Engineering Technician 3 (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

Spokane County; United States; On-site; USD 63,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County is seeking an Engineering Technician 3 within Public Works (Capital Projects) to lead design and inspection tasks across various public works projects. The role blends Chief Construction Inspector duties with Chief Design Technician responsibilities, requiring oversight of drafting, design reviews, and field inspections.

The position emphasizes supervising other technicians, ensuring compliance with plans, and coordinating workflows.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Engineering from an accredited college.
• Four (4) years of related field or office experience in civil engineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.

Responsibilities

• Leads the drafting and design of less complex public works projects; assists project supervisors with drafting and design of complex public works projects; lays out structural components from sketches.
• Leads other workers with responsibility for quality control of the assigned project area; makes inspections and directs corrective action when necessary.

Skills

Public works

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Associate’s degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position. Employee Type: Regular Department: County Road Salary: $62,649.60 - $87,256.00 Annually / $5,220.80 - $7,271.33 Monthly / $30.12 - $41.95 Hourly Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Overtime Eligibile: Yes Job Posting Date Range: 10/28/2026 - Until Filled

Job Summary

PRIORITY CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT OR COUNTY POLICY. The position allocated to this class is the third level in the three level engineering technician series. This class is distinguished from the class of Engineering Technician 2 in that incumbents are designated lead workers and take responsibility for completing projects, assigning jobs, tasks, and monitoring work flow. Work includes jobs in the areas of design, survey, project and plat inspection, material inspection, pavement management, traffic and road improvement district administration, wastewater operations, landfill closure facilities operation, environmental permitting and water resources.

Job Description

The following documents are required to be submitted with your application. Applications that do not include all required documents may not be considered:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

NOTE: This position is for an Engineering Technician 3 in the Capital Projects section of Public Works and the position will be expected to split time in job function between Chief Construction inspector and a Chief Design Technician duties.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Chief Design Technician

Leads the drafting and design of less complex public works projects; assists project supervisors with drafting and design of complex public works projects; lays out structural components from sketches; writes specifications, special provisions, computes quantities and estimates; researches public records for field survey use. Makes design reviews of projects in the field. Uses calculators and EDP equipment in design computations. Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Chief Construction Inspector

Leads other workers with responsibility for quality control of the assigned project area. Makes accurate tests and visual inspections of workmanship and materials to determine the contractor's compliance with specifications and plans; and initiates and directs corrective action when necessary. Maintains proper field notes and diaries and submits timely reports. Computes quantities and work progress to determine material yields. Directs other inspectors; reviews their field notes, diaries and reports, trains, assists and advises them in their work. Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Employees may be assigned a combination of duties from among different jobs within this class or perform duties of similar responsibility and difficulty, not specifically mentioned herein, yet incidental to the complete work process. Employees are expected to be able to perform proficiently and implement the complete scope of duties of the lower classes in their chosen specialty and are expected to work toward competency in related work within this classification to the needs of the County, subject to seasonal and work scheduling factors.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Associate’s degree in Engineering from an accredited college. Four (4) years of related field or office experience in civil engineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the design, inspection or construction related fields, including experience in at least two of the following areas: Materials Lab, Surveying, Construction Inspection, and Engineering Design. OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the job. Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of construction and design principles and procedures. Knowledge of the principles involved in the drafting and construction of transportation structures. Knowledge of road and street engineering and surveying principles and procedures. Knowledge of sewer system engineering principles and procedures. Knowledge of mathematics, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Knowledge of computer-aided design and drafting software. Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction. Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with other employees and supervisors. Skilled in the use of personal computers and related software applications. Ability to proficiently perform all work required of employees at or below the level of an Engineering Technician 2 in the related areas of specialization, and competency in the majority of tasks in other areas of work within the lower Engineering Technician classifications. Ability to examine construction plans submitted for County review and apply established standards to determine acceptability, or need for revisions and additions. Ability to effectively handle multiple projects. Ability to work independently and organize work load of lower Engineering Technician classification employees. Ability to use sound judgment and follow non-specific written and verbal instructions. Ability to lead, and train the work of other employees. Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully, both orally and in writing, with the general public, contractors and their representatives, property owners, their representatives and other groups and individuals.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions: Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner. Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us. Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards. Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate. Work is also performed out outdoors; and requires occasional travel within the County, exposing the associate to weather extremes, various forms of precipitation and the hazards associated with travel on public roads.

Total Compensation

$80,191 - $111,688 Annually Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Benefits

Please select the link below to view Spokane County Benefits: Benefits | Spokane County, WA

Here are just a few reasons: Community Impact: Many people find fulfillment in public service, knowing their work has a positive impact on the lives of Spokane County residents. Whether through public safety, infrastructure projects, or social services, employees can make a meaningful difference in residents' lives while contributing to the overall well-being and development of the community. Diverse Job Opportunities: Spokane County employs a diverse workforce, offering positions in fields such as law enforcement, social services, animal control, parks and recreation, administration, and more. This diversity allows for many employment opportunities for individuals with different backgrounds and skill sets. Job Stability and Benefits: Spokane County offers competitive salaries and benefits packages, including healthcare, vacation time, and retirement and pension plans that provide long-term financial security for employees. Career Growth: There are various opportunities for career advancement within Spokane County. We invest in employee training and professional development, enhancing employees' skills and qualifications. Work-Life Balance: We emphasize work-life balance, with reasonable work hours and policies that support employee well-being. If you’re seeking stability and a predictable schedule, you’re in the right place! Inclusive Workplace Culture: Spokane County aims to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among its employees. Spokane boasts: Natural Beauty: Spokane is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including rivers, lakes, and nearby mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, skiing, and boating. From golf course to parks and trails along the Spokane River, there's something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. Affordable Living: Compared to many other cities on the West Coast, Spokane has a relatively low cost of living. Housing prices are more affordable, making it easier to buy a home or rent. Four Seasons: Spokane experiences all four seasons distinctly. Summers are warm and dry, while winters bring snowfall, making it ideal for those who enjoy seasonal variety. Cultural Scene: The city has a vibrant cultural scene with numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Events such as the Spokane Symphony and First Friday art walks contribute to the city's cultural richness. Community Feel: Spokane is known for its friendly and welcoming community. It has a strong sense of local pride and community involvement. Educational Opportunities: The city is home to several universities and colleges, providing educational and cultural opportunities. This includes Gonzaga University, Washington State University Spokane, Whitworth University, and Eastern Washington University. Healthcare Facilities: Spokane boasts excellent healthcare facilities, including Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Deaconess Hospital, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care. Family-Friendly: With good schools, safe neighborhoods, and numerous family-oriented activities, Spokane is a great place to raise a family. Central Location: Spokane's location in eastern Washington makes it a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. It's close to other major cities like Seattle and Portland, as well as outdoor destinations like national parks and recreation areas. Overall, Spokane offers a balanced lifestyle with a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural amenities, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live and work!

Click to learn more about our extensive benefits package.