Engineer I

SUMMARY:

In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the career-service position of Engineer I.

The person in this role will review, coordinate revisions and inspect development permit applications such as building, right-of-way use, and clearing and grading permits. In addition, they will conduct reviews as they relate to engineering designs for roadway and drainage improvements, temporary erosion control and/or impacts to water quality. Work is performed in both an office or field environment and involves daily contact with review/inspection staff, public officials, developers, contractors, property owners, citizens, and interest groups. Engineers are expected to work on as independent a basis as the incumbent's experience merits, with a commensurate level of guidance and direction from higher-level positions. 

The Engineer I is responsible for making recommendations and engineering decisions to ensure projects meet the requirements of adopted permit conditions, County regulations and best management practices. They may apply land development principles while reviewing submittals to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations.

JOB DUTIES:

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

• Under the direction of higher-level engineering staff, review development applications for compliance with applicable codes, standards, and best management practices.
• Conduct construction, maintenance, and compliance inspections, under the direction of or consultation with higher level engineering and inspection staff.
• Participate in the analysis, interpretation, and application of relevant federal, State, and local, laws and regulations.
• Perform engineering calculations and identify calculation methodology.
• Investigate field conditions for projects and determine appropriate codes and relevant project requirements. This would include stormwater, critical areas and temporary erosion control regulations and code requirements
• Investigate drainage complaints and inquiries relating to building and grading permits
• Communicate on the job in ways that reflect well upon King County, the County Executive, the department, and the incumbent.
• Exhibit and support a culture of superior customer service.
• Scrupulously honor commitments made to customers and others.
• Review development permit applications such as right-of-way use, building, and clearing and grading as they relate to engineering designs for roadway and drainage improvements, and/or impacts to water quality throughout unincorporated King County.
• Conduct inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans and applicable standards.
• Review development applications independently for compliance with applicable codes, standards, and best management practices.

• Perform a broad scope of analytical engineering work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering; or any equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating knowledge of engineering principles and site design such as surface water hydrology, soils, traffic, temporary erosion control, survey, and road geometrics.
• Ability to convey technical information to the public, government agencies, engineering and environmental consultants, and developers.
• Ability to quickly relate codes, public rules and ordinances to observed building site conditions.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications for word processing, spreadsheets and/or databases.
• Data collection skills.
• Excellent graphic presentation.
• Problem solving skills.
• Skill in reading and interpreting engineering plans and reports, specifications, technical maps, and other engineering documents.
• Ability to perform field work and negotiate rough terrain in all types of weather.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proving training and making presentations.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service.
• Skill in handling multiple competing and changing priorities while producing quality detailed work within tight timeframes.
• Skill in working effectively and cooperatively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to research and interpret applicable codes, policies, and regulations.
• Mathematical and Analytical skills.
• Ability to enforce codes, regulations, and permit conditions.
• Applied knowledge of a surface water design manual used by a government.
• Applied knowledge of road standards used by a government.
• Ability to use engineering software to analyze proposals.
• Ability in handling politically sensitive issues.
• Experience either designing or reviewing civil engineering plans for code compliance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Licensure as a Washington State Professional Civil Engineer, and/or Engineer in Training.
• Experience in local government permit processing and regulations.
• Demonstrated skill in use of Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems.
• Knowledge of electronic review of construction documents using Blue Beam.

Necessary Requirements: 

• An offer of employment will be contingent on the success of a pre-employment physical examination.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle throughout the county.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to interview the week of January 23rd, 2023.

This recruitment may be used to fill vacancies for up to 6 months. Including career service, special duty assignments, STT and TLT opportunities.

WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to all qualified applicants. First consideration will be given to current PROTEC17 members in the same classification that are eligible for lateral transfer.

WORK SCHEDULE: The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 7.00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but may at times require work outside of normal business hours. This full-time position is overtime eligible.
 
FORMS AND MATERIALS: A completed King County Application is required. We highly recommend that you also provide a resume and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge and skills for the position.

SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.  Interviews will be conducted via Teams.  Reference checks and file reviews will be conducted.
   
UNION MEMBERSHIP:  PROTEC17
 
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
   Vivienne Swai
   Human Resources Analyst
   206-477-1538
   vswai@kingcounty.gov

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
 
 As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:
 • submit proof of vaccination or
 • have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor’s Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff’s Office, and the Executive Office.

Teleworking Requirement 
The work associated with this position will be performed by teleworking, field work, onsite work and meetings as needed. The responsibilities of this position may include regular and ongoing in-office work involving in person customer service in accordance with the division's available customer service options.
 
Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
 
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
   
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.  
 
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. 
 
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. 
 
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
 
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
 
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.