Geotechnical Engineer III

Geotechnical Engineer III

Salary

$105,180.00 - $134,239.32 Annually

Location

Main County Campus-3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-PWK8927R-JUL

Department

Public Works

Division

Public Works Engineering Geotech

Opening Date

07/20/2026

Closing Date

8/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Are you a Geotechnical Engineer who is looking for a position that promotes healthy work life balance, involves minimal overnight travel, and gives frequent opportunities for field work and onsite investigations? Snohomish County Public Works is hiring a highly motivated, qualified individual to fill a key Geotechnical Engineer III position in our Engineering Services group.

As a Geotechnical Engineer III you will plan and perform geotechnical studies in support of a variety of Public Works projects, including roads, bridges, culverts, trails, and other facilities.

The ideal candidate will have field investigation, geotechnical analysis, and report preparation experience and be successful at managing a variety of projects. Typical activities include geotechnical design of complex projects such as bridge foundations, culvert replacements, retaining walls, embankments, cut/fill slopes, landslide remediation, and pavements.

The ability to work in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects is essential. The successful candidate will also work cooperatively with other divisions, departments and stakeholders, and creatively solve problems.

A Professional Engineer (PE) license is required for this position.

Selection Process

Application assessments will start on Monday, August 3, 2026, and will continue bi-weekly until the position is filled. Please apply as early as possible.

Please attach a resume and cover letter. In the cover letter specifically highlight:

• Your experience and knowledge in geotechnical studies for embankments, slopes, bridge foundations, culverts, landslide remediation, retaining walls, pavements, geotechnical instrumentation, and other elements of transportation projects.
• Provide two (2) examples of projects you have worked on, the size of the projects, and what your role was on the projects.
• Describe your technical experience and leadership roles on both projects.

Join Snohomish County Public Works and enjoy these perks:

• Make a contribution in shaping one of Washington's fastest growing counties
• Join an award-winning organization well known for excellence and commitment to high-quality public service
• Advancement opportunities
• Employee development and training opportunities
• Excellent medical, dental, and other benefits
• Earn a Pension! Start vesting for a Washington Department of Retirement System (DRS) PERS pension.
• Security, stability, and a lifelong career!

About Engineering Services

Our Engineering Services division in Public Works delivers full design and construction programs and encourages a team environment for employees to develop career pathways with growth potential and personal satisfaction knowing their role contributes to well-constructed projects for the residents of Snohomish County.

About Snohomish County Public Works Department

Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for more than 1,650 miles of county roads, 201 bridges and 202 traffic control signals, as well as processing nearly 600,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the largest department within Snohomish County government with approximately 550 employees plus seasonal staff. Its main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett, WA 98201.

Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.

When joining Public Works, you will work in an environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement are highly encouraged and supported. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a lifelong career at Snohomish County.

Benefits

Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family and will be invested in your success and growth. We are proud to offer an outstanding benefit package to employees and their dependents. We offer competitive wages; job flexibility and stability; pension opportunities; and employer paid ORCA cards. Snohomish County will be invested in your success and growth and offers the following benefits to our employees. Your salary is only part of your Total Compensation Package:

• Retirement: County employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
• Medical benefits: The County offers a choice of three comprehensive medical insurance plans with low deductibles. The county's contribution to this benefit is significant.
• Flexible work schedules for some positions.
• Career development training
• Sick leave: You will accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.
• Vacation Leave: You will start out accruing 8 hours of vacation leave per month totaling 2.4 weeks of vacation in your first year. Your leave accruals increase based on your years of employment with the County.
• Holiday Pay: The County observes 11 paid legal holidays per year and provides employees with two floating holidays annually.
• Benefits: The County offers a wide range of benefits including, medical, and dental, vision, life insurance, LTD, deferred compensation and more.
• Deferred Compensation: If you choose to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), the County will match your contributions up to 1 percent of your base monthly salary.
• Pay Increases: Each year you will be eligible for a step increase until you reach the top step.
• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): Effective January 1, 2027, all six (6) step salary tables shall have a seventh (7th) step added to the top of each pay grade. Employees who have been at step 6 for a full year shall be placed at step 7 effective January 1, 2027.

Teleworking Options

The work associated with this position can be performed with a hybrid of remote work and in-office work as needed and assigned. For employees who prefer to work in the office full-time, that option is also available. After skills and knowledge build, we anticipate the position will work 3 days in the office/field and up to 2 days remote. Telework options are subject to change depending upon staff and management needs.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and cell phone and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Snohomish County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. A Snohomish County Telework agreement is required for employees assigned to telework.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

About Snohomish County

Snohomish County, north of Seattle, is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities, and a thriving economy. Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

Snohomish County - The Future We Choose- video

For information about this job opportunity and posting, please email: SPW-Recruitment.

Job Duties

BASIC FUNCTION

To perform professional engineering assignments in design, construction, land development, or program development, which require advanced expertise in a specialized area of engineering or in multiple engineering related functions. To act as resource to engineers on complex projects or manage projects or project components.

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Project management, analysis, and design of major improvements and modifications to public works roads and structures; produces design reports and plans, specifications and cost estimates for construction of public works facilities such as roadways, bridges, surface water systems, and solid waste sites.
• Reviews engineering design work to ensure proposed designs meet project needs, engineering specifications and cost regulatory requirements.
• Conducts or directs the preparation of major planning or design engineering studies by identifying and researching needs and problems in the area of specialization; monitors the collection of field data and the technical evaluations used to develop recommendations.
• Manages the selection and administration of engineering consultants performing work for planning and reports, plans, specifications, estimates, and on call engineering services.
• Prepares requests for proposals for professional engineering, consulting, and environmental services; reviews requests from consultants for changes in scope of work and recommends appropriate action.
• Acts as a technical resource in a specialized area of engineering to resolve complex design and construction problems within the public right of way and provide assistance in correcting related problems on private property.
• Conducts field trips to inspect project sites during planning and design phases, and during construction for compliance with specifications and plans.
• Provides technical support and acts as engineering liaison between public works, consulting engineering firms and other governmental agencies; reviews agency documents preparing and presenting comments on behalf of the department.
• Coordinates the location, notification and preparation of presentations at public meetings for assigned projects and assists in other project managers public meetings. Provides technical testimony at Public Hearings or Meetings.
• Provides technical assistance, guidance, and training to engineering staff.
• Assigns, leads, and evaluates the work of subordinate employees as required; advises assists and trains subordinates as necessary. Participates in the selection of new employees, and makes recommendations regarding hiring..
• Researches and prepares pertinent data and reports for legal counsel for court actions and represents public works on matters pertaining to real property condemnations.
• Reviews and approves all plans and contract documents before they are used in the public bidding process for county construction projects.
• Establishes and monitors a current public meeting calendar for all required public information meetings on proposed public works projects; confers with the appropriate project manager and goes through a checklist for all the required logistical details for the meeting.
• Assures the accuracy of all engineering design standards and standard specifications used by the design staff; updates design standards and specifications as requested by the Engineering Manager and maintains up to date files of design standard drawings and standard specifications for staff use.
• Develops recommendations for mitigating measures to reduce or provide for environmental impacts to the county road system.
• Supervises or conducts field and laboratory investigations required to obtain representative soil information for potential construction sites; such investigations may be through borings, soundings, sampling or testing.
• Evaluates field laboratory soils results and makes engineering recommendations pertaining to the foundation design of roadway, bridge foundations, retaining walls and landslide corrections.
• Manages the civil materials testing laboratory; approves construction materials and their sources, maintains materials records, makes recommendations pertaining to material acceptance; establishes related procedures and criteria as necessary.

STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES

• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or related field, and four (4) years of civil engineering experience, three (3) of which are in the area of specialization; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Must pass job related tests.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A Professional Engineers License or ability to obtain one by demonstrated training or experience is required for most positions.

A valid Washington State Drivers License.

Job offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• engineering mathematics applied to area of specialization
• engineering principles and practices and the materials and equipment applicable to the area of specialization
• the current codes, trends, and developments in the field of engineering specialization
• principles of project management, organization and administration
• laws and regulations applicable to the area of assignment

Ability to:

• direct and inspect the work of consultants and contractors on civil engineering studies and projects
• prepare and manage project activities, including monitoring budgets, work schedules, grant requirements and progress reviews
• plan, direct and coordinate the work of subordinates
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with other county employees, representatives of other agencies and with the general public
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• prepare or oversee the preparation of engineering studies and plans

SUPERVISION

Employees report to and receive direction from an engineering supervisor. Employees may lead full-time or temporary employees. A high degree of independent judgment and action is exercised in planning projects and programs and resolving administrative and technical problems within the framework of established codes, policies, budgetary limits and sound engineering practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work is performed in an office environment with frequent field trips to locations throughout the county to make site visits, attend meetings, or coordinate work activities. Meetings or project requirements may involve working evenings, weekends or holidays as necessary.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

EEO policy and ADA notice

Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.

Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/Benefits to learn more about the following benefits.

County Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement
• Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Commuting Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program
• Leave & Holidays

Voluntary Benefits

• Deferred Compensation 457(b)
• Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
• Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Supplemental Individual Insurance Policies

Healthcare Premiums

• Regular full-time employees: If you work 35 or more hours per week, you will pay these monthly premiums for medical insurance. The County pays the monthly premiums for vision, dental, and basic life insurance.
• Regular part-time employees: If you work between 20 and 34 hours per week, you will pay pro-rated monthly premiums for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The Countys contribution toward the premium for an employee in a regular part-time appointment will be pro-rated in an amount equal to the F.T.E. percentage the employee is assigned.

Note: Temporary employees, seasonal employees and paid interns may be eligible for medical insurance benefits. Review the Countys ACA Employer Shared Responsibility Guide to learn more.

01

Following are a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your job-related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general online application. The employment history and education detailed in your general application must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process.

Do you agree to answer each question truthfully and that your responses can be supported by your general application/work history and by your references?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your highest level of completed education in civil engineering or related field?

• No degree
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree or higher

03

How many years of experience do you have in civil engineering or related field; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities?

• No experience to less than two (2) years of experience
• Two (2) years to less than four (4) years of experience
• Four (4) years to less than six (6) years of experience
• Six (6) years to less than eight (8) years of experience
• Eight (8) or more years of experience

04

How many years of experience do you have in civil engineering in the specialization of geotechnical engineering studies?

• No experience to less than three (3) years of experience
• Three (3) or more years of experience

05

Are you currently licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington State?

Or, are you currently a licensed engineer in another state and can meet the Washington State PE requirements by comity within one (1) year of employment?

• Yes, I am currently licensed as a PE in Washington State.
• Yes- I am currently licensed as a PE in another state.
• No, I am not currently licensed as a PE.

06

Please provide your current Washington State Professional Engineers (PE) license number.

If you are currently licensed as a PE in another state, please include this information in your response.

If you are not currently licensed as a PE, please type "N/A"

07

Do you have a valid Washington State Drivers License or the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment?

• Yes, I have a valid Washington State Drivers License
• No, but I have the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment
• No, I do not have the ability to obtain one

08

Your resume and cover letter will be scored to determine whether you advance to the interview stage. You must score at least 70% to qualify for an interview. Interviews will be scheduled for the most qualified applicants. Do you understand that your score will determine eligibility for an interview, and all experience MUST be documented in the work experience section on your application?

• Yes

09

Please attach a resume and cover letter to your application.

In the cover letter specifically highlight:

Your experience and knowledge in geotechnical and geological studies for embankments, slopes, bridge foundations, culverts, landslide remediation, retaining walls, pavements, geotechnical instrumentation, and other elements of transportation projects. Provide two (2) examples of projects you have worked on, the size of the projects, and what your role was on the projects. Describe your technical experience and leadership roles on both projects.

Do you understand if you do not attach a resume and cover letter you will be removed from the hiring process?

• Yes

10

Are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States for Snohomish County? Note: If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Snohomish County

Address 3000 Rockefeller Ave M/S 503

Everett, Washington, 98201

Phone (425) 388-3411

Website http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2553