Senior Engineer I-II

Advanced-level engineering professionals serve as project managers and provide guidance and oversight to staff and consultants performing engineering design and construction management work related to public and private infrastructure and utilities projects. The City of Spokane has Senior Engineers located in departments such as Water, Sewer, Streets, Integrated Capital Management, Development Services, Solid Waste, and Engineering Services. We currently have vacancies in Water, Sewer, Engineering Services, and Integrated Capital Management. This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures for assigned operations.
• Monitors activities of the work unit. Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures, provides recommendations, reviews with appropriate management staff, and implements improvements.
• Performs advanced technical calculations; develops construction documents including plans, specifications, and estimates; ensures functions meet all applicable laws, regulations, and City policies. Reviews plans, design drawings, calculations, and specifications of staff and consultant engineers for conformity with City Design Standards, policies, regulations, and ordinances. 
• Participates in budget preparation. Identifies resource needs, prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications, and monitors expenditures. Tracks Federal, State, and local funding related to various projects and studies.
• Supervises and gives technical advice and guidance to staff and consultants concerning project feasibility, design, or execution; provides support for design-related questions or necessary revisions throughout project work. Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Serves as a project manager. Plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of work. Develops project charters and scopes, conducts project site visits and field exploration, oversees project design, construction, and implementation, and coordinates project operations with other divisions and outside agencies. Ensures projects meet mandated engineering standards, budgeted funds, best practices, and City goals and objectives. 
• Prepares requests for proposals for professional and other contracted services. Evaluates proposals and recommends award, negotiates contracts, and administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality. Revies change orders for errors and omissions and incorporates changes into future designs.
• Supervises and assigns work to staff and consultants performing engineering design and construction work related to public works projects and systems; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Performs complex study and analysis of issues or systems; develops and calibrates the analysis procedures for investigation to determine quality results. 
• Provides staff assistance to management. Prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records and files. Ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities. 
• Answers questions and provides information to the public. Prioritizes, addresses, and resolves inquiries from internal and external sources, complaints, and administrative issues.; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues. Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public. May testify as an expert in hearings or appeals relevant to the work. 
• Performs related work as required.

Open-Entry Requirements:
Senior Engineer I:

• Experience: Six years of professional engineering work experience with two years as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• Licenses and Certifications: 
  • Possession of a valid State of Washington Professional Engineer (PE) license in engineering or designated specialty area, to be maintained throughout employment. Applicants licensed in other states must obtain Washington State PE license within six months of appointment.
  • Possession of a valid State of Washington Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply. 

Senior Engineer II:

• Experience: Ten years of professional engineering work experience with six years as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• Licenses and Certifications: 
  • Possession of a valid State of Washington Professional Engineer (PE) license in engineering or designated specialty area, to be maintained throughout employment. Applicants licensed in other states must obtain Washington State PE license within six months of appointment.
  • Possession of a valid State of Washington Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

Note: Recruitments will specify areas of work specialization to determine candidate interest and qualification.

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E).

A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E.  

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Training and Experience Examination instructions and links will be emailed out upon passing minimum qualifications. Once you receive the link, the testing window is Thursday, 12:00 AM to the following Monday at 11:59 PM.

Please note: The email will come from City of Spokane ([email protected]).

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website. 

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.