Assistant Civil Engineer

City of Lakewood•Lakewood City Hall, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position plays a key role in reviewing engineering permits and development proposals that shape how Lakewood grows and functions. The Assistant Civil Engineer will evaluate civil plans for streets, utilities, stormwater, access, oversize loads and other public infrastructure to ensure projects meet City standards and support public safety, public health and environmental protection. Beyond technical plan review, this position will help improve and modernize the City’s permitting processes by identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and consistency and work collaboratively with applicants and City staff to resolve issues and keep projects moving. The ideal candidate will bring a customer-service mindset to engineering, helping applicants and the public navigate requirements while maintaining sound engineering practices and protecting the community and its infrastructure. This is an opportunity to have a direct and visible impact on development throughout Lakewood combining engineering expertise, problem-solving, process improvement and public service. Under the direct supervision of the Engineering Services Division Manager or Capital Projects Division Manager, perform civil engineering work in connection with a variety of public works projects. Plan and conduct low to moderately complex design, engineering analysis, studies, and management of public works projects. Assist the Engineering Services Division Manager or Capital Projects Division Manager with coordination and direction of consultants on assigned projects and studies. The Assistant Civil Engineer assures construction within City rights-of-way is in compliance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, and practices. Communicate with agencies, the public, and City management. Answer questions, provide information, and resolve concerns and issues relating to public works projects. This is an AFSCME represented position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or five years of increasingly responsible civil engineering experience involving complex analysis and design work of storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water, and road systems.
Knowledge of principles, practices and standards of civil engineering and surveying.
Knowledge of applicable City, State and Federal codes, ordinances, specifications, procedures and standards.
Knowledge of advanced methods, techniques and instruments used in engineering drafting, surveying and mathematics.
Knowledge of elements, objectives and operation of an integrated and comprehensive urban road and surface water management system.
Knowledge of hydraulics, storm water design and analysis and water quality treatment.
Knowledge of traffic engineering standards listed in AASHTO, MUTCD handbook, State DOT, ITE, and other traffic engineering standards and regulations.
Knowledge of AutoCAD and other engineering software applications to generate and modify construction drawings.
Knowledge of engineering plans and specifications.
Knowledge of environmental policies and laws applicable to assigned engineering projects.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Ability to perform a variety of moderately complex and independent duties involving the application of engineering principles.
Ability to plan and coordinate public works construction projects.
Ability to assist with the development and completion of a variety of moderately complex public works, roads and surface water management projects and assignments.
Ability to communicate with agencies, consultants, the public and City management using tact, patience and courtesy to coordinate projects, answer questions, provide information and resolve concerns and issues.
Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Ability to meet schedules and time lines.
Ability to use AutoCAD and other engineering software applications to generate and modify construction drawings.
Ability to perform general computer duties using miscellaneous software such as Excel and Word.
Ability to interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Ability to observe legal and defensive driving practices.
Ability to maintain records and prepare comprehensive reports.
Ability to conduct field evaluations to review actual systems.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Perform a variety of low to moderately complex engineering duties to assist with planning, design, and construction of public works projects.
Develop specifications, quantity, take offs, cost estimates, and plan reviews.
Assure plans and design analysis for public works projects is in compliance with City, State, and Federal codes, and based on sound engineering practice.
Prepare project progress reports and progress payments; prepare project cost projections for grants and planning documents and reports.
Assure that contractors provide required documentation consistent with agency guidelines and department protocol.
Provide written and verbal reports as necessary on assigned projects and activities.
Prepare Federal and State Grant applications for local projects and administer the grants as established by grant program guidelines.
Coordinate all grant billing activity through the Finance Department and maintain all necessary documentation for audits; maintain various project records and files as required.
Perform technical design and analysis for public works projects such as transportation, traffic signals, street geometrics, and storm water conveyance systems.
Prepare isometric drawings, perspectives, and working sketches and details in AutoCAD and manually.
Provide project leadership, direction, and guidance to engineering technicians, construction inspectors, and interns on staff as requested by the Civil Engineer.
Assist in directing the installation of traffic counters on arterial and residential streets as well as coordinate various work activities associated with the gathering of technical information such as maps, field data, and construction documentation.
Operate a variety of computer equipment, as well as AutoCAD, word processing, and spreadsheet software to manipulate data and to prepare reports.
Operate standard engineering equipment such as calculators, planimeters, and construction levels.
Analyze and manipulate data to prepare traffic reports; operate traffic analysis software to generated reports on traffic volumes, speed, vehicle type, peak hour and average daily trips.
Perform related duties as assigned.