Civil Engineer - Public Works; Levels

Position: Civil Engineer - Public Works (Multiple Levels)
Salary : $81,312.00 - $ Annually
Location : 1600 13th Ave. S, Kelso, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 03/24/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NON

General Position Summary
Now filling at multiple levels:

Associate Engineer ($6,776 - $8,470 / month)

Engineer III ($8,055 - $10,069 / month)

Senior Engineer ($8,890 - $11,113 / month)
This is a professional civil engineering position that functions as a Civil Engineer for Cowlitz County. The position consists of two divisions that provide engineering and planning services for the Utilities and Stormwater Division, and the Diking and Development Division. This position also 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 is responsible for managing engineering projects, addressing engineering and administrative duties, and following established procedures, policies and practices. This position supervises the activities of other engineering and technical staff assigned to projects under their direction. If qualifications, experience, and longevity criteria are met, this position can be elevated to the Senior Engineer - Civil job classification.
This position is opened until filled!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Associate Engineer:

• 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.
• 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.
• Coordinate the daily work activities of technical and other staff assigned to the project.
• 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.
• 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.
• Identify and coordinate multiple funding sources for the programs of the department. Prepare grant applications and coordinate with federal, state, and local funding agencies.
• Collaborate in the preparation and update of comprehensive plans, policies, reports, budgets, and other documents.
• Perform general administrative duties to effectively administer and document the activities of engineering projects.
• 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.
• Research and stay up to date on issues pertinent to the department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Engineer III / Senior Engineer:

• 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 as assigned.
• Perform or oversee activities for different aspects of a project including management, scoping, technical design, specifications, permitting, scheduling, and other duties necessary for the successful completion of assigned projects. Ensure that projects remain within the established scope, budget and schedule.
• Supervise the daily work activities of engineering and technical staff assigned to the project(s).
• Identify and coordinate multiple funding sources for the programs of the department. Prepare grant applications and coordinate with federal, state, and local funding agencies.
• Collaborate in the preparation and update of comprehensive plans, policies, reports, budgets, and other documents.
• Perform general administrative duties to effectively administer and document the activities of engineering projects.
• Investigate, resolve and respond to citizen's complaints in an effective and tactful manner.
• Develop, recommend and implement engineering solutions and other technical procedures, and assist in the preparation of the annual budget.
• 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.
• Prepare and present written and oral reports to multiple audiences including citizen groups, neighborhood associations, Boards and Commissions.
• Research and…