Engineer Technician II

Salary: $36.35 - $44.29 Hourly
Location : Ellensburg
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 04/13/2026
Closing Date: 4/24/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Road

Description

The County is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Engineer Technician II. This position performs a full range of paraprofessional engineering office and field work involving surveying, design of Public Works facilities, construction inspection and project management, right of way research and acquisition, and drafting.

Any current Kittitas County employee who is a member of Local 792 (Road) and who meets the minimum qualifications of the position is encouraged to apply.
Examples of Duties

• Under general supervision, perform a variety of office and field tasks related to design and construction of public works projects such as preliminary research, document preparation, field inspection, and quality control.
• Assist with design and preparation of plans and specifications for public works projects including bridges, roads, storm drains, and sewer lines.
• Assist in preparing Right Of Way (ROW) plans for various projects.
• Assist in ROW acquisition and offer packets in accordance with County and State processes.
• Research project design requirements, perform calculations and prepare estimates of time and
• material costs.
• Perform periodic research to determine ownership of property, deeds, easements, and legal descriptions.
• Make and check computations and record field data.
• Use Autodesk Civil 3D to perform moderate drafting work to prepare maps, plans, deeds, descriptions, exhibits, records, or surveys with oversight from the County Engineer and County Surveyor.
• Assist in developing revised design and construction standards for public works structures and appurtenances.
• Check improvement plans for compliance with master plan, design criteria, special conditions, and County standards.
• Prepare engineering field reports and related documents.
• Assist in preparing various project contract documents (interlocal, consultant, construction, etc.).
• Answer inquiries from contractors, engineers and the general public.
• Serve as construction inspector to ensure compliance on County projects including bridge construction and road reconstruction.
• Update and maintain County basemap information.
• Review right of way use permit applications and inspect for compliance.
• Assist the survey crew with gathering field data for mapping, lay-out, and construction staking.
• Operate total station, transit, level, and other survey instruments in the performance of control, preliminary, and construction surveys, monument checks and related projects.
• Assist in maintaining project document files to ensure compliance with State and Federal Auditor requirements.
• Assist in the preparation of project closeout documentation with State Departments of Labor and Industries, Revenue and Employment Security.
• Maintain Field Note Records and prepare Progress Pay Estimates for Construction Manager review on Public Works projects.
• Serve in place of the County Surveyor when necessary.
• Prepare and present materials to non-technical groups and project stakeholders in a clear manner.
• Review submitted project plans associated with land development to ensure consistency with county, state, and federal codes and standards.

This job description is a summary of the primary functions and expectations for this position. Additional department-related duties may be assigned as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED AND two (2) years of related technical or college training in construction, engineering technology, civil engineering or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years of experience as a field survey crew Party Chief or Instrument Operator.
• Two (2) years of related work experience utilizing computer-aided design software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, and/or MS Project and Office products.
• Additional education and/or experience, including construction experience, may be considered in lieu of some of the qualifications listed above, at the discretion of the Public Works Director.
• Washington State flagger's card and first aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain within the first six (6) months of hire.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License with no more than two (2) moving violations within the past two (2) years.
• A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified applicants. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as seriousness of the conduct, number of convictions, the place and manner in which the position will be performed, and any verifiable information related to the candidate's rehabilitation, good conduct, work experience, education, and training will be taken into consideration.

Supplemental Information
Duties will be performed in an office environment and outdoors with exposure to inclement weather including temperature extremes and dusty/windy conditions. The position also requires the following: Sustained posture in a seated position and prolonged periods of computer operation; use of standard office equipment; strength to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally higher with assistance; hearing and speech to clearly communicate in person or over the telephone; ability to stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, twist, grasp and reach with arms and legs; close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus; and physical ability to safely move about construction sites and traverse rugged or uneven terrain. Occasional exposure to high, precarious places, wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level is usually loud in the field and moderately quiet in the office. Safety rules and regulations must be adhered to at all times; PPE must be worn when required for employee safety.
Reliable attendance and punctuality are required. Work is generally conducted during normal office hours, but could include variation such as evenings and weekends as required. Extensive travel within the county is required, including remote locations. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather and all levels of light.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Kittitas County is an equal opportunity employer. This means that Kittitas County does not discriminate against any employee on the basis of protected class status. All employees will be recruited, selected, trained, promoted, compensated, and if appropriate, disciplined or terminated without regard to race, color, religion or creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age (over 40), marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation or gender identity, veteran status, use of a guide or service animal, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability (unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification).
Most permanent employees who at least 20 hours per week on a regular schedule are entitled to healthcare, retirement, and leave benefits, pro-rated to the scheduled hours of work.

HEALTHCARE BENEFITS
Eligible employees and their family members have access to medical, dental, and vision benefits. The base plans for these benefits are paid 100% by the County regardless of the number of family members enrolled. Plan buy-up options are available for a small cost via payroll deduction.

LIFE INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS
Kittitas County offers access to a $12,000 basic life/accidental death and dismemberment insurance plan as well as a base long term disability plan through Mutual of Omaha as part of the core benefits program.

Supplemental products are available for eligible employees who choose to purchase them through AFLAC, Allstate, Colonial, and Mutual of Omaha. These products include:

• Supplemental life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Disabilty insurance

LEAVE BENEFITS
Eligible County employees have access to a variety of leave programs. The amount of paid leave an employee may accrue and bank will vary between employee groups and collective bargaining agreements. Types of leave available include, but are not limited to:

• Legal holidays
• Personal holiday
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML)

RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Most benefited employees are eligible to participate in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Participation in the DRS retirement program is mandatory for all eligible employees. Both the employee and the County contribute to the plan at a rate set by the State legislature.

For more information regarding DRS you can visit their website at https://www.drs.wa.gov/.

Employees who want to save additional dollars for retirement may do so voluntarily by participating in a choice of 457 deferred compensation plans. A 457 plan allows employees to defer funds through payroll deduction, up to a maximum amount set each year by the IRS.
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