Salary: $112,353.00 - $124,827.00 Annually
Location : Coupeville Campus, WA
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 2026-066
Department: Public Works Administration
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 4:30 PM Pacific

Summary

The employee in this position will plan, organize, direct and control activities in areas of responsibility that include engineering and road maintenance activities; construction and maintenance, land acquisitions, right-of-way management, flood control, and trail construction; serve as professional resource to other County departments as appropriate; assure the efficient and effective utilization of departmental personnel, funds, materials, facilities and time; accomplish short-term and long-range planning; implement and maintain sound organizational operations to assure optimum services to the County.

Reports to the Public Works Director in all areas, including budget, personnel and policy implementation, as directed by the Board of Island County Commissioners. This employee is an integral part of the development and management of construction, maintenance and equipment services.

Provides reports to the Board of Island County Commissioners regarding the performance of the statutory requirements listed in RCW 36.80, compliance with the Standards of Good Practice as outlined by WAC 136-11 and all issues related to County roads and Equipment Rental & Revolving fund per WAC 136-600.
Job Duties

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The County Engineer serves under the criteria of RCW 36.80.020. They operate with appreciable latitude for independent action and decisions commensurate with demonstrated ability.
• Individual assigned to this classification performs journey level management and professional civil engineering work associated with planning, location, design, review, and construction of engineering projects; responsible for direct supervision of Assistant County Engineer, Transportation Planner, Maintenance/Roads Superintendent and Engineering Managers, ensures compliance with applicable state statutes, County ordinances, and other regulations and specifications; trains and educates subordinate staff on design criteria and standards of engineering design; reviews the performance of personnel; responsible for efficient management of resources.
• Responsible for the preparation of thorough and timely technical advice, analyses and reports which can serve as the basis for sound decisions by the Board of Island County Commissioners in their responsibility to assure that expenditures of road funds are for optimum benefit and service to the community.
• Assist the Public Works Director with the administration and management of the department including but not limited to engineering services, maintenance activities and other fund management, as directed.
• Apply extensive, in-depth knowledge of project analysis and management using modern systems, methods, practices and procedures utilized in project research and documentation, ensuring the adherence to sound principles of business management.
• Works in conformance with generally prescribed policies while operating with appreciable latitude for independent action and decisions commensurate with demonstrated ability. Operate with the Public Works Director's assistance, authority and approval in matters requiring deviation from established policies and in matters having major impact or long-range effects.
• County Engineer reports to and takes direction from the Board of Island County Commissioners and the Public Works Director as deemed by the Board.
• Reports to the Public Works Director, when designated by the Board of Island County Commissioners, with effectiveness measured primarily through reports, conferences, occasional check of in-process work and review of results achieved. Decisions could have substantial impact on public relations, county financial areas and employee motivation and morale.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Provide technical advice and guidance as needed. Provide direct technical help when needed.
• Provide key involvement in public meetings and hearings relative to department projects and as directed by the Public Works Director.
• Review construction plans and contract specifications for compliance with federal and state design standards, as well as those of various industry organizations and with generally accepted engineering practice. Assure that construction plans, contract specifications and documents are complete and accurate prior to calling for bids. Prepare plans and specifications when necessary.
• Oversee the engineering and construction program including developing and implementing the Annual Transportation Improvement Plan, 6-year Transportation Improvement Plan and Clean Water Utility Plan for Public Works.
• Maintain the county road log, road vacations, pavement management and reporting to the County Road Administration Board (CRAB).
• Respond to road and transportation emergencies, road closures and restrictions, detours and speed limit changes.
• Prioritize, schedule, assign, and coordinate the development of projects from conception to completion.
• Prepares special engineering reports, studies and documents as required or requested.
• Administers the County Right of Way program.
• Approves permits applicable to accessing the County Right of Way.
• Responds to a variety of technical engineering research and reports as assigned.
• Analyzes and reports impacts of proposed plans and developments on the County's capacities and abilities to serve. Makes recommendations for mitigative measures.
• Responds to inquiries from contractors, other public agencies and officials or the general public. Explains department policies, practices, and procedures and attempts to resolve problems.
• Takes action to resolve divisional operational and administrative conflicts and problems; decides alternate courses of action; interprets policies and otherwise makes decisions that have not been delegated. Monitors and evaluates the progress of delegated matters.
• Works effectively with other departments and agencies as necessary.
• Selects professional consultants to perform selected work for the County and monitors their work.
• Keeps up to date on technical and legal aspects of the job.
• Assists the department in implementation of environmental provisions such as Department of Ecology 4(d) rules, Best Management Practices, Standard Operating Procedures, and training.
• Oversees the establishment and maintenance of engineering files and records.
• Researches, analyzes and prepares cost estimates of proposed road construction and other projects for budgeting reasons. Guides the planning and administration of the Capital Improvement Budget and Transition Improvement Plan.
• Performs management functions that may be assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exercise sound judgment in the performance of assigned duties based on law, applicable policies and procedures, and ethical responsibilities.
• Prepare clear, concise, coherent, and grammatically correct written work product.
• Be attentive to detail.
• Work independently.
• Work well with others.
• Prioritize work assignments.
• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including being clear and concise. Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, coworkers, and other County employees.
• Is knowledgeable about sound engineering principles, engineering related laws and ordinances, County processes and operation, budgeting, funding sources and contract administration.
• Operate computer applications including word processing and spreadsheets, and understands specialized engineering applications such as AutoCAD.
• Is able to analyze complex issues and impacts, provide clear direction and adopt an effective course of action or present alternative solutions.
• Exercise sound, ethical judgment in decision making process. Delegate authority appropriately and monitor production/progress with effective control techniques.

Education, Experience & Certifications

• BS degree in civil engineering or related field. Must be a registered Professional Civil Engineer in the State of Washington at time of hire.
• Ten years in professional engineering; preferably in County engineering projects sufficient to demonstrate thorough administrative competency; a minimum of 5 years senior level engineering, management and supervisory experience; 5 years of responsible experience in utilities systems administration; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of Washington.

* Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Island County does not provide visa sponsorship. *
Island County offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to meet the diverse needs of our workforce.
Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

Medical: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for most eligible employees and dependents. In addition, the County provides an annual Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (determined by Medical plan selected).
Dental: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members for basic dental coverage (buy-up options are available).
Life and Disability Insurance: Employees are provided basic coverage of $24,000 and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents.
Retirement: Island County employees participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (additional 457(b) deferred-compensation plans are also available).
Life Flight: Island County pays 100% of the premium for emergency air transport coverage.
11 paid holidays each year
Generous paid time off and Washington-required sick leave
Flexible Spending Account (optional)
Wellness programs
Employee assistance program
Pet Insurance (optional - employee paid)
Additional benefits are available to be elected (employee-paid).
Student debt? Working for Island County can provide relief!
Island County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF) for full time employees. See for more details.
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible Island County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.