Demo

PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR III - GEOTECH

Snohomish County
Everett, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/16/2025 CLOSED ON 1/6/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR III - GEOTECH position at Snohomish County?


Snohomish County Public Works is offering an exciting career opportunity as a Public Works Supervisor III position in our Engineering Services Geotechnical Group. 

As a Public Works Supervisor III, you will oversee a team of geologists, engineers, technicians, and consultants to support road maintenance and transportation design work. You will also oversee our materials testing lab and drilling operations.

We are looking for a geotechnical engineer who has experience with geotechnical design, project management, communications skills and team leadership. Typical activities include geotechnical design of complex projects such as bridge foundations including shafts and piles, culverts, retaining walls, embankments, cut/fill slopes, landslide remediation, and pavements.

The candidate will have the ability to mentor and develop staff, stay organized and manage many projects, be a clear and friendly communicator and be part of the management team.  The successful candidate will also work cooperatively with other divisions, departments, consultant and stakeholders.

A Professional Engineer (PE) or an Engineering Geologist (LEG) license is required for this position with experience in geotechnical work to stamp the typical work activities listed above.

Selection Process
Please attach a resume and cover letter specifically highlighting:

  • Your experience and knowledge in geotechnical studies for embankments, slopes, bridge foundations, fish passage culverts, retaining walls, pavements, geotechnical instrumentation, and other elements of transportation projects. Also note your experience with material verification and testing for transportation projects. 
  • Provide a list of projects you have worked on, size of the project, and what your role on the project was.
  • Describe your supervisory or team lead experience and what actions you take to build a sense of team.
  • Tell us about a project you are proud of and what your role in the project was.
  • Tell us why this position is a good match for you.

Join Snohomish County Public Works and enjoy these perks:

  • Make a contribution in shaping one of Washington’s fastest growing counties
  • Join an award-winning organization well known for excellence and commitment to high-quality public service
  • Advancement opportunities
  • Employee development and training opportunities
  • Excellent medical, dental, and other benefits 
  • Earn a Pension! Start vesting for a Washington Department of Retirement System (DRS) PERS pension.
  • Security, stability, and a lifelong career!

About Engineering Services
Our Engineering Services division in Public Works delivers full design and construction programs and encourages a team environment for employees to develop career pathways with growth potential and personal satisfaction knowing their role contributes to well-constructed projects for the residents of Snohomish County.

About Snohomish County Public Works Department
Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for more than 1,650 miles of county roads, 201 bridges and 202 traffic control signals, as well as processing nearly 600,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the largest department within Snohomish County government with approximately 550 employees plus seasonal staff. Its main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett, WA 98201.

Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.

When joining Public Works, you will work in an environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement are highly encouraged and supported. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a lifelong career at Snohomish County.

Benefits
Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family and will be invested in your success and growth. We are proud to offer an outstanding benefit package to employees and their dependents. We offer competitive wages; job flexibility and stability; pension opportunities; and employer paid ORCA cards. Snohomish County will be invested in your success and growth and offers the following benefits to our employees. Your salary is only part of your Total Compensation Package:

  • Retirement: County employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
  • Medical benefits: The County offers a choice of three comprehensive medical insurance plans with low deductibles. The county’s contribution to this benefit is significant.
  • Flexible work schedules for some positions.
  • Career development training
  • Sick leave: You will accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.
  • Vacation Leave: You will start out accruing 8 hours of vacation leave per month totaling 2.4 weeks of vacation in your first year. Your leave accruals increase based on your years of employment with the County.
  • Holiday Pay: The County observes 11 paid legal holidays per year and provides employees with two floating holidays annually.
  • Benefits: The County offers a wide range of benefits including, medical, and dental, vision, life insurance, LTD, deferred compensation and more.
  • Deferred Compensation: If you choose to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), the County will match your contributions up to 1 percent of your base monthly salary.
  • Pay Increases: Each year you will be eligible for a step increase until you reach the top step.

Teleworking Options
The work associated with this position is in-office with time in both our Cathcart materials lab in Snohomish and our Administrative building in downtown Everett.  Telework may be approved on an occasional basis depending on work.  

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Snohomish County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. A Snohomish County Telework agreement is required for employees assigned to telework.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

About Snohomish County
Snohomish County, north of Seattle, is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities, and a thriving economy. Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. 

Snohomish County - The Future We Choose - video

For information about this job opportunity and posting, please email: SPW-Recruitment.


BASIC FUNCTION
To supervise a section or work group of professional employees performing com­plex engineering, scientific, right of way, surveying or planning assignments requiring the application of a broad range of engineering or planning principles and methods.
 
Distinctions in levels are determined based upon the size of staff, the number of areas and the level of knowledge and experience necessary to perform effectively, scope of program responsibility and the overall impact of the function on the department and community.
 
Any position within the series may perform duties associated with any of the other positions in the series. Reclassifications within the series should only be made when a particular position meets on a routine basis a preponderance of characteristics that distinguish one position in the class from another.

STATEMENT OF BASIC DUTIES OF CLASS
  1. Plans and directs all office and field activities related to a specific section or work group function. 
  2. Acts as a technical resource for staff resolving problems; oversees the preparation of plans, designs, reports and documents necessary to carry out functions and operations of the work group while remaining consistent with county and department standards, principles, methods and priorities; signs off on appropriate documents as required. 
  3. Assigns, supervises and evaluates the work of subordinate employees as required; advises, assists and trains subordinates as nec­essary; participates in the selection of new employees, and makes recommendations regarding the hiring, discipline, and termination of subordinate employees. 
  4. Develops and implements policies, procedures and budgets related to specific section or work group functions and ensures that area of operations complies with applicable federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines, and with county ordinances, policies and procedures. 
  5. Coordinates operations and promotes partnership with other county departments and programs, outside agencies, citizen groups and the general public as necessary; provides technical assistance to other public agencies or sections as required. 
  6. Supervises or participates in the conduct and review of studies, needs assessments and other activities used to plan or evaluate services provided by the section or work group; drafts recommended modifications to applicable ordinances, regulations, policies, procedures and standards. 
  7. Prepares reports and recommendations to the County Council, various community groups and outside agencies as necessary; may con­duct or participate in public hearings to explain program plans and solicit public input.  
  8. Responds to inquiries from the public regarding specific problems or issues in area of assignment. 
  9. Prepares grant applications and other documents to obtain alternative or supplemental funding sources for programs; negotiates and administers participation contracts with groups, agencies and in­dividuals; maintains liaison with representatives of funding agen­cies as necessary. 
  10. Recommends modifications to county codes and associated regulations, procedures and engineering standards. 
  11. Prepares short term and long range work program and service plans which identify and prioritize proposed projects and programs. 
  12. Assists the division manager in developing and implementing systems, programs, and long range plans to provide for effective DPW operations. 
  13. Advises a director or manager on the need for public information and involvement efforts; directs design and implementation of such efforts. 
  14. Performs other related duties as assigned. 
Distinguishing Characteristic of Class: 
May regularly interact with outside agencies.
Position involves either the highest level of technical proficiency in one field or is responsible for two or more professional fields.
Position may play a lead role in managing controversial issues.
Position regularly represents the division in decision oriented meetings.
Position develops or controls work group budget.
A Bachelor of Science or Arts degree in a professional field related to the group function and five (5) years of professional level experience with at least two (2) years of supervisory/lead experience within the area of specialization; OR, any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skill and ability to perform the work. Must pass job related tests.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Professional Engineer License for engineering position or appropriate professional certification or recognition in non-engineering fields.
 
A valid Washington State Driver's License is required.

Job offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES 
Knowledge of: 
  • principles, practices and techniques in area of assignment
  • federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations related to area of assignment
  • the principles and practices of planning, organization and supervision; 
  • the principles, practices and procedures associated with budget preparation and administration
  • the methods and techniques used in conducting engineering or scientific studies and needs assessments
  • if applicable to the position, the principles and practices of grant writing, contract negotiation and administration
  • the literature, trends and developments in the area of specialty
Ability to:
  • develop inter-local agreements and funding strategies to provide effective service levels to the community
  • manage consultant contracts for the planning, design and/or construction of major public works projects
  • plan, coordinate and administer a functional area of DPW
  • supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate employees
  • develop work plans, schedules and budgets
  • allocate and make effective use of available resources
  • assess the relative advantages and disadvantages of alternative courses of action
  • gather, analyze, synthesize and evaluate a variety of data including statistical data
  • read, interpret and apply federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing area of assignment
  • analyze and evaluate operations and take effective action to correct deficiencies and resolve problems
  • establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, associates, subordinates, representatives of other agencies and with the general public
  • lead programs with public groups
  • communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • prepare a variety of correspondence, reports, and other written materials and documents
SUPERVISION
The employee reports to and receives direction from a manager or director. The employee supervises at least five full time staff and may supervise temporary employees. The work requires considerable independent judgment and discretion in developing and achieving work unit goals and objectives. The work is reviewed through meetings and periodic status reports, and by evaluation of results obtained.
 
Distinguishing Characteristic of Class:
Supervises a group of employees in technical or professional classifications.
Reports to a Manager or Director.
Supervises five or more positions.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The work is performed in an office environment and may require frequent field trips to locations throughout the county to make site visits, attend meetings, or coordinate work activities. Meetings or project requirements may involve working evenings, weekends or holidays as necessary.
 
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
EEO policy and ADA notice

Salary : $110,288 - $134,110

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR III - GEOTECH?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR III - GEOTECH career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$90,266 - $119,206
Income Estimation: 
$107,523 - $144,337
Income Estimation: 
$70,437 - $89,960
Income Estimation: 
$93,422 - $117,961
This job has expired.
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Snohomish County

  • Snohomish County Everett, WA
  • Join our Snohomish County Behavioral Health/Crisis Services Team! Position : We are seeking a full-time, FLSA-covered team member to join our Behavioral He... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • Snohomish County Everett, WA
  • The Snohomish County Fire Marshal's Office , housed within Planning and Development Services, provides safe, livable environments through inspection, inves... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Snohomish County Everett, WA
  • Join Our Snohomish County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Division! Are you passionate about advocating for children who have experienced abuse, ne... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Snohomish County Snohomish, WA
  • We are hiring Park Aide employees to support Parks and Recreation starting April 6, 2026 and creating a eligibility register to fill future openings throug... more
  • 12 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR III - GEOTECH jobs in the Everett, WA area that may be a better fit.

  • City of Marysville Marysville, WA
  • HIRING FOR MULTIPLE POSITIONS Seasonal positions are hired for up to 1,200 hours in a rolling calendar year and are not eligible for health care benefits. ... more
  • 30 Days Ago

  • Sky Northwest Inc Everett, WA
  • We're seeking an experienced Foreman level commercial painter. If you’re tired of being just a number, want consistent year-round work, a wage that’s well ... more
  • 30 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!