Associate Engineer I-II

This is a professional civil engineering position that provides a broad range of engineering and planning services to all divisions of Public Works, such as road engineering, road maintenance, stormwater, water, sewer, diking, solid waste, parks, and other projects as assigned. This position administers projects, addressing engineering and administrative duties and following established procedures, policies and practices under the direction of higher-level Engineers. This position also collaborates with other tasks such as programmatic and comprehensive planning, development review, preparation and presentation of reports.

Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance 
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County:

Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas. 

1. Coordinate the design of various public works projects that may include roads, drainage and stormwater, water, sewer, diking, solid waste and parks, as well as other projects.
2. Perform design duties for different aspects of a project including management, scoping, technical design, specifications, permitting, scheduling, and all other activities necessary for the successful completion of assigned projects.
3. Coordinate the daily work activities of technical and other staff assigned to the project.
4. Provide comprehensive transportation planning which may include coordination with transportation planning and funding agencies; coordination with County Road and Utilities to ensure compliance with policy and standards; coordination and updating of the annual and six-year transportation improvement programs, project priority array, pavement management system, bridge inventory and the road log. Coordinate with transportation planning and funding agencies.
5. Coordinate reviews of land development, annexations, utility extensions, environmental considerations, and all activities within and adjacent to the public right-of-way to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations.
6. Identify and coordinate multiple funding sources for the programs of the department. Prepare grant applications and coordinate with federal, state, and local funding agencies.
7. Collaborate in the preparation and update of comprehensive plans, policies, reports, budgets, and other documents.
8. Perform general administrative duties to effectively administer and document the activities of engineering projects.
9. Attend and participate in department meetings. Present recommendations and ideas to enhance the division’s performance and services it provides. Organize and conduct project staff meetings to coordinate project efforts.
10. Research and stay up to date on issues pertinent to the department.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.

1. Bachelor’s degree with major course work in civil engineering or a related field, and one year of broad-based experience in civil engineering that would ensure the knowledge required for the duties of the job.
2. Must be certified as an Engineer in Training with the Washington State Board of Registration or ability to acquire within 6 months.
3. Or, possess and maintain a Professional Engineer License from the state of Washington or a state having reciprocity with Washington and obtain reciprocity licensing within six months of employment. 
4. Possess and maintain a valid unrestricted driver’s license (except for vision).

1. Possess excellent advanced mathematical skills and knowledge of modern engineering methods, practices and techniques, and other fields as they relate to construction and maintenance of public works and public utilities.
2. Effectively complete the essential job functions independently as well as being able to work well in a team environment.
3. Follow established policies and procedures and attain rigorous high level quality controls.
4. Excellent interpersonal skills. Establish and maintain effective working relations with employees, other county employees, other agencies staff, sub-contractors, and citizens. Able to tactfully deal with the public. Effectively relay instructions, explanations, and provide training.
5. Able to organize and prioritize in order to effectively work in a multi-task and busy work environment with demands from multiple sources and projects. Efficiently work in a demanding and political environment
6. Excellent oral and written communications skills to prepare technical and other reports and make effective presentations.  
7. Possess research and data analysis skills, with the ability to arrive at appropriate conclusions, and make recommendations. 
8. Able to exercise judgement and discretion of sensitive or confidential matters.

Salary : $79,176 - $98,964