Civil Engineer 1 Temporary Hire

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

Pierce County is seeking an engineer to conduct calculations and hydrologic modeling for regional pond capacity and to assist in developing practical guidance for homeowners, contractors, and engineers. This intensive temporary role supports stormwater permitting and policy development within the Water Quality Division.

You will translate regulatory requirements into usable resources, contribute to the Stormwater Management and Site Development Manual, and help streamline processes for future

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS in Civil Engineering required.
• Four years of civil engineering experience required.
• Registration as Engineer-in-Training or PE preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform layout, drafting and design for civil projects across multiple infrastructure types.
• Review development projects for compliance with ordinances and regulations.
• Prepare information for public meetings and agency boards.
• Inspect assets and calculate pay quantities for contracted services.
• Design and review capital improvement plans and related documents.

Skills

Hydrologic modeling

Engineering calculations

Drafting

Regulatory guidance

Project coordination

Education

ABET-accredited BS in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

H&H modeling software

Job description

Why it's a great opportunity:

In this intensive temporary position with the Water Quality Division, you will be conducting engineering calculation and modeling of regional pond capacity and assisting in the development of regional pond policy through your work. You will also assist with the creation of a user-friendly technical guide for our 1300-page Stormwater Management and Site Development Manual. You will conduct engineering calculations that support guidance and translate complex engineering requirements into practical guidance documents, modeling guidance and step by step resources for homeowners, contractors, engineers, and others to create easier and more efficient processes and support stormwater compliance. Your efforts will help to streamline the County’s stormwater permitting processes for future developments in Pierce County.

Why it's a great department:

PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few! Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

How to be successful in the role:

Your success will come from translating complex engineering and regulatory requirements into clear and practical guidance for a highly diverse group. Bring your understanding and ability to demonstrate proficiency in hydrologic modeling including Western Washington Hydrology Model to the work. Your ability to problem solve and describe complex processes simply and communicate technical concepts in plain language will support your success. You should be self-motivated, goal focused, with a collaborative growth mindset that enjoys focusing on developing tools and processes to improve programs.

Your future in this role:

You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Performs layout, drafting and design work on a variety of routine civil engineering projects utilizing computer programs. Depending on program to which assigned, may design or review roads, bridges, structures, traffic control devices; flood control structures; aviation and maintenance facilities; stormwater collection and disposal systems; wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems; water treatment and distribution systems; and/or other infrastructure.
• Reviews proposed development projects for compliance with county ordinances, state and federal statutes and regulations, adopted standards, and county policy and meets with project applicants to resolve questions and compliance issues.
• Prepares information to support public meetings, hearings, boards, commissions, or elected officials
• Inspects and evaluates assets for compliance with established inspection programs and prepares appropriate reports; calculates and verifies pay quantities for contracted services
• Designs and/or prepares contract plans for capital improvement projects. Prepares and reviews comprehensive engineering plans, reports, studies and related documents.
• Maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and assigned worksite.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Registration as an Engineer-in-Training or a bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited program in civil engineering or closely related field may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
• Four years of progressively responsible, broad-based civil engineering experience is required.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.