County Engineer at County of Kittitas (WA) – Ellensburg, Washington

This position is open-until-filled with a first review after 3/01/2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for optimal consideration.

Relocation assistance available for the ideal candidate.

THE POSITION
The County Engineer performs a variety of supervisory, administrative, and engineering duties within the Design/Construction/Traffic Division of Public Works. This position will assist in the planning and implementation of division goals and objectives. The County Engineer provides engineering services to the Public Works Department by fulfilling the statutory duties of County Engineer as provided in RCW 36.80. These duties include designing and coordinating the development of construction engineering plans and specifications for roads, bridges, traffic signage, design improvements, and other transportation improvement projects. This position will participate in the development of detailed construction drawings and maps, and review complex design plans.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
County Engineer provides engineering services to the Public Works Department by fulfilling the statutory duties of County Engineer as provided in RCW 36.80. These duties include designing and coordinating the development of construction engineering plans and specifications for roads, bridges, traffic signage, design improvements, and other transportation improvement projects. This position will participate in the development of detailed construction drawings and maps, and review complex design plans.

THE KITTITAS COUNTY COMMUNITY
Situated in central Washington between the foothills of the stunning Cascade Mountains and the mighty Columbia River, Kittitas County residents enjoy limitless activities and recreation opportunities year-round. With over 200 days of sunshine each year, residents and visitors can enjoy activities including hiking, camping, numerous golf courses, fishing and boating, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, climbing, and backpacking.

Residents here enjoy the small-town feel with easy access to Seattle, just a two hour drive from Ellensburg, the largest city in Kittitas County. Ellensburg is well known for its friendly residents and rural life-style, along with summer music festivals, seasonal Farmer’s Market, and the annual Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo.
Engineering Duties

• Design, prepare, and coordinate the development of construction engineering plans and specifications on all (as a project manager) or portions of (as a team member) road, bridge, drainage, or traffic signage and design improvements, and other transportation improvement projects and similar designs. Develop cost estimates and recommendations towards final cost estimates.
• Prepare and participate in the development of detailed construction drawings, topographical profiles and related maps and specification sheets used in Public Works design projects planning and construction coordinating closely with the County Surveyor.
• Review complex design plans and specifications for conformance to job requirements. Develop and check complex specialized contract provisions, design agreements and design calculations and attend pre-bid and pre-construction conferences to outline principle construction features.
• Compute advanced mathematical calculations used in developing profile, cross-sections, etc. Plot, profile and cross-section, figure grade lines, calculate plots, traverses and similar criteria. Establish points and elevations, proper location and drainage for streets, levees, airport runways and other like structures.
• Utilize modern computer assisted drafting programs and techniques in plan review and project design; monitor technology trends and make recommendations to the Director as needed.
• Review and coordinate the preparation and use of traffic signs; prepare plans and drawings for other traffic control devices; develop and analyze results of traffic engineering studies. Supervise the Traffic Division of road maintenance.
• Coordinate work products and participate with Quad-County RTPO.
• Review development plans for storm drainage compliance with County and State Department of Ecology Standards. Prepare staff reports with respect to utilities for proposed developments. Design and coordinate subsurface and drainage improvement projects. Prepare summaries of design deficiencies and recommend the proper corrective action.
• Develop and maintain effective relations with the public. Represent Public Works on various committees, at neighborhood organization and community meetings, public hearings, before governmental bodies, and in legal processes.
• Assist in the development of a needs assessment in regards to the reconstruction, rehabilitation and/or routine maintenance of the County’s transportation system.
• Oversee the County’s bridge inspection program.
• Lead all required annual County Road Administration reporting efforts.
• Oversee all transportation improvement grant applications and manage grant compliance requirements.

Staff Management

• Supervise the Design Construction and Bridge Program divisions. Provide professional direction and support to all engineering and technical positions.
• Mentor and provide professional level oversight to Engineer in Training.
• Oversee daily and weekly work schedules, approve weekly timesheets and paid leave requests.
• Train and coach staff, develop and conduct performance evaluations with assigned staff, and make performance improvement and disciplinary recommendations to the Public Works Director.
• Assist in the hiring and onboarding of new staff.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering or a related field, and four (4) years of broad-based experience in civil engineering that would ensure knowledge required for the duties of the job OR any combination of education, training, and experience that would ensure the knowledge required to successfully perform the duties of this position.
• Four (4) years’ experience supervising professional technical staff.
• Possess and maintain a Professional Engineer License from the State of Washington or a state having reciprocity with Washington. If not certified in the State of Washington, must be able to obtain a State of Washington Professional Engineer (Civil) license within six (6) months of hire.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license, with no more than two (2) moving violations within the past two (2) years.
• Washington State Bridge inspector certification, or ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire.
• First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified applicants. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as relativity to the position, age and time of the offense, seriousness and nature of the violation, and rehabilitation will be taken into consideration.

Work is typically performed in a standard office setting and in a variety of outdoor environments such as field visits to remote, offices, work sites, projects and inspections. Exposure to inclement weather including temperature extremes and windy/ dusty conditions will occur. Work may occasionally be performed in close proximity to moving mechanical parts and equipment that causes vibration. The noise level is usually loud in the field and moderately quiet in the office. Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, twist, grasp, and reach with arms and legs. Must have ability to lift, push, pull, or move up to 50 lbs. and occasionally higher with assistance. Must be physically capable of moving about construction sites and traversing uneven and/or rugged terrain. Must have close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to read printed materials, computer screens, and monitors. Must also have hearing and speech to clearly communicate in person, over the telephone, and by radio. Safety rules and regulations must be adhered to at all times; PPE must be worn when required for employee safety.

Occasional exposure to angry or emotional customers and/or emotionally charged situations, including natural disasters or other emergencies.

Travel throughout the County is required to perform many of the essential functions; occasional travel outside the county may be required to attend meetings, training, or other events. Must have the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather and all levels of light.

Reliable and regular attendance and punctuality are required and expected Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; however, exempt/management positions are expected to work the number of hours required to complete the duties of the position, which will often include evenings, weekends and holidays. There is common necessity to work extended hours, particularly during emergencies.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.