Associate Engineer

Position Description

Tacoma Water is seeking a dedicated and technically focused Associate Engineer to join our team. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain experience and manage critical infrastructure projects that ensure the continued reliability and safety of our water distribution and transmission systems for the community we serve.
Reporting to the Principal Engineer, you will be a key member of the Planning & Engineering Team, responsible for the end-to-end engineering design, contract and construction administration, and project management of water pipeline and water infrastructure projects across the Tacoma Water service area. This role offers the satisfaction of seeing projects through from initial concept and design to successful construction and commissioning while working closely with a Professional Engineer for mentorship and guidance.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Project Management & Delivery: Own the initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and
  
  closing of multiple water infrastructure projects. This includes developing project
  
  schedules, cost estimates, scope documents, and managing risks.
  
• Design & Engineering: Under the direction of a Professional Engineer, develop
  
  engineering plans, technical specifications, and detailed engineering
  
  calculations for water mains and water facilities, ensuring conformance with AWWA guidelines,
  
  state/local regulations, and internal standards.
  
• Contract
  
  Administration: Work with the purchasing department to conduct public bidding and award process including presenting to the Public Utility Board during contract award. Respond to RFI’s and submittals to provide engineering design consultation during construction in coordination with on-site inspectors and the Construction Manager to ensure effective design implementation.
  
• Financial & Reporting: Manage individual project budgets, create and maintain financial
  
  documentation, and ensure accurate
  
  tracking and allocation of project charges. Provide regular status updates on
  
  budget reconciliation, schedule, and milestones to management.
  
• Coordination &
  
  Communication: Act as the main point of contact for internal teams and external agencies to secure project agreements, permits, and represent Tacoma Water's interests.
  
• Technical Studies: Conduct investigative studies, field inspections, and data analysis to evaluate and document water system improvements, producing technical reports and making recommendations to your supervisor.
  

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering or directly related field (such as mechanical or environmental engineering)

Minimum Experience*
None

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Driver's License

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Joanna Hambrick; if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
Apply

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $42.68 - $60.08
Annual Salary: $88,774.40 - $124,966.40

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 10/22/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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