Assistant Engineer I-II

Engineers play a pivotal role in shaping a community; this position assists in innovative public works projects and completes engineering tasks assigned by professional engineers, actively contributing to the progress of a variety of new and ongoing work and ensuring successful outcomes.

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.

• Assists engineers and engineering support personnel through professional work supporting the design and construction of public works infrastructure and City facilities projects.  
• Participates in engineering design, planning, and construction management, and may supervise and assign inspection and construction staking of various public works projects including streets, bridges, tunnels, structures, and utility projects including water, sewage, refuse, and related utilities facilities.
• Assists in the review and approval of plans and specifications of proposed buildings, structures and site developments. Drafts preliminary and final designs. Prepares technical specifications, engineering calculations, and plans or charters for projects, under the supervision of a licensed engineer.
• Checks work of others and performs peer reviews. Assists in the evaluation of variances from design standards.
• Assists in coordinating and monitoring the work of private and commercial development projects conducted within the City’s rights-of-way, and/or which may impact the City’s infrastructure.
• Assists in developing plan checking and inspection procedures. Assists inspection staff with code interpretations and problem solving. 
• Assists engineers with administration of contracts and maintains contact with consultants, developers, suppliers, and other contractors.
• Produces submittals to state and federal agencies for the process of evaluation of environmental impacts associated with issuing permits for private projects, constructing public facilities, or adopting regulations, policies, and plans.
• Evaluates layout, design, and materials proposals to ensure compliance with policies, standards, procedures and codes.
• Assists in studies, development of reports and recommendations, and updates and interpretation of code requirements necessary for construction projects. Gathers, researches, and analyzes technical information and data, and prepares associated surveys, forecasts, plans, material or cost estimates, and other reports. Prepares or consults maps, modeling, analysis, and exhibits.  
• Consults engineers, contractors, and department staff to define and resolve engineering issues and to provide internal and external customer service.
• Performs related work as required.

Open-Entry Requirements:
Assistant Engineer I:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited four-year college or university. Individuals enrolled in the final (senior) year of an accredited bachelor’s degree program in engineering may apply, but candidates must obtain their bachelor’s degree prior to hire.
• Licenses and Certification: Must possess a valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply. 

Assistant Engineer II:

• Licenses and Certification: 
  • Possession of a recognized Engineer in Training certificate.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility, 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.

Additional examinations shall be administered as applications are received with results merged into one eligible list according to final ratings, pursuant to the Merit System Rules of the Civil Service Commission: Rule IV, Section 13 – Continuous Examinations.

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.