What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineering Technician position at City of Lakewood (WA)?
Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your technical skills in a collaborative and dynamic environment? The City of Lakewood’s Planning and Public Works Department is a talented team of professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Lakewood residents. The Department oversees a wide range of services, including community planning, transportation and stormwater infrastructure, lake management, building and land use permitting, rental housing programs, economic development, and more.
This is the journey level class in the Engineering Technician series. Employees in this class perform a full range of duties and receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Employees are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
First review of application on 12/4/2026.
LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
This position is part of the Engineering Services Division and plays a key role in supporting engineering permit reviews and capital projects within the City. As an Engineering Technician, you will support the City's street lighting and school zone lights, assign task orders to the City's electrical services contractor, manage the traffic signal inventory, and perform utility locates for City-owned street lighting, traffic signals, and storm drainage. Other duties include reviewing engineering permits; collecting roadway field data, such as traffic and pedestrian counts, pavement condition, and GIS asset information; and using CAD to assist engineers with preparing designs and plans. This role works closely with applicants, contractors, and the public, so a customer-service mindset and clear communication are important.
See the full job details below and apply today to join our great team!
Under the direction of the Public Works Engineering Director or designee, assist civil engineers and/or higher level engineering technicians in preparing preliminary designs through final plans; support traffic engineering studies; inspect construction projects for compliance with established standards; review development and right-of-way permit applications for compliance with established codes and standards; and coordinate utility locates for City owned infrastructure.This is the journey level class in the Engineering Technician series. Employees in this class perform a full range of duties and receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Employees are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
This is an AFSCME represented position.
This recruitment is open until filled. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for best consideration.First review of application on 12/4/2026.
*This recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies within six (6) months of posting closure.
Engineering Function
Apply survey information and reduce field notes to complete base mapping and draft designs and drawings for various engineering and planning projects such as storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water mains, and streets.
Perform a variety of related office or field tasks to gather, analyze and record data and otherwise assist engineers in preparation of specifications.
Development Review Function
Review pre-application information for new development proposals; visit site to ascertain existing conditions; prepare the pre-application comments based on applicable City codes and ordinances.
Review site development plans for compliance with City standards relating to right-of-ways, sidewalks, curbs, pedestrian ramps, driveways, roadways, and storm drainage.
Review storm drainage reports, traffic impact analysis reports, and other traffic related studies for compliance with City standards.
Calculate permit fees.
Coordinate locating City-owned underground infrastructure as part of the regional utility notification process.
Construction Inspection Function
Perform construction and "as-built" inspections by overseeing assigned public works projects to assure conformance to plans and specifications; process inspection records with appropriate department personnel.
Maintain records of construction projects from information supplied by engineers; compile and compute data for contractors' progress pay estimates.
Perform field tests.
Traffic Engineering Function
Assist in field traffic studies: conduct manual traffic counts, turning movement, traffic speed, and delay studies; set out traffic counters for intersection approach volume, crosswalk evaluation, and traffic volumes, compile data and prepare appropriate recommendations and reports.
Maintain record keeping and data tracking systems of traffic and complaint data including traffic accident, speed and count databases.
All Functions
Perform technical research, present reports, information and presentations at meetings.
Answer questions from the public regarding particular area(s) of expertise.
Perform a variety of related office or field tasks to gather and record data.
Provide support to other City departments including computer generated maps and exhibits.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Apply survey information and reduce field notes to complete base mapping and draft designs and drawings for various engineering and planning projects such as storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water mains, and streets.
Perform a variety of related office or field tasks to gather, analyze and record data and otherwise assist engineers in preparation of specifications.
Development Review Function
Review pre-application information for new development proposals; visit site to ascertain existing conditions; prepare the pre-application comments based on applicable City codes and ordinances.
Review site development plans for compliance with City standards relating to right-of-ways, sidewalks, curbs, pedestrian ramps, driveways, roadways, and storm drainage.
Review storm drainage reports, traffic impact analysis reports, and other traffic related studies for compliance with City standards.
Calculate permit fees.
Coordinate locating City-owned underground infrastructure as part of the regional utility notification process.
Construction Inspection Function
Perform construction and "as-built" inspections by overseeing assigned public works projects to assure conformance to plans and specifications; process inspection records with appropriate department personnel.
Maintain records of construction projects from information supplied by engineers; compile and compute data for contractors' progress pay estimates.
Perform field tests.
Traffic Engineering Function
Assist in field traffic studies: conduct manual traffic counts, turning movement, traffic speed, and delay studies; set out traffic counters for intersection approach volume, crosswalk evaluation, and traffic volumes, compile data and prepare appropriate recommendations and reports.
Maintain record keeping and data tracking systems of traffic and complaint data including traffic accident, speed and count databases.
All Functions
Perform technical research, present reports, information and presentations at meetings.
Answer questions from the public regarding particular area(s) of expertise.
Perform a variety of related office or field tasks to gather and record data.
Provide support to other City departments including computer generated maps and exhibits.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to two years of college level courses related to civil engineering and three years of work experience using CADD to design roads, storm drainage, water and/or sewer systems. Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D is preferred.
LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington driver's license and a satisfactory driving record throughout employment.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques of drafting and computer aided design.
Trigonometry as applied to the computation of angles, areas, distances, and traverses.
Basic principles and practices of surveying.
Basic principles and practices of civil engineering including hydrology, hydraulics, soils, water and sewer utility design, and basic structures.
Design and construction theory and engineering design standards.
Principles, methods, materials, equipment, and safety standards of construction inspection.
Engineering maps and records.
Construction plans and specifications.
Applicable City, State and Federal codes, ordinances, specifications, procedures and standards.
Techniques, procedures and instruments used in engineering design, drafting, surveying and mathematics.
CADD and other engineering software applications to generate and modify construction drawings.
Environmental policies and laws applicable to assigned engineering projects.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
ABILITY TO:
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Operate a variety of office machines including a personal computer and related software applications.
Perform responsible technical duties related to the development of engineering projects, the layout of plans, and the inspection of existing utilities.
Design or review engineering plans for various engineering projects to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and specifications.
Assist in compliance and compatibility review with existing systems and applicable codes, standards, specifications and practices.
Calculate, verify and plot field survey results.
Communicate with agencies, the public and City management to answer questions and provide information.
Interpret, apply and explain local, state and federal codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Read, review and understand engineering plans and specifications.
Prepare design drawings using CADD equipment and software.
Meet schedules and time lines.
ENVIRONMENT: Indoor office environment; occasional outside work; driving a vehicle to conduct work at project sites.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Walking on uneven surfaces and steep slopes; sitting and standing for extended periods of time; seeing to read maps and data; speaking and hearing to communicate with others; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to retrieve and maintain files.
HAZARDS: Occasional exposure to working below ground level in manholes and catch basins; to traffic while working in and adjacent to roadway; and to construction equipment while working in construction zones.
Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques of drafting and computer aided design.
Trigonometry as applied to the computation of angles, areas, distances, and traverses.
Basic principles and practices of surveying.
Basic principles and practices of civil engineering including hydrology, hydraulics, soils, water and sewer utility design, and basic structures.
Design and construction theory and engineering design standards.
Principles, methods, materials, equipment, and safety standards of construction inspection.
Engineering maps and records.
Construction plans and specifications.
Applicable City, State and Federal codes, ordinances, specifications, procedures and standards.
Techniques, procedures and instruments used in engineering design, drafting, surveying and mathematics.
CADD and other engineering software applications to generate and modify construction drawings.
Environmental policies and laws applicable to assigned engineering projects.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
ABILITY TO:
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Operate a variety of office machines including a personal computer and related software applications.
Perform responsible technical duties related to the development of engineering projects, the layout of plans, and the inspection of existing utilities.
Design or review engineering plans for various engineering projects to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and specifications.
Assist in compliance and compatibility review with existing systems and applicable codes, standards, specifications and practices.
Calculate, verify and plot field survey results.
Communicate with agencies, the public and City management to answer questions and provide information.
Interpret, apply and explain local, state and federal codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Read, review and understand engineering plans and specifications.
Prepare design drawings using CADD equipment and software.
Meet schedules and time lines.
ENVIRONMENT: Indoor office environment; occasional outside work; driving a vehicle to conduct work at project sites.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Walking on uneven surfaces and steep slopes; sitting and standing for extended periods of time; seeing to read maps and data; speaking and hearing to communicate with others; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to retrieve and maintain files.
HAZARDS: Occasional exposure to working below ground level in manholes and catch basins; to traffic while working in and adjacent to roadway; and to construction equipment while working in construction zones.
Salary : $6,645 - $8,301