Assistant County Engineer

Cowlitz County, WA•Kelso, WA

55d

About The Position

The Assistant County Engineer serves as the primary support to the County Engineer, assisting in planning, organizing, and managing the Engineering division of the Department of Public Works. This position is responsible for personnel management within the Engineering Division, developing and interpreting departmental policies, assisting in the preparation and administration of budgets, and directing the activities of assigned divisions to ensure efficient operations and compliance with county, state, and federal regulations. Additionally, the Assistant County Engineer may act in the place of the County Engineer during their absence or as assigned. This position is open until filled! First review of applicants is 11/20/2025.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business or Public Administration, or a related field.
Possess and maintain a Professional Civil Engineering License from the state of Washington or a state having reciprocity with Washington. Must obtain reciprocity licensing within six months of employment.
Ten (10) years of broad-based experience in civil engineering and public works infrastructure such as roads, transportation, structural, surveying, geotechnical, solid waste management, stormwater and diking management, water and sewer systems, and/or other related fields that would ensure required knowledge. Experience must include five (5) years of supervisory responsibilities.
Possess, develop and maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the laws and regulations and program trends pertaining to Public Works programs and administration issues.
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Possess a broad-based knowledge of civil engineering, engineering project management, and regulations governing public engineering projects, as well as the political process.
Knowledge of team and network building of community resources and services. Skilled at conflict resolution and negotiations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Skilled at public speaking in a variety of forums and diverse audiences.
Knowledge of public works issues, trends, political environment, and organizational structures. Knowledge of modern management and supervisory principles and practices. Able to provide clear and concise instructions and see through its execution.
Develop and maintain effective working relations with department staff, local public and private agencies, state and federal agencies, subcontractors, community groups, the media, and the public. Strong and effective public relations skills. Able to work well in a highly political environment.
Leadership skills to develop effective ideas/solutions and strategies to achieve goals. Lead and implement innovations.
Work well in a team environment as well as independently. Skilled at managing workloads and working in a multi-task environment with frequent interruptions.
Skilled at research and analyzing data and arriving at logical conclusions. Prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations, implement decisions, audit outcomes and adjust accordingly.
Exercise judgement and discretion regarding sensitive or confidential matters.
Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.

Responsibilities

Assists the County Engineer in developing, proposing, implementing, and overseeing the plans, programs, and policies for the Department of Public Works (PW) and its divisions. Divisions include but are not limited to: Road Operations, Engineering, Construction, Solid Waste Engineering, Survey, GIS, Right of Way, Stormwater, Water and Sewer Utilities, Diking, and Development.
Acts for the County Engineer in their absence and on behalf of the Department and the County as directed.
Directly supervises assigned divisions of the Department as directed by the County Engineer and supports the County Engineer in overseeing and managing all other divisions as needed.
Assists the County Engineer in conducting the hiring, training, counseling, evaluation, motivation of employees, and discipline as required.
Assists the County Engineer and the Finance Manager in developing, presenting, administering, and overseeing the Department's operating budgets, revenues, and expenditures in an efficient manner.
Ensure construction projects are designed and constructed in accordance with adopted specifications and recognized engineering principles.
Provide oversight, assistance and project management related to Roads, Water and Sewer Utilities, Stormwater, Diking, Development Review and Solid Waste permitting regulations and statutory requirements.
Plan and implement effective and efficient maintenance and repair projects.
Attend, participate, and represent the Cowlitz County Department of Public Works at meetings and conferences at the local, state and federal levels regarding projects, regulatory issues, legislation, and education. Review regulation and legislation changes to determine the implication for Cowlitz County.
Collaborate with managers to investigate citizen complaints, plan and initiate appropriate action to address or resolve the complaint.
Review and collaborate with division managers in preparing and overseeing contracts and contract work.
Attend and participate in regular meetings with the Board of County Commissioners.
Promote staff communication, interaction, sharing of knowledge, and propose improvement ideas and solutions.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.
Perform the duties of subordinate managers as needed.