An associate’s degree in Engineering from an accredited college.
Four years of related field or office experience in civil engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in design, inspection, or construction-related fields, including experience in at least two of these areas: Materials Lab, Surveying, Construction Inspection, and Engineering Design.
Possession of a valid Washington Driver’s License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.
Knowledge of construction and design principles and procedures; drafting and construction of transportation structures; road and street engineering and surveying; sewer system engineering; mathematics, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; computer-aided design and drafting software.
Skill in communicating orally and in writing to exchange or convey information and give and receive work direction.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees and supervisors.
Skill in using personal computers and related software applications.
Ability to proficiently perform work required of Engineering Technician 2 employees in the related areas of specialization, and demonstrate competency in the majority of tasks in other areas of work within lower Engineering Technician classifications.
Ability to examine construction plans submitted for County review and apply established standards to determine acceptability or need for revisions and additions.
Ability to handle multiple projects effectively.
Ability to work independently and organize the workload of lower Engineering Technician classification employees.
Ability to use sound judgment and follow non-specific written and verbal instructions.
Ability to lead and train the work of other employees.
Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully, orally and in writing, with the public, contractors and their representatives, property owners and their representatives, and other groups and individuals.
Responsibilities
Perform skilled engineering technical support work in areas such as surveying, construction inspection, drafting and design, landfill closure facilities operation, wastewater operations, environmental permitting, and water resources.
Complete projects as a designated lead worker, assign jobs and tasks, and monitor workflow.
Perform specialty duties as assigned, including design and drafting, construction or materials inspection, surveying, public inquiries and permitting, pavement management, document preparation, wastewater operations, environmental work, or right-of-way permit work.
Lead or assist with drafting and design of public works and bridge projects; prepare specifications and special provisions; compute quantities and estimates; research public records; and review designs in the field.
Inspect construction workmanship and materials for compliance with plans and specifications; document field work; calculate quantities and progress; direct inspectors; and review, train, and advise inspectors as applicable.
Operate and maintain survey instruments; conduct preliminary and construction surveys; compute survey data; and maintain field notes.
Maintain pavement databases, conduct nondestructive testing, analyze field data, perform pavement thickness design, and provide drafting and technical support using AutoCAD.
Compile and review construction project records, prepare estimates and bid tabulations, and direct clerical personnel in construction documentation.
Operate GIS-based wastewater work-order systems; create and maintain maps, reports, databases, and drawings; and coordinate system updates and issue resolution.
Operate and maintain landfill closure facilities and environmental monitoring systems; collect and evaluate groundwater and landfill-gas data; troubleshoot and repair equipment; maintain landfill systems; and respond to alarms and emergencies.
Coordinate environmental permitting and compliance, conduct field inspections and site visits, review plans and applications, monitor mitigation work, maintain permit files and databases, and liaise with agencies and the public.
Review, prepare, approve, and issue right-of-way and related permits; provide standards and permitting information; coordinate permit processing; maintain records; and direct inspection work.
Perform duties from other jobs within the class or duties of similar responsibility as assigned, and work toward competency in related work within the classification.
Perform work primarily indoors and outdoors, travel occasionally within the County, and work in adverse weather as needed; travel for training may be required for one to two weeks at a time.
Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position.
WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. Priority consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by PROTEC17 bargaining unit applying 7.1.2026-7.15.2026
This position performs skilled engineering technical support work performing surveying, construction inspection, drafting and design, landfill closure facilities operation, wastewater operations, environmental permitting, water resources or related technical engineering assignments. The position allocated to this class is the third level in the three level engineering technician series. This class is distinguished from the class of Engineering Technician 2 in that incumbents are designated lead workers and take responsibility for completing projects, assigning jobs, tasks and monitoring work flow. Work includes jobs in the areas of design, survey, project and plat inspection, material inspection, pavement management, traffic and road improvement district administration, wastewater operations, landfill closure facilities operation, environmental permitting and water resources. This class differs from Senior Technicians by the lack of performance appraisals given and disciplinary actions conducted and the lack of interaction with higher level management on policies and procedures. Working titles include: Chief Bridge Design Technician, Chief Design Technician, Chief Construction Inspector, Chief Materials Inspector, Chief R.I.D. Technician, Chief Survey Technician, Customer Service Representative, Pavement Management Technician, Document Technician, Wastewater Operations Technician, Senior Environmental Technician, Lean Environment Permit Technician and Lead Water Resources Technician.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Chief Bridge Design Technician
Prepares applications for environmental permits, leads the design and drafting of roadways associated with bridge projects, including guardrail, barriers and drainage facilities.
Assists the Engineers with the design of structures.
Leads the drafting of complex bridge projects.
Works from sketches to perform layout and detailing of structural components, prepares specifications and writes special provisions.
Computes quantities and estimates, researches public records for field survey use.
Makes design reviews of projects in the field.
Uses calculators and EDP equipment in design computations.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Chief Design Technician
Leads the drafting and design of less complex public works projects; assists project supervisors with drafting and design of complex public works projects; lays out structural components from sketches; writes specifications, special provisions, computes quantities and estimates; researches public records for field survey use.
Makes design reviews of projects in the field.
Uses calculators and EDP equipment in design computations.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Chief Construction Inspector
Leads other workers with responsibility for quality control of the assigned project area.
Makes accurate tests and visual inspections of workmanship and materials to determine the contractor's compliance with specifications and plans; and initiates and directs corrective action when necessary.
Maintains proper field notes and diaries and submits timely reports.
Computes quantities and work progress to determine material yields.
Directs other inspectors; reviews their field notes, diaries and reports, trains, assists and advises them in their work.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Chief Materials Inspector
Ensures quality control of materials on assigned projects.
Takes samples, tests and analyzes materials in accordance with approved procedures, records results and submits samples; inspects contractors' crushing, asphalt plants and equipment for conformance with contract specifications; inspects, adjusts and calibrates county testing and analyzing equipment; measures inventories of stockpiled aggregates.
Monitors construction in progress to ensure representative samples are obtained to represent the quantities of materials involved.
May provide training and assistance to Material Inspectors so as to provide accurate and consistent results.
Acts as Chief Construction Inspector on crushing and stockpiling contracts ad bituminous surfacing treatment projects; and documents all testing and results as required.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Chief R.I.D. Technician
Ensures the orderly processing of R.I.D.'s.
Answers public inquiries concerning road improvements and advises and assists on procedures; attends public meetings to advise on costs, scheduling, construction type, administrative procedures, etc.; accurately completes and submits official documents and forms.
Works with designers and construction personnel and verifies final construction quantities; coordinates overall process with organization and departments, both public and private.
Assists other Engineering Technicians in coding parcels, making computations and coding assessment areas; may check and verify work.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Chief Survey Technician
Responsible for the operation and maintenance of survey instruments.
Makes preliminary and construction surveys using approved standard methods.
Computes preliminary and construction related data.
Records information precisely on field notes in conformance with prescribed standards.
Uses EDP equipment and calculators for on-site field computations.
Provides assistance and training to other workers in the proper operation of equipment, survey procedures, and survey data collection.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Customer Service Representative
Ensures the timely response to a wide variety of customer requests for information and customer complaints.
Answers public inquiries concerning sewer improvements and advises and instructs on sewer installation procedures.
Provides business analysis guidance for software, workflows and timelines to ensure good customer service for inquiries, plan review, etc.
Attends public meetings to advise on sewer program project costs, scheduling, construction process, administrative procedures, etc.
Accurately completes and submits forms for the documentation of customer service actions taken, and resolution of complaints.
Works with designers and construction personnel to verify/track the availability of new portions of the sewer system for connection.
Calculates cost to connect to the sewer and write connection charge agreements.
Coordinates with outside organizations and agencies, both public and private, in matters related to customer service.
Guides existing and new sewer customers through various sewer planning and permitting processes.
Reviews sewer connection permit applications to determine conditions for permit issuance and completes sewer availability forms.
Coordinates permitting procedures with Division of Building and Code Enforcement.
Reconciles inspection schedule problems with sewer contractors.
Tracks non-compliance issues with regard to sewer service installers.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Pavement Management Technician
Maintains the pavement management database; and trains personnel in the collection of pavement condition data.
Performs nondestructive testing; analyzes data collected from the field; and performs pavement thickness design.
Produces pavement related draft sketches from designer sketches and engineering drawings using AutoCAD; performs design reviews and measurements and provides drafting, design, and technical support for various other sections in the Public Works Department.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Document Technician
Compiles records for the documentation of road construction projects.
Works with Road Construction Inspectors and contractors, offering guidance related to proper contract documentation.
Checks inspector's records for completeness and accuracy.
Directs clerical personnel in preparation of the documentation reports for construction projects, as a lead worker.
Prepares progress and final estimates for payment to contractors; compiles bid tabulations; prepares final records after completion of construction; and uses E.D.P equipment.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Wastewater Operations Technician
Operates a GIS based work order management system.
Creates and processes various types of work orders for all aspects of the County’s wastewater collection system.
Creates reports of sewer line conditions and coordinates with others for resolution of reported observations.
Creates GIS based collection system maps.
Edits tables within GIS and coordinates changes with other GIS personnel.
Maintains project drawings and researches information and maintains databases for inventory, warranties, records, and schedules.
Provides statistical reports, from database information, to management.
Researches and orders materials for repair and maintenance of the wastewater system.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Senior Environmental Technician
Oversees and operates landfill closure facilities, e.g., groundwater treatment plant, landfill gas extraction system, landfill leachate collection and discharge systems.
Compiles and evaluates data used to determine a facility’s operational efficiency and functionality.
Diagnoses problems associated with facility operation, and formulates and implements a resolution in compliance with project goals and requirements.
Responds to facility alarms.
Oversees and performs the training and sampling protocol of environmental technicians.
Operates a groundwater treatment plant.
Performs diagnostics and repairs on various electrical equipment, including motor controls, plumbing, pumps, PLC (programmable logic controllers), and PCPs (pump control panels) for leachate/groundwater collection/discharge and gas treatment systems at the landfills.
Performs and oversees routine maintenance on landfill gas systems, leachate/condensate collection and conveyance systems, landfill cover maintenance, treatment plant components and associated extraction wells.
Designs, builds, and maintains gas treatment and collection system upgrades as needed to maintain regulatory compliance as BTU values of landfill gas diminishes and changes over time.
Maintains landfill cover systems. Plans and implements settlement/erosion prevention and repair strategies for the landfill cover systems.
Writes technical specifications and manages contractors as needed for outsourcing various specialized repairs, noxious weed control, remediation technologies, and well drilling at the landfills.
Responds to all landfill emergencies and alarm systems.
Plans and performs groundwater sampling and testing at numerous wells associated with the Spokane County's superfund sites.
Performs and oversees landfill gas testing at Spokane County landfills.
Performs and oversees computer data entry to record groundwater and landfill gas monitoring information.
Operates various types of water testing equipment, including PH, conductivity, temperature meter, and continuous recording data logging instruments, as well as gas sampling devices.
Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots issues with well monitoring equipment, including: pumps, air compressors, generators, four-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, and trailers.
Communicates with contract labs to coordinate sample handling, analysis, and report delivery.
Reviews laboratory reports to validate sample information.
Oversees and evaluates the work of environmental technicians.
Assists in the hiring of new employees for the department.
Communicates with property owners and the general public in a courteous, tactful manner.
Oversee work completed by Engineering Technicians 1 and 2.
Compiles records for documentation of various superfund projects.
Performs various tasks as directed by the Solid Waste Administrator or Project Manager associated with landfill closure.
Performs work in adverse weather, as needed.
May be required to travel for one to two weeks at a time to attend various training programs.
With minimal oversight, utilizes resources, leads projects, and communicates clearly with internal staff and external groups relating to Landfill Closure activities.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Lead Environmental Permit Coordinator
Prepares applications and documentation for environmental permits required for County road, bridge, and maintenance projects.
Coordinates with agencies, and conducts field inspections to determine County project environmental impacts and ensure compliance with permits during construction.
Reviews and coordinates preparation of Habitat Management plans and wetland mitigation plans by consultants.
Performs wetland/riparian mitigation monitoring and submits reports to regulatory agencies.
Reviews and processes project applications for compliance with the Flood Ordinance and the State Environmental Policy Act.
Performs site visits and issues permits with appropriate conditions.
Responds to inquiries from the general public, and maintains permit files and data bases.
Assists with other Environmental programs as assigned, including hydraulic project field investigations.
Supervises the training Engineering Technician 1-2 employees.
Coordinates with engineering staff and management to meet project schedules and with regulatory agencies to ensure environmental and regulatory compliance.
Writes procedures for floodplain permitting and correspondence logs and SEPA and JARPA processing.
Researches new environmental regulations, reviewing commenting and coordinating and updating procedures as needed.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Lead Right of Way Permit Technician
Reviews building permits for compliance with County Road standards, Storm Water guidelines, Flood Plain and Wetlands Ordinance, and any other applicable County Engineer's policies and guidelines.
Prepares, approves and issues street obstruction permits within County Right of Way, including: gas mains, water mains, underground electrical, underground telephone, sanitary sewers, and road construction items.
Prepares, approves and issues approach permits or license to cross Right of Way after administrative review of applicable information.
Provides Right of Way encroachment and road standard information to the public, agencies, utilities and land development professionals.
Trains support staff in procedures of reviewing, approving, and issuing right of way and flood plain permits.
Prepares and monitors appropriate financial documents including various bonds, body and property liability insurance.
Answers public inquiries concerning road work, construction projects, permit regulations/requirements, inquiries about who is performing work (and whether a permit has been obtained or not), answer questions regarding flood plain on property, verify if property is within 100-year flood plain, provide permitting submittal requirements, answer public inquiries about requirements to work within Right-of-Way in Spokane County (bonding and insurance requirements).
Answers questions and communications with property owners and the general public in a courteous tactful manner.
Directs the work of Engineering Technicians performing inspections for right of way permits.
Offers guidance relating to proper permitting procedures.
Compiles records for documentation of various permit projects.
Reviews permit applications to determine conditions for permit issuance.
Coordinates permitting procedures with Division of Building and Planning.
Accurately completes and submits official documents and forms.
Coordinates overall permit process with organizations and departments both public and private.
Responds to public records requests, maintains permit files and data bases.
Coordinates with engineering staff and management to meet project schedules.
Coordinates with agencies seeking permits and ensuring compliance with permit conditions during course of work/ construction.
Completes and submits forms for resolution of complaints.
Resolves complaints regarding inspection costs incurred and inaccurate billing.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Employees may be assigned a combination of duties from among different jobs within this class or perform duties of similar responsibility and difficulty, not specifically mentioned herein, yet incidental to the complete work process. Employees are expected to be able to perform proficiently and implement the complete scope of duties of the lower classes in their chosen specialty and are expected to work toward competency in related work within this classification to the needs of the County, subject to seasonal and work scheduling factors.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Associate’s degree in Engineering from an accredited college.
Four (4) years of related field or office experience in civil engineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the design, inspection or construction related fields, including experience in at least two of the following areas: Materials Lab, Surveying, Construction Inspection, and Engineering Design.
OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the job.
Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of construction and design principles and procedures.
Knowledge of the principles involved in the drafting and construction of transportation structures.
Knowledge of road and street engineering and surveying principles and procedures.
Knowledge of sewer system engineering principles and procedures.
Knowledge of mathematics, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Knowledge of computer-aided design and drafting software.
Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with other employees and supervisors.
Skilled in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
Ability to proficiently perform all work required of employees at or below the level of an Engineering Technician 2 in the related areas of specialization, and competency in the majority of tasks in other areas of work within the lower Engineering Technician classifications.
Ability to examine construction plans submitted for County review and apply established standards to determine acceptability, or need for revisions and additions.
Ability to effectively handle multiple projects.
Ability to work independently and organize work load of lower Engineering Technician classification employees.
Ability to use sound judgment and follow non-specific written and verbal instructions.
Ability to lead, and train the work of other employees.
Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully, both orally and in writing, with the general public, contractors and their representatives, property owners, their representatives and other groups and individuals.
BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS
All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions:
Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner.
Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.
Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.
Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
Work is also performed out outdoors; and requires occasional travel within the County, exposing the associate to weather extremes, various forms of precipitation and the hazards associated with travel on public roads.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. As every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may reasonably be considered incidental in the performing of their duties as though they were included in this job description.
Total Compensation:
$80,191 - $111,688 Annually
Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
Please select the link below to view Spokane County Benefits: