Communicate with agencies, the public, and City management. Answer questions, provide information, and resolve concerns and issues relating to public works projects.
This is an AFSCME represented position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Perform a variety of low to moderately complex engineering duties to assist with planning, design, and construction of public works projects.

Develop specifications, quantity, take offs, cost estimates, and plan reviews.

Assure plans and design analysis for public works projects is in compliance with City, State, and Federal codes, and based on sound engineering practice.

Prepare project progress reports and progress payments; prepare project cost projections for grants and planning documents and reports.

Assure that contractors provide required documentation consistent with agency guidelines and department protocol.

Provide written and verbal reports as necessary on assigned projects and activities.

Prepare Federal and State Grant applications for local projects and administer the grants as established by grant program guidelines.

Coordinate all grant billing activity through the Finance Department and maintain all necessary documentation for audits; maintain various project records and files as required.

Perform technical design and analysis for public works projects such as transportation, traffic signals, street geometrics, and storm water conveyance systems.

Prepare isometric drawings, perspectives, and working sketches and details in AutoCAD and manually.

Provide project leadership, direction, and guidance to engineering technicians, construction inspectors, and interns on staff as requested by the Civil Engineer.

Assist in directing the installation of traffic counters on arterial and residential streets as well as coordinate various work activities associated with the gathering of technical information such as maps, field data, and construction documentation.

Operate a variety of computer equipment, as well as AutoCAD, word processing, and spreadsheet software to manipulate data and to prepare reports.

Operate standard engineering equipment such as calculators, planimeters, and construction levels.

Analyze and manipulate data to prepare traffic reports; operate traffic analysis software to generated reports on traffic volumes, speed, vehicle type, peak hour and average daily trips.

Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to: a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or five years of increasingly responsible civil engineering experience involving complex analysis and design work of storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water, and road systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Principles, practices and standards of civil engineering and surveying.
Applicable City, State and Federal codes, ordinances, specifications, procedures and standards.
Advanced methods, techniques and instruments used in engineering drafting, surveying and mathematics.
Elements, objectives and operation of an integrated and comprehensive urban road and surface water management system.
Hydraulics, storm water design and analysis and water quality treatment.
Traffic engineering standards listed in AASHTO, MUTCD handbook, State DOT, ITE, and other traffic engineering standards and regulations.
AutoCAD and other engineering software applications to generate and modify construction drawings.
Engineering plans and specifications.
Environmental policies and laws applicable to assigned engineering projects.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

ABILITY TO:
Perform a variety of moderately complex and independent duties involving the application of engineering principles.
Plan and coordinate public works construction projects.
Assist with the development and completion of a variety of moderately complex public works, roads and surface water management projects and assignments.
Communicate with agencies, consultants, the public and City management using tact, patience and courtesy to coordinate projects, answer questions, provide information and resolve concerns and issues.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Use AutoCAD and other engineering software applications to generate and modify construction drawings.
Perform general computer duties using miscellaneous software such as Excel and Word.
Interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
Maintain records and prepare comprehensive reports.
Conduct field evaluations to review actual systems.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

ENVIRONMENT:
Work primarily in an office environment; however; must be able to work in the field gathering information and reviewing actual systems in all weather conditions and over rough terrain. May involve entering manholes, sewer lines, and/or lift stations. May be subject to loud noises, nearby traffic, and/or heavy construction equipment zones.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate office equipment, sitting and operating a keyboard for extended periods of time, hearing and speaking to exchange information. Walking at construction and outdoor sites, kneeling or crouching, bending, and seeing to perform inspections. Seeing to review blueprints, diagrams, maps, etc. Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

HAZARDS:
Working in confined spaces. Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions. Extremely loud noise level and potentially hazardous conditions in construction equipment zones and/or high traffic areas.
BENEFITS SUMMARY

for
AFSCME MEMBERS
This is a summary of benefits and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to Local 1938, Washington State Council of County and City Employees of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees collective bargaining agreement, City policies and plan booklets for details.
WORK HOURS

The normal work week is five consecutive days of not more than eight hours per day, exclusive of lunch period. City Hall is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where appropriate, alternative work schedules may be established, providing that not more than forty hours are scheduled per work week.
SALARY INCREASES

Step increases are granted annually upon successful completion of a performance evaluation until the maximum of the salary range is reached.
HOLIDAYS

Employees are granted the following paid holidays:

New Year's Day


M.L. King, Jr. Day
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving
the day after Thanksgiving
Christmas day
Employees accrue one floating holiday on their anniversary date, which must be used within the following 12 month period. Holiday pay is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.
PAID TIME OFF

Paid time off leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during approved absences. Leave may be accumulated for succeeding years; however, the maximum accrual may not exceed 1,100 hours at the end of the calendar year.

Accrual Rate:
During the 1st year 200 hours of leave per year
After the 1st thru 2nd year 208 hours of leave per year
After the 2nd thru 4th year 216 hours of leave per year
After the 4th thru 9th year 232 hours of leave per year
After the 9th thru 14th year 264 hours of leave per year
After the 14th thru 20th year 296 hours of leave per year
After the 20th thru 29th year 312 hours of leave per year
After the 29th year 320 hours of leave per year
Paid time off leave accrual is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.
SHARED LEAVE

If an employee exhausts all paid leave because of medical reasons, they may be eligible to receive donated paid time off leave from other employees.
MILITARY LEAVE

Employees who are members of any federal military reserve unit or the Washington National Guard will receive up to twenty-one working days of paid leave during each year beginning October 1 and ending September 30, while engaged in active training duty or active duty.
The City will maintain continuity of health benefits to employees' families when employees are ordered to involuntary active military duty. Military differential pay is available during active military duty of more than 30 days and for no longer than 24 months.
JURY DUTY LEAVE

Employees will be paid their regular compensation while serving on jury duty provided they forfeit the juror's daily stipend to the City.
RETIREMENT PLAN

Employees and the City make contributions to the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3.
Under Social Security's Government Pension Offset, any Social Security spouse's or widow's or widower's benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from the City's retirement plan.
SOCIAL SECURITY REPLACEMENT

In lieu of Social Security, the City provides an alternative plan through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. The employee contributes 6.20% and the City contributes 4.77% of the employee's salary. The employee's investment choices range from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high risk) opportunities. Employees are immediately 100% vested in the plan.
Under Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision, any Social Security retirement or disability benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from this replacement plan.
VOLUNTARY 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available to employees through payroll deduction. This is an optional investment program. The City matches an employee's contribution up to 3% of the employee's base monthly pay rate.
VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

The Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125) is an optional tax savings program which is offered to employees annually. It allows employees to reduce taxable income by using part of their salary on a pretax basis to pay for out of pocket health care expenses and dependent care costs.
The effective date of health insurance coverage is the first day of the month following hire.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Three medical plans are offered to employees and dependents through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC): the Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a health savings account), the Regence HealthFirst Plan ($250 deductible), and the Kaiser Permanente Plan ($200 deductible).


Premiums are pro-rated based on FTE status for part-time employees.

Employees may be eligible to opt out of medical insurance coverage to receive $3,600 annually (pro-rated each pay period). Part-time employees may be eligible to opt out to receive an equivalent pro-rated amount.


EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, confidential resource available to employees, dependents and household members. The EAP provides professional counseling assistance in addressing a variety of concerns ranging from substance abuse to relationship issues. Premiums are paid by the City.

VISION INSURANCE*

The Vision Service Plan (VSP) provides for annual eye examinations for employees and dependents. A $25 deductible benefit is provided for lenses, frames and contact lenses.


DENTAL INSURANCE*

Washington Dental Service (WDS) Plan E insurance is provided through AWC. This is an incentive based plan - 70% to 100% of the cost for Class I and Class II benefits (routine exams, basic cleanings, x-rays, fillings, etc.) is covered. Class III benefits (crowns, inlays and onlays) are paid at 50%. The plan pays a maximum of $2,000 per individual annually for covered benefits. A separate orthodontia plan provides a one time orthodontia benefit of $1,000 for eligible children.
*The City pays the entire premium cost for full-time employees and their dependents. Premiums for part-time employees and their dependents are pro-rated based on the employee's FTE status.
LIFE & LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE

The City provides the following insurance coverage for employees through Standard Insurance (a copy of each plan certificate will be provided during orientation). The insurance is effective the first of the month following hire, unless an employee is hired on the first day of the month, in which case the coverage is effective immediately.
SURVIVOR INCOME LIFE INSURANCE

A monthly survivor income benefit is paid to an employee's eligible spouse and children upon the employee's death. Prior to any reduction for Social Security survivor's benefits, a benefit amount equal to 30% of the employee's insured earnings is paid to the spouse or children, and 60% is paid if both spouse and children survive.
BASIC LIFE INSURANCE/ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT

A benefit equal to the employee's annual salary rounded up to the next thousand.
LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD)

Effective after 90 days of continuous disability. The maximum amount of the LTD benefit is 60% of earnings or $5,000 per month, whichever is less.
VOLUNTARY SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE

Employees may elect to apply for $30,000 to $300,000 in supplemental term life insurance coverage. Spouses may also be insured. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee.
VOLUNTARY SHORT TERM DISABILITY (STD)

Short term disability insurance provides benefit payments to help replace lost income when an employee is disabled due to a non-occupational accident or illness. Pregnancy or its complications are covered provided enrollment in STD insurance is prior to conception. Benefits are payable for a maximum of 13 weeks. This benefit is offered to employees at the time of hire and annually thereafter.
ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY INSURANCE PLANS

Additional insurance plans are available to employees through AFLAC, such as accident/disability, cancer, dental and hospital intensive care.
01


Please explain how you meet the education and experience requirements for this position.
02


Summarize your experience with development and permit review for streets, utilities, stormwater, right-of-way, and oversize load permits.
03


Summarize your experience with permit review software, programs, and procedures.
04


Summarize your experience designing public works projects, including your experience with the preparation of plans, specifications and cost estimates.
05


Summarize your experience using AutoCAD, Blue Beam, and other engineering design software, including the types of work you produced and/or reviewed.
Required Question