Engineering Technician 3

Pierce County; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County is seeking an Engineering Technician 3 to support the Construction Engineering team in inspecting and guiding county road projects to meet plans and specifications. You will work with Contractors and the Construction Inspection Supervisor, providing material inspection, testing, documentation, and progress payment support.

The role emphasizes applying WSDOT standards, clear communication, and precise record-keeping to ensure projects meet contract requirements and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of progressively responsible related experience.
• Two years of college or post-high school technical training.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Inputs measurements and information into calculators and computer systems utilizing coordinate geometry and CAD programs to produce project documents for records and payments.
• Writes technical reports or letters to support an engineering task or job function, recording information for future use.
• Provides technical information and explains policies and procedures to the public, staff or groups in person, by phone, or in writing.
• Performs engineering calculations and drafting, prepares as-built drawings for approval.
• Conducts on-site inspections or inspects materials and projects for contract compliance; prepares inspection reports for routine projects.
• Reviews routine plans, specifications or engineering reports for conformance to Pierce County standards.
• Reviews preliminary estimates of materials, quantities, and costs for construction and maintenance projects.
• Develops and maintains project files and other records.
• Prepares and checks monthly cost and progress estimates, other engineering data, and final reports upon project completion; maintains construction diary.
• Interprets plans and specifications to ensure compliance with project documents as inspector-in-charge of routine engineering projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Documentation ability

Reading plans and specs

Education

Two years of college or post-high school technical training

WSDOT Construction Inspector Training

CESCL certification

Traffic flagger training

Job description

In this role as an Engineering Technician 3 with the Construction Engineering team

You will play a vital role in ensuring that County road projects are inspected and built to meet requirements as specified in the plans and specifications. You will work with Contractors and the Construction Inspection Supervisor to provide project guidance, material inspection and testing, documentation for measurement, and payment. You and your team will ensure that the County’s roadway projects are done correctly per the plans and specifications.

Here is a link to several of the County’s road projects: Construction Projects | Pierce County, WA - Official Website

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!

How to be successful in the role

Your success will come from having the skills and knowledge of WSDOT Standard Specifications and Pierce County Standards with the ability to apply those documents to project inspection. Your ability to communicate well both in person and in writing, understanding construction sequencing, and ability to explain details related to contract specifications, materials, and standards to the contractor will be essential. Your focus on the mission, details, positive attitude, and strong ability to communicate transparently and concisely 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

• Inputs measurements and information into calculators and computer systems utilizing coordinate geometry and computer aided drafting programs to produce project documents for records and payments.
• Writes technical reports, or letters to support an engineering task or job function, records information for future use in an engineering function or job.
• Provides technical information and explains policies and procedures to the public, other staff or groups in person, on the telephone or in writing.
• Performs engineering calculations and drafting, prepares "as built" drawings for approval.
• Conducts on-site inspections or performs the inspection of materials and projects for contract compliance; prepares inspection reports for routine projects.
• Reviews routine plans, specifications or engineering reports for conformance to pre-established Pierce County standards.
• Reviews preliminary estimates of materials, quantities, and costs for construction and maintenance projects.
• Develops and maintains project files and other records.
• Prepares and checks the preparation of monthly cost and progress estimates, other engineering data, and final reports upon the completion of projects; maintains construction diary.
• Interprets plans and specifications to ensure compliance with project documents as inspector-in-charge of routine engineering projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Additional experience may substitute for the required education.
• Two or more years of progressively responsible related experience.
• Two years of college or post-high school technical training.
• A valid driver’s license is required of the position
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Traffic flagger training.
• CESCL certification.
• WSDOT Construction Inspector Training.

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.

To Be Considered For This Opportunity Please

• If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team at [e-mail] and include the job number and title.
• Individuals who need accommodation in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at [phone] at least two days prior to the need.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

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.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.