City Engineer

AlphaHire•City of Washougal, WA

17d

About The Position

The City Engineer is responsible for performing a wide range of professional civil engineering duties involving the design, planning, and management of complex municipal infrastructure projects. This includes the development and maintenance of systems for water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation, parks, and municipal facilities. The role ensures that all projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations, engineering standards, and technical specifications. The City Engineer also provides technical guidance and exceptional customer service to contractors, consultants, residents, and city leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience.
At least 2 years in a supervisory or administrative role managing projects or staff.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCAD, and GIS systems.
Strong knowledge of municipal infrastructure, engineering design principles, and construction management practices.
Ability to interpret and administer engineering plans, contracts, and technical documents.
Strong communication, leadership, and decision-making abilities.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

Oversee the design, review, and implementation of capital improvement and municipal infrastructure projects.
Manage contracts and coordinate all professional services with engineers, consultants, contractors, and utility partners.
Conduct pre-construction meetings and monitor field activities to ensure compliance with project specifications, quality standards, and approved budgets.
Review, approve, and revise engineering plans, construction specifications, and change orders.
Prepare cost estimates, technical reports, and project documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
Develop and implement long-term plans for municipal infrastructure, including water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation, parks, and facilities.
Participate in annual budget preparation, forecasting needs for capital projects, staffing, and operational requirements.
Track, approve, and adjust project expenditures as necessary.
Collaborate with city leadership to pursue grants, appropriations, and alternative funding opportunities.
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, permitting requirements, and policies.
Coordinate with Community Development and other departments on development review, permitting, and infrastructure impacts.
Conduct site inspections and issue right-of-way and utility permits.
Provide data, reports, technical recommendations, and engineering guidance to City Council, committees, and public entities.
Supervise, coach, and evaluate assigned staff, including involvement in hiring, training, and disciplinary processes.
Serve as Acting Public Works Director when needed, providing leadership and continuity in departmental operations.
Foster a collaborative, safety-conscious, and service-oriented work environment focused on efficiency and continuous improvement.
Communicate effectively with city staff, elected officials, consultants, contractors, and residents.
Represent the department at regional organizations and interagency meetings (e.g., Stormwater Coalition, Regional Sewer Coalition).
Deliver clear, concise presentations and provide technical assistance to a wide range of audiences.