Civil Engineer - Public Works (Multiple Levels)

Onsite in Kelso, Washington, this professional civil engineering role supports Cowlitz County Public Works at multiple levels, offering a pathway from Associate Engineer to Senior Engineer – Civil. The position oversees engineering initiatives across Utilities, Stormwater, Diking and Development divisions, coordinating planning, design, and staff supervision.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the design of diverse public works projects, including roads, drainage and stormwater, water, sewer, diking, solid waste, and parks, as well as other assigned initiatives.
• Lead design activities across project elements such as management, scoping, technical design, specifications, permitting, scheduling, and related tasks to ensure successful completion.
• Oversee the daily work activities of engineering and technical staff assigned to projects.
• Provide comprehensive transportation planning, coordinating with planning and funding agencies, County Road and Utilities, and updating the annual and six‑year transportation improvement programs, project priority array, pavement management system, bridge inventory, and road log.
• Coordinate reviews of land development, annexations, utility extensions, environmental considerations, and right‑of‑way activities to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Identify and coordinate multiple funding sources; prepare grant applications and liaise with federal, state, and local funding entities.
• Contribute to the preparation and updating of comprehensive plans, policies, reports, budgets, and related documents.
• Perform general administrative duties to administer and document engineering projects; participate in department meetings and present recommendations to improve division performance.
• Organize and conduct project staff meetings to coordinate efforts and stay current on issues relevant to the department.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and complaints in a professional and tactful manner.
• Develop, recommend and implement engineering solutions and assist in annual budget preparation.
• Prepare and present written and oral reports to diverse audiences, including citizen groups, neighborhood associations, and boards.
• Coordinate the requirements of the NPDES Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, including reporting, ordinances, manuals, interagency coordination, public involvement, and permit enforcement; collaborate with county staff.
• Coordinate water and sewer system capital planning and project development; act as a liaison with Utility Operators for engineering assistance.
• Ensure compliance with permit requirements at local, state, and federal levels and oversee capital improvement programs for water and sewer systems.
• Attend district meetings and provide management services and technical recommendations to district officials.
• Prepare annual budgets and develop capital improvement plans; establish procedures for daily and emergency operations and maintenance of pump stations, levees, and flood control facilities.
• Collaborate with the Army Corps of Engineers on levee inspections and emergency response planning.
• Review permit applications for construction within district dikes, drains, and ditches; conduct on‑site inspections to verify compliance with permit provisions.
• Organize storm and emergency services training for county personnel, partner agencies, and the public.
• Represent the district in public meetings and in dealings with the public and other agencies; prepare maps and legal descriptions and maintain records and maintenance logs for dikes, ditches, and drains.
• Assist in preparing the annual budget for diking, drainage, and flood control districts.
• Complete development application reviews for adherence to Public Works Standards; coordinate with the Department of Building and Planning; recommend changes to design standards and standard plans.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field with at least one year of broad‑based civil engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification as an Engineer in Training with the Washington State Board of Registration, or eligibility to obtain within six months.
• Alternatively, possession and maintenance of a Professional Engineer license from Washington or a reciprocal state, with reciprocity licensing completed within six months of employment.
• Valid unrestricted driver’s license.
• A bachelor’s degree with civil engineering coursework and four years of broad‑based engineering experience, or an equivalent mix of education, training and experience.
• Possession of a Professional Civil Engineer license from Washington or a reciprocal state, with reciprocity licensing completed within one year of employment.
• Water Distribution Manager certification or the ability to obtain it is preferred.

Benefits

• Health insurance including medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription coverage with HRA, HSA, or FSA options.
• 11 paid holidays, plus vacation and sick leave.
• Retirement plan through Washington State Retirement Services and an optional Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Group life and accidental death and disability insurance; additional coverage available.