Watershed Engineer (Civil Engineer, Associate)

Seattle Public Utilities; North Bend (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Public Utilities seeks a Watershed Engineer to manage infrastructure projects crucial for maintaining water quality. This role involves comprehensive responsibilities, including regulatory compliance and project leadership in a multidisciplinary team. Join a community-centered organization dedicated to providing vital services for millions.

Benefits

Generous benefits package

Free Orca Pass

City pension plan

Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Qualifications

• 3 years of professional civil engineering experience.
• Experience with bridge inspection and forest road standards.
• Ability to manage multiple budgets.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee watershed infrastructure projects.
• Conduct site assessments and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage consultant contracts and project budgets.

Skills

Project Management

Field Investigations

Regulatory Compliance

Technical Leadership

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Tools

GIS

CAD

Maximo

Survey Instruments

Job description

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Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities is hiring a civil engineer who wants their work to matter—on the ground, in the watershed, and for over 1.6 million people who rely on clean drinking water every day.

This role goes far beyond office plans and spreadsheets. As a Watershed Engineer, you’ll lead critical infrastructure projects that protect water quality, preserve habitats, and ensure long-term access across Seattle’s municipal watersheds.

In this role, you’ll manage a diverse mix of engineering, permitting, and fieldwork responsibilities across the Cedar River and South Fork Tolt River Municipal Watersheds, as well as Lake Youngs. From forest roads to bridge networks, your work will support emergency response, tribal access, and environmental stewardship while meeting complex regulatory requirements.

Join a multidisciplinary team of hydrologists, biologists, equipment operators, tribal partners, and city staff dedicated to keeping Seattle’s watersheds safe, functional, and resilient.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• Strategic Business Plan
  
  

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

About

We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities
  
  

Job Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities Include

• Design and Manage Watershed Infrastructure Projects: Plan, design, and oversee construction, maintenance, and decommissioning of forest roads, bridges, and related infrastructure to protect water quality and habitat.
• Lead Field Investigations and Compliance Efforts: Conduct site assessments, develop cost estimates and work plans, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Clean Water Act.
• Oversee Contracting and Project Delivery: Manage consultant contracts, prepare bid documents, and administer project budgets for both capital and operations & maintenance work.
• Coordinate with Partners and Stakeholders: Work closely with Tribes, utilities, landowners, and local, state, and federal agencies to align on watershed access, project planning, and regulatory obligations.
• Support Interdisciplinary Teams and Internal Crews: Provide technical leadership to project teams, guide SPU field crews, and collaborate with engineers, hydrologists, biologists, and other professionals across departments.
• Monitor and Report on Watershed Assets: Manage the bridge inspection program, monitor forest road conditions, and maintain SPU’s rock source development plans to support long-term resilience of municipal watershed infrastructure.
• Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
  
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class)

AND

Experience: Three (3) years of professional civil engineering experience

Education/Experience Equivalent: In lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree in an accredited program, four (4) additional years of civil engineering work experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer may be substituted.

Desired Experience

• Experience with bridge inspection, maintenance, regulations and procedures
• Experience with forest road improvement standards and regulatory requirements
• Experience with water conveyance: peak flow, fish passage, culvert sizing and water quality regulatory requirements
• Experience managing multiple budgets, including those for capital improvement and operations and maintenance independently and in collaboration with Watershed Operations Manager
• Experience with managing permitting processes, working closely with regulatory agencies to ensurecompliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including the Cedar River Watershed Habitat Conservation Plan and Forest Practices rules for all Watershed Operations construction, maintenance, and operational activities
• Experience with utilizing tools like GIS, CAD, and the Maximo system to manage data, plan projects, write reports, and provide technical documentation. Some of these tools may be used to develop new mobile applications to gather data such as the Culvert Inspection Application and Watershed Road Assessment Tool. In addition to office tools, the Watershed Engineer utilizes survey instruments to conduct field work such as clinometer, handheld laser, laser level, and total station for various field engineering applications.
  
  

License, Certification And Other Requirements

• Current State of Washington driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility
• Hazardous materials/toxics work may require specialized health & safety training and certification
  
  

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Field assignments may entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Overnight travel may be required.
  
  

Additional Information

This position is a fully in-office position, scheduled as four (4), 10-hour shifts per week. This position does not offer remote or hybrid work.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The full salary range for this position is: $60.15 - $70.20 Hourly

How To Apply

• Submit complete City of Seattle online application
• Resume or cover letter is not required and will not be used
  
  

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Ernest Stephens at [e-mail].

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Government Administration

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