Civil Engineer 1 - Engineering Plans Examiner

Why It's a Great Opportunity: This customer service-focused position provides you the opportunity to work with a diverse and interdisciplinary team in our Technical Services Section within the Development Services Division.  Our team regularly collaborates to problem-solve cutting-edge issues in the industry.  This team is responsible for conducting residential plan reviews while developing and nurturing strong relationships with a diverse group providing customer service in our Lobby.    

Some of the work your team will do includes: 

• Provide input into County codes and standards.
• Review Site Development Drawings (road, storm drainage, sewer, grading, erosion control) for compliance with County regulations.
• Review subdivisions and land use applications for traffic, stormwater, and critical area impacts with site access requirements.
• Communicate via email, phone, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and meetings with applicants, developers, builders, engineers, planners, surveyors, and other professionals.
• Daily or weekly interactions with customers and the public.
• Provides leadership and direction to the professional and technical staff of a section responsible for implementing a major engineering program; delegates authority to personnel commensurate with responsibility and ensures the proper functioning of section staff.

Why It's a Great Department: Planning and Public Works (PPW) is a diverse and fast-moving department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities.  PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provide unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire.  We are 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!   

Learn more about Planning and Public Works at www.piercecountywa.org/ppw.  

How to be Successful in the Role: Your success will come from a positive attitude, excellent customer service skills, a willingness to learn, the ability to make independent decisions, and a desire to help and support co-workers. As part of the County’s onboarding program, you will be assigned a partner who will introduce you to the current policies and procedures, technology/software, and Pierce County Code. Throughout the training process, you will meet with your manager and direct supervisor regularly to discuss expectations and set goals for your team. 

Your Future in this Role: PPW has a comprehensive onboarding process that exposes you to all department functions and processes and involves real-time training opportunities alongside more experienced teammates. Pierce County offers professional development through the Leadership Certification program, 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.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Performs layout, drafting and design work on a variety of routine civil engineering projects utilizing computer programs. Depending on program to which assigned, may design or review roads, bridges, structures, traffic control devices; flood control structures; aviation and maintenance facilities; stormwater collection and disposal systems; wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems; water treatment and distribution systems; and/or other infrastructure.
• Prepares or contributes to engineering technical reports or studies such as traffic, hydrology, hydraulic, or geotechnical, reviews calculations or routine work of others.
• Reviews proposed development projects for compliance with county ordinances, state and federal statutes and regulations, adopted standards, and county policy and meets with project applicants to resolve questions and compliance issues.
• Prepares information to support public meetings, hearings, boards, commissions, or elected officials.
• Reviews and investigates citizen concerns and recommends remedial measures.
• Inspects and evaluates assets for compliance with established inspection programs and prepares appropriate reports; calculates and verifies pay quantities for contracted services.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four years of progressively responsible, broad-based civil engineering experience is required OR
• Registration as an Engineer-in-Training OR
• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited program in civil engineering or closely related field may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

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:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. 
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title. 
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.  

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place people are proud to call home?

Salary : $43 - $55