Senior Engineer - Review

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This is the fully qualified senior level in the Registered Engineer job series. Incumbents independently perform the full scope of civil engineering duties, with extensive technical knowledge in a specific area of assignment, and total responsibility for the completion of assigned civil engineering projects.
Under limited supervision, performs professional work of considerable difficulty in managing design, construction, engineering, development, flood control, roads, bridges, utilities, and infrastructure projects for the Public Works Department.

The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.

• Leads and manages the Public Works permitting program for development review with regards to access, road design, stormwater design, etc.
• Makes structural and technical engineering analysis of proposed projects; evaluates need for design changes and makes appropriate recommendations; reviews plans for conformity to uniform codes, local ordinances, and State and Federal regulations.
• Designs, plans, coordinates, and inspects civil engineering projects; analyzes complex issues, develops recommendations, and implements solutions; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Prepares conceptual plans, detailed plans, specifications, and estimates for projects; manages and maintains technical project and program databases.
• Assumes technical responsibility for completing and reviewing complete phases or major components of projects, including engineering reports, calculations, plans, contracts, and special assignments in accordance with Public Works standards and codes.
• Coordinates the development of project design concepts and criteria.
• Performs drafting and computing work; checks and directs field operations involved in the gathering and compilation of field data for the design, layout, and construction of roads, flood control, bridges, utilities, infrastructure, and related projects.
• Inspects and monitors Public Works projects under contract; resolves discrepancies between field conditions and design plans; recommends methods of resolving complex problems.
• Writes various analytical reports and makes technical estimates of a specialized nature in connection with engineering projects; checks and reviews final technical specifications for submittal to County Engineer.
• Ensures project deliverables meet scope, schedule, cost, and quality requirements.
• Leads and supervises assigned staff; prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; trains and instructs staff as required; provides leadership, direction and guidance in technical processes and procedures.
• Responds to questions from citizens and agencies regarding Lewis County code for project development related to Public Works.
• Prepares and assists in the presentation of Departmental reports and project information; ensures information from external sources is integrated into County plans and documents.
• Manages technical engineering databases; compiles technical data from a variety of sources; edits and verifies data and updates databases; performs quality control checks to ensure data integrity.
• Oversees contract administration for Public Works projects; develops contract specifications and provisions; tracks and reports compliance and financial information on projects.
• Coordinates projects, activities and information with other Public Works staff, County Departments, contractors, and outside agencies.
• Inspects construction projects to verify and enforce compliance to safety and quality standards.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in an office environment; work involves light physical demands and frequent use of a personal computer; occasional inspection work is performed outdoors at construction sites and County facilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field; AND four (4) year’s professional civil engineering experience.
Senior Engineer supervising bridge inspections shall obtain a bridge inspection number/license within 12 months of hire.
A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required.
Must be registered as a Professional Engineer* with Washington State Board of Registration.
*Engineer in training (EIT) certificate and minimum education/experience adequate for hire at senior engineer-EIT pay grade.

COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors)

Knowledge of:

• Fundamentals of civil engineering, mathematics and physics.
• Principles of design, construction, and maintenance of public works projects.
• Methods, materials, and equipment used in public works construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Principles and practices of government project management and methods of evaluating construction contract compliance.
• Federal and State codes and regulations governing civil engineering and public works projects, including County Road Administration Board and Department of Transportation standards.
• Contract development and management principles.
• Computers and specialized engineering software applications and file management procedures.
• OSHA safety rules and regulations and safety standards applicable to hazardous environments.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Lewis County Code.

Skills In:

• Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks and projects.
• Interpreting and applying engineering standards and procedures, Federal and State rules and regulations, and City policies and procedures.
• Applying engineering theory and skills to solve PWD project issues and problems.
• Analyzing and evaluating technical engineering data and construction documentation.
• Checking designs, details, estimates, plans, and specifications of engineering projects.
• Interpreting technical instructions and analyzing complex variables.
• Working effectively with others to develop solutions for public works issues.
• Analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting technical data.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other County employees, public officials, and representatives from other local, State, and Federal agencies.

Ability To:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Learn County policies and procedures.
• Analyze technical issues, evaluate alternatives, and develop solutions based on findings.
• Read, understand, develop, manipulate, and analyze engineering information in a variety of computerized data formats.

Behaviors:

• Regular, reliable attendance with minimal unplanned absences.
• A willingness to embrace change and grow personally, professionally, and as an organization.
• Earn trust and respect through clear communication, follow-through, taking ownership and maintaining confidentiality while providing professional services.
• Accept personal responsibility for work, actions, and words.
• Commit to the delivery of public services that will benefit the community and contribute to the well-being and quality of life for the citizens of Lewis County.

Lewis County is an equal opportunity employer that provides access, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by law in employment or provisions of services.

Health Insurance: We offer comprehensive medical coverage-including vision-along with dental and basic life insurance for employees and their families. Multiple medical plan options are available, so you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs.

Retirement Plans: Secure your future with enrollment in one of Washington State's Department of Retirement Systems programs: PERS, PSERS, or LEOFF. Both you and the County contribute to your retirement, ensuring long-term financial stability.

Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.

Longevity: We recognize and reward your dedication with additional monthly compensation for continuous service milestones.

Deferred Compensation: Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Please visit our Employee Benefits webpage for details: 2026 Benefits

Accommodations for All Applicants: If you need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to help! Contact our Human Resources Department at (360) 740-2737 or HR@lewiscountywa.gov .

Closing Date/Time: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Lewis County, WA

360-740-2737 Show more