Engineer - Transportation & Utility

Position: Engineer I - Transportation & Utility
Salary: $7,608.00 - $10,195.00 Monthly
Location : City Hall Campus, Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-22
Department: Transportation and Engineering
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 04/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

General Statement of Duties/Supervision
Why Tumwater?
Tumwater is more than just a city, it's a vibrant community rooted in history and filled with opportunity. Located at the southern gateway to the Seattle-Tacoma metro area, Tumwater offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-picture vision.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Puget Sound, prairie landscapes, rivers, and evergreen forests, we're just over an hour from ocean beaches, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Rainier. Whether you're into hiking, kayaking, brewery-hopping, or live music, you'll find easy access to it all.

Here in Tumwater, we're building a future that's highly livable, connected, and inclusive. With safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a deep sense of civic pride, it's not just a great place to live, it's a great place to grow your career.
The Opportunity

The City of Tumwater is growing and so is the opportunity to help shape its future. We're seeking an Engineer I to join our Transportation & Engineering team, focusing on transportation and utility infrastructure design.

In this role, you'll contribute to civil engineering design for projects throughout the city that directly impact multimodal transportation, public safety, and the delivery of essential sewer and water services. You'll work closely with a collaborative team to support projects that enhance the function and livability of the Tumwater community.

This is an entry-level position within the professional engineering series, working under the guidance of experienced engineers with a clear path for growth and advancement. The role offers strong mentorship, hands-on experience in both field and office settings, and the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world development and construction projects.

*** Recent or upcoming college graduates are encouraged to apply.***

A Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering is preferred. Relevant work experience, including internships, is beneficial but not required. Applicants without a Civil Engineering degree should demonstrate an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. If you're an engineer who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and seeing your work come to life in the community, this role is for you.
First review of applications will start on May 15, 2026

Essential Job Duties
As an Engineer I, you'll work on a wide range of professional civil engineering assignments such as:

Review & Design

• Design and review of engineering projects throughout the city, primarily transportation and utility infrastructure projects.
• Develop plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates.
• Review engineering documents in support of other departments within the city.
• If needed, assists private development projects with engineering reviews.
• Assist in right-of-way and easement acquisition.
• Prepare and/or review environmental plans and reports.
• Utilize standard engineering software, such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D, in the preparation of design documents.

Consultant Management

• Manage selected consultants for engineering work.
• Assist in engineering consultant selection, preparation and review of SOQ's, and interviews.
• Prepare/negotiate consultant design contracts.
• Review engineering work completed by engineering consultants.

Project Funding

• Assist staff in preparation of funding documentation.
• Prepare preliminary/planning level funding documents.
• Prepare exhibits and provide support for grant applications.
• Assist in preparation and coordination of project grant obligation documents.
• Utilize the Local Agency Guidelines to manage FHWA funded projects.

Construction Inspection and Administration

• Assist in the preparation of construction administration documents under the guidance of the Construction Manager.
• Perform construction field inspections and may have charge of the inspection of specific construction projects.
• Apply applicable standards to ensure quality and compliance of construction projects.
• Instructs and may manage subordinate personnel in inspection methods and procedures.

Collaborate and Communicate

• Ability to present technical information to a group or the public.
• Serve as a technical resource for staff, developers, and the public.
• Prepare recommendations and reports for City Council, committees, and commissions and may present agenda items to these groups.
• Work with residents on traffic safety, roadway concerns, and infrastructure issues.
• Respond to public inquiries for information.

Team Coordination

• Participates in team meetings, project planning, and design reviews.
• Receives active mentorship from higher-level engineers to develop technical proficiency.
• Contributes to process improvements and standard design/policy updates.
• As…