Lead Engineering Specialist

To Apply: Complete the City's on-line application process with a thorough list of education, training and experience; attach a cover letter and resume. Additional attachments are welcome, but not required.

*This position is open until filled with a first review of applications occurring on May 14, 2026.

Position Information: The Lead Engineering Specialist is responsible for providing leadership and direction to the Engineering Specialist group and for performing skilled engineering support and construction inspection duties that could include surveying; reviewing plans and specifications and inspecting Capital Improvement projects; reviewing right-of-way applications and related issues; writing legal descriptions; drafting plans using CAD software; and inspecting development and utility construction. This position is responsible for daily organizing and directing the work of other engineering specialist staff.

1. Coordinates and schedules the Engineering Specialist group in performance of daily tasks.
2. Organizes, directs specialist group, and/or performs topographic and construction surveying tasks including field measurement, data collection, and construction staking, and reviews the work of other Engineering Specialists.
3. Organizes, directs specialist group, and performs inspection tasks including verification of proper construction; notification of deficiencies to contractor; preparing and maintaining a variety of records related to inspections, including constructed drawings, drafting plans, drawings, files, forms, and other related records outside in all weather conditions.
4. Coordinates specialist group and performs review and issuance of permits utilizing established guidelines and procedures; verifies permit applications against applicable ordinances; enters permit information into the applicable database; makes copies; notifies customers of denial or approval; maintains related files; and/or, performs other related activities.
5. Operates computerized drafting systems for generating and/or updating maps, drawings, plans, plats, files, and geographic informational reports; digitizes information and composes legal descriptions.
6. Performs a variety of engineering related calculations as directed by the Project Engineer.
7. Prepares design for small capitalimprovement projects under the direction of a licensed Engineer.
8. Required to drive assigned City Vehicle from City Hall for City business purposes and back.  
9. Use a 2.5 pound hammer to set survey stakes.
10. Lift and remove a 60 pound manhole lid for surveying purposes.
11. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

• Associate’s degree in engineering, surveying, CAD drafting or related field; AND 3-5 years of surveying, engineering support, inspection, and/or drafting experience OR a combination of education, training and experience which would provide the required skills, knowledge, and ability to perform the job as determined by the department.   
• Experience directing work crews preferred.
• Possess a valid Washington State driver's license.

• Knowledge of basic engineering practices.
• Has a good understanding of basic construction principles and practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Prioritizing and assign work to the engineering specialist group.
• Train other staff on work methods and knowledge.
• Ability to read and comprehend drawings, parcel maps, legal descriptions, improvement plans, and specifications.
• Knowledge of surveying.
• Have the skills to use AUTOCAD drafting and software design tools.
• The skills to use applicable tools and equipment utilized for construction, surveying, and engineering.
• Comfortable using a computer and related software applications.
• Ability to Read and interpret plans, maps, plats, and related documents.
• Operating applicable instruments, hand-held data collectors, levels, and/or other related tools of the trade.
• Knowledge of how to perform site inspections.
• The ability to interpret land survey data.
• Be able to perform mathematical calculations.
• The skills to prepare engineering drawings and cost estimates.
• Have the skills to use a web-based construction project management software. (Ex. Virtual Project Manager)

Salary : $72,696 - $93,252