Engineering Plans Reviewer

City of Federal Way; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Federal Way seeks an Engineering Plans Reviewer to assess permit applications for storm drainage, road and site work, ensuring compliance with city codes and King County designs. The role emphasizes technical review, public interaction, and cross-department collaboration.

Ideal candidates will have civil engineering experience, knowledge of surface water design, and strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work both in the office and in the field when

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Translating complex engineering concepts into clear reports for the public and city staff.
• Experience reviewing engineering design for storm drainage and street design.

Responsibilities

• Review permit applications for compliance with City codes, King County design manual, and regulations.
• Provide technical assistance during permit review and construction.
• Communicate with departments, contractors, developers, and the public on engineering issues.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Project coordination

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

Under the direction of the Building Official, perform duties related to permit review of storm, road and general site work for plats, single family, commercial and multi-family projects and work performed in the City's Rights-of-Way. Review projects for compliance with applicable City codes, ordinances and regulations, Surface Water Management codes, street standards, King County Surface Water Design Manual, and traffic control requirements. Provide technical assistance both during the permit phase of review and during the construction of projects; communicate with various City Departments, personnel, contractors, developers, outside agencies and the general public regarding technical aspects of these projects; provide related general information as needed. Respond to questions and complaints from the public concerning engineering and stormwater issues. Develop and maintain a records’ and filing system related to engineering issues. Attend and represent the City at various meetings with citizens, developers, contractors, other City departments and agencies. Provide input and technical assistance as necessary.

The Engineering Plans Reviewer is an experienced individual, specializing in reviewing engineering design and construction projects prepared by others. Incumbents should have storm drainage design experience preferably using King County Surface Water Design Manual, have traffic analysis experience and also have good interpersonal and communication skills, specifically when dealing with the public.

Reviews development applications for compliance with the provisions of the City code, the King County Surface Water Design Manual, and other City-adopted development regulations.

Prepares letters, memos, and reports addressing site stormwater design; provides recommendations for developer conditions.

Uses the City permit tracking and time-keeping systems to maintain accurate records of current status of projects, billable time spent (where applicable), and workload.

Attends and represent the City at various meetings with residents, developers, contractors, other City departments and agencies. Also provide input and technical assistance as necessary.

Coordinates permit review with the City’s Civil Engineering consultant.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university and a minimum of three years increasingly responsible civil engineering experience.

Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual’s knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate desirable.

Professional Engineer (PE) preferred.

Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s license (or the ability to obtain within six months) and ability to remain insurable under the City’s insurance to operate motor vehicles.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods and techniques of civil engineering including storm drainage system design.
• Modern engineering methods and techniques as applied to the design, construction and maintenance of engineering projects.
• Principles, practices, methods and techniques of land surveying.
• Methods of traffic control and street design.
• Traffic related impacts of developments.
• Prepare bonding documents and issue final bond release.
• Report writing and plan interpretation skills.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Record keeping techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Telephone techniques and etiquette.

Ability to:

• Review and analyze complex engineering plans, specifications and estimates.
• Interpret and explain City, state, federal and APWA codes, KCSWDM requirements, ordinances, specifications, policies, procedures and standards.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Operate a computer.
• Develop and conduct oral presentations.
• Meet schedules, time lines and commitments for multiple projects on an ongoing basis.
• Provide technical assistance to others.
• Represent the City at public meetings and hearings.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Work independently with little supervision.
• Physical ability to perform the essential job functions.
• Demonstrated ability to positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal

Environmental Conditions/Physical Efforts:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment and may require some field work outdoors in all weather conditions. Employee may be subject to extensive public contact and frequent interruptions, and exposure to noise from basic office equipment operations. In the field, employees may be exposed to traffic and construction hazards. Employees are expected to be in office a minimum of 4 days per week with the ability to have 1 remote workdayper week with approval of employee’s supervisor.