Civil Engineer 1 Temporary Hire

Civil Engineer 1 Temporary Hire

Salary

$45.55 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Extra Hire

Job Number

26--00870

Department

Planning and Public Works

Division

PPW Surface Water Management

Opening Date

08/17/2026

Closing Date

8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Summary

Why its a great opportunity: In this intensive temporary position with the Water Quality Division, you will be conducting engineering calculation and modeling of regional pond capacity and assisting in the development of regional pond policy through your work. You will also assist with the creation of a user-friendly technical guide for our 1300-page Stormwater Management and Site Development Manual. You will conduct engineering calculations that support guidance and translate complex engineering requirements into practical guidance documents, modeling guidance and step by step resources for homeowners, contractors, engineers, and others to create easier and more efficient processes and support stormwater compliance. Your efforts will help to streamline the County's stormwater permitting processes for future developments in Pierce County.

Why its a great department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW's team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

How to be successful in the role: Your success will come from translating complex engineering and regulatory requirements into clear and practical guidance for a highly diverse group. Bring your understanding and ability to demonstrate proficiency in hydrologic modeling including Western Washington Hydrology Model to the work. Your ability to problem solve and describe complex processes simply and communicate technical concepts in plain language will support your success. You should be self-motivated, goal focused, with a collaborative growth mindset that enjoys focusing on developing tools and processes to improve programs.

Your future in this role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Performs layout, drafting and design work on a variety of routine civil engineering projects utilizing computer programs. Depending on program to which assigned, may design or review roads, bridges, structures, traffic control devices; flood control structures; aviation and maintenance facilities; stormwater collection and disposal systems; wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems; water treatment and distribution systems; and/or other infrastructure.
• Reviews proposed development projects for compliance with county ordinances, state and federal statutes and regulations, adopted standards, and county policy and meets with project applicants to resolve questions and compliance issues.
• Prepares information to support public meetings, hearings, boards, commissions, or elected officials
• Inspects and evaluates assets for compliance with established inspection programs and prepares appropriate reports; calculates and verifies pay quantities for contracted services
• Designs and/or prepares contract plans for capital improvement projects. Prepares and reviews comprehensive engineering plans, reports, studies and related documents.
• Maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and assigned worksite.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Minimum Qualifications

• Registration as an Engineer-in-Training or a bachelor's degree from an ABET accredited program in civil engineering or closely related field may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
• Four years of progressively responsible, broad-based civil engineering experience is required.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
• A valid driver's license is required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or visiting www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and include the job number and title.
• Individuals who need accommodation in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Our Recruitment Practices: This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment: Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive's Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Our benefits:

Sick Leave

Extra hires are eligible to receive sick leave in accordance with the WA State Minimum Wage Act. Extra hires are not eligible for other County benefits.

Social Security

All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

Pro-tem Judges in District Court, Pro-tem Superior Court Commissioners, Extra Hires with Retirement, and Work Study Students with Retirement are eligible for Retirement and Deferred Compensation and Social Security.

Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washingtons Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment may be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

ORCA Passport Program

Pierce County employees may participate in the Countys ORCA (One Regional Card for All) Passport program. The pass will provide you with free transportation on regularly scheduled service on several public transit systems.

To participate once hired the employee will need to contact the Planning and Public Works Commute team.

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A resume and cover letter are required to be attached individually to your application for consideration of this position. Have you ensured that both are attached?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Pierce County

Address Pierce County Human Resources

1501 Market Street, Suite 410

Tacoma, Washington, 98402

Phone (253) 798-7480

For Sheriffs Office positions: 253-798-6250

Website http://www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs