Design Engineer 3

Are you an experienced civil engineer looking to lead impactful public infrastructure projects that shape a growing community? The City of Kent is seeking a skilled and collaborative professional to join our team as a Design Engineer 3. In this role, you’ll guide the planning and design of streets, levees, sanitary and storm sewer systems, water mains, and other municipal public works projects.

You’ll oversee project development from concept through design review, mentor design staff, coordinate with multiple departments and outside agencies, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position offers the opportunity to manage complex engineering challenges, represent the City in technical discussions, and help deliver safe, efficient, and cost‑effective infrastructure for our residents.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field and six (6) years of technical civil engineering design experience. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, excel at problem‑solving, and enjoy transforming technical vision into real‑world improvements, we’d love for you to apply.

This is a full-time, benefited position that is not represented by a union. All City of Kent employees and external candidates are eligible to apply.  

**Please note that you must attach your cover letter and resume to your application for your application to be considered complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position. If you experience technical difficulties, please contact our office Monday-Friday, between 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.** 

The selection process for this position will include at least one panel interview and a written exam. The date for initial interviews is tentatively set for September 4th.

The position is open until filled.

SALARY:

$10,767.00- $13,113.00 per month, depending on experience

For a listing of benefits, please use the following link: Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Engineering Manager or Engineering Supervisor, oversee the design of project plans and preparation of specifications for streets, levees, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water mains and other municipal public works projects. 

Work is characterized by a variety of professional-level engineering duties involved in the preparation of designs, cost estimates and construction plans for public works improvement projects; analyzing system requirements; coordinating the preparation of appropriate drawings and specifications with assistance from engineers, technicians and consultants.  Incumbent is also required to coordinate work with outside utility companies to resolve conflicts between their facilities and City facilities and occasionally visit construction sites to inspect work progress and coordinate communications with the construction engineer during construction.

Work is performed under limited supervision. The manager or supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available. The incumbent and the supervisor work together to develop deadlines and determine work to be completed.  Incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work of the engineers, designers and others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. Incumbent keeps manager and supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversees and coordinates the design of streets, levees, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water mains and other civil municipal engineering projects in accordance with established standards of safety, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Analyze project requirements, physical location and other pertinent data; evaluate existing engineering drawings, maps and survey data; and determine appropriate materials and information required for design purposes.

Prepare and review quantity calculations, cost estimates, and engineering calculations for assigned projects. 

Assure that project designs are in compliance with a variety of federal, state, and city laws, codes, ordinances and regulations governing construction projects.

Prepare, review and approve project plans, specifications, and permits as needed; delineate project size, scope, limits and intent; and related work assigned to Engineers 1 and 2. Provide engineering mentorship and guidance to Design Engineers. Troubleshoot and problem solve project design issues with Design Engineers and supervisors during the design and plan preparation. Ensure that the design review process for Design Engineering work product is conducted in a timely manner with clear, actionable comments provided at each design stage.

Communicate and coordinate work with manager, supervisor, designers, consultants, city departments, other agencies and the public to exchange information, facilitate work processes and resolve conflicts; communicate in person, in writing, and on the telephone with developers, contractors, property owners, City personnel and other agencies to incorporate special requirements within City construction projects.

Coordinate with legal department on agreements with various agencies, businesses or property owners.

Work with other engineers to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public, utility companies, property owners and engineering consultants; resolve concerns, issues and complaints as necessary.

Determine any right of way acquisition requirements and coordinate with ROW staff to acquire necessary property rights. Review right-of-way drawings involved in the acquisition of public rights-of-way and easements.

Prepare and review computations of excavation, embankment and other quantities for the construction of projects; establish the appropriate grade and alignment of roadways and utilities.

Prepare information, requests and recommendations concerning resolutions and ordinances; compile and review information and other materials for public hearings, and City Council meetings. Present various project related items at public hearings.

Attend hearings and other meetings concerning Public Works projects; answer questions from contractors, bidders, developers and the general public.

Prepare and review Federal, State and other agency grant applications. Obligate and manage project for awarded grant funds. Coordinate with Public Works Accounting Staff and various grant agency staff to successfully spend grant funds. Prepare preliminary grant cost estimates.

Make recommendations to manager and supervisor regarding expenditures of public funds. Manage project scope and budget.

Evaluate, select and prepare documentation to hire consultants as needed for projects.

Review consultant’s scope of work, contracts, reports and plans. Manage project consultants including budget, timeline and scope of work.  Ensure that the design review process for consultant deliverables is conducted in a timely manner with clear, actionable comments provided at each design stage.

Evaluate candidates and participate in employee hiring process.

Represent the City in technical advisory committees for other municipalities.

Actively support and follow the vision, mission, values, and goals of the department and the City.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

SUCCESSFUL INCUMBENTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL:

HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles, practices and standards of Civil Engineering

• Design, engineering and construction of Public Works projects

• Advanced mathematics including trigonometry, geometry and algebra

• Municipal Public Works construction techniques

• Municipal government policies, procedures and structure; applicable local, state and federal laws, regulations and ordinances

• Engineering research, analysis and problem solving methods

• Technical aspects of field of specialty

• Trends, legislation and other developments in the field of Civil Engineering

• Oversight of preparation of construction drawings and specifications

• Surveying principles and techniques

• Oral and written communication skills

• Correct usage of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment including personal computers and related software such as word processing and spreadsheet programs

BE SKILLED IN:

• Using methods, equipment and materials in Civil Engineering design

• Demonstrating interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy

• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing

• Preparing and delivering oral presentations

• Using proper telephone techniques and etiquette to assist a diverse assortment of individuals and inquiries

• Preparing business letters

• Analyzing, preparing and reviewing technical engineering plans, drawings, specifications and estimates

• Maintain records and prepare reports

HAVE THE ABILITY TO:

• Train and provide work direction to others

• Design Public Works projects in accordance with budget limitations and established safety standards

• Design streets, storm and sanitary sewers, water mains and other municipal engineering projects

• Make extensive mathematical and engineering computations accurately

• Read, understand and interpret engineering plans, drawings and specifications

• Prepare clear and concise project plans

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others

• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action

• Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines

• Effectively use computer and necessary computer programs.

• Read, analyze and interpret technical journals, financial reports, operating and procedure manuals, general business periodicals, professional journals, government regulations, etc.

• Compose, proofread and edit correspondence, technical journals, engineering rules and regulations

• Operate machines, tools and equipment as described below

• Review and understand complex designs and interpret engineering plans

• Coordinate engineering projects and resolve conflicts with other agencies and organizations

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:

Education:  Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field; and

Experience:  Six (6) years of technical Civil Engineering design experience.

LICENSES AND OTHER INFORMATION:

• Valid Washington State driver's license

• Washington State Professional Engineering License required

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Typical business and engineering office machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, personal computer, telephone, copy machine and calculator.

Will be required to operate a City vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk; and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit for extended periods of time; type on a keyboard and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to; stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a typical engineering office environment, subject to driving to various locations within the City to inspect or review public improvement projects. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions; and may be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile. The noise level in the office environment is usually moderate, while the noise level in the field may be loud.