Civil Engineer 3

Pierce-County-Washington; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County is seeking a senior civil engineer to lead an engineering team responsible for roads, stormwater, flood control, and related capital projects. You will coordinate responses to emergencies and oversee planning, design, and field reporting using ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and geotechnical data.

The role emphasizes staff development, project management, and collaboration with residents, tribal partners, and agencies to deliver lasting infrastructure solutions.

Qualifications

• Nine years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience.
• ABET-accredited Civil Engineering degree, or equivalent.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in another state; must obtain WA licensure within six months.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff and major engineering programs using proven planning methods.
• Provide leadership to professional and technical staff involved in programs.
• Schedule and manage leave and overtime; ensure proper staffing.
• Train staff on standards; offer engineering guidance to County officials.
• Assist in recruiting and interviews; recommend hires.
• Conduct performance reviews and address grievances promptly.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Civil engineering

Education

ABET-accredited Civil Eng degree

Tools

ArcGIS

AutoCAD

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

In this supervisory role you will lead your engineering team to proactively maintain critical County infrastructure such as roads, stormwater, flood control infrastructure, and more. This will include the County’s chip seal program, culvert replacements, facility and airport capital projects, and planning for long term infrastructure preservation. With your team you will also plan and design and coordinate responses to emergencies impacting these resources such as floods, inclement weather, and more. You will interact often with internal teams, residents, tribal partners, and regulatory and local agencies. Data analysis and design work will be with ArcGIS, water flow studies, AutoCAD, survey and geotechnical reports, right-of-way information, and field reports. This work will ensure that planning and maintenance are well established for the best possible outcomes in emergency situations for assets across the 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 utilizing your engineering skills but also from supporting direct reports, customers, department managers, and external stakeholders in efforts towards standardization efficiency. Your experience with project management, shifting priorities, and multitasking will further ensure your success.

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:

• Supervises assigned resources to complete work and secure approval of major engineering programs using acceptable methods of planning and management.
• Provides leadership and direction to the professional and technical staff responsible for implementing a major engineering program; delegates authority to personnel commensurate with responsibility and ensures the proper functioning of assigned staff.
• Schedules and assigns employees; approves or denies use of sick leave, vacation leave, and overtime.
• Trains and educates staff on criteria and standards. Provides engineering guidance to staff and makes engineering recommendations to County officials and other departments.
• Assists in developing recruitment and selection processes. Conducts final interviews; recommends individuals for hire.
• Completes reviews and evaluations of subordinate employee job performance. Initiates disciplinary action when necessary. Responds to grievances at the first level.

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

• Nine years of progressively responsible, broad-based civil engineering experience is required.
• A bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited program in civil engineering, or a closely related field, may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis, up to four years.
• Professional Engineers licensed in another state must be able to obtain licensure by the State of Washington within six months of employment.
• 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. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

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.