Engineer III

Performs advance transportation and public works engineering work under limited supervision in accordance with established policy and professional standards, including but not limited to: Assignments entail responsibility for functions of significant scope and complexity. Incumbents apply specialized training, broad experience, and professional judgment in analysis and decision making to resolve complex engineering problems. Work is performed independently and is reviewed for the application of sound engineering judgment. Incumbents usually exercise supervision over a unit of engineers and technicians Incumbents may be called upon regularly to act for their supervisor who is a licensed professional engineer.

As a registered professional civil engineer, performs professional engineering work which constitutes the practice of engineering as defined by RCW 18.43.

DISTINGUISHING

CHARACTERISTICS : At this level, incumbents are generally placed in charge of a major project or functional area which is characterized by supervising or leading several support staff. Staff may include or consist of contracted consultants or contractors. Incumbents are expected to possess a thorough working knowledge of County policies, standards and procedures as well as engineering principles, methods and practices.

Incumbents typically perform the level of work described by the tasks specified below a majority of the time. These job functions described is not intended to be all-inclusive but representative of the level of responsibility and level of complexity of the work performed by this class. Coordinates and facilitates projects internally with transportation, environmental, surveyor, right-of-way, maintenance, and accounting; coordinates externally with the Community Development, permit and government agencies/departments, contractors, consultants and the public.

Also coordinates with public and private franchise utilities to eliminate conflicts and arrange work schedules. Assignments require judgments in selecting and adapting techniques to solve transportation and public works problems. Incumbents represent Public Works at public meetings, open houses, to other local agencies, contractors, consultants, etc., for specific projects. While work is occasionally spot-checked and reviewed upon completion, incumbents are responsible for planning and carrying out projects with only minimal supervision. Staff at this level are often called on to assign, train and evaluate engineers and technicians. Performs detailed capacity analysis to determine the adequacy and safety of transportation projects on highways with traffic circles, multiple access points and turning movements, etc. Analyzes level of service and recommends measures to resolve problems.

Performs detailed traffic studies of existing facilities to determine safety and operational improvements. Develops specialized signing plans including sign type, layout, size, support and positioning for projects with complex geometrics, heavy traffic volumes and high safety hazard such as urban roadways, intersections with multiple crossroads Creates unique signing plans for highways that deviate from standards available in the MUTCD or Design Manual. Leader of a design/PS&E preparation team of at least three engineers and technicians at least one of which is an Engineer 2, or equivalent.

In addition to supervising the team and being responsible for the projects assigned, the team leader also does the most complex design work. Provides design information and exhibits necessary for environmental documentation, permitting and ROW acquisition. Conduct review, lead, and make recommendations regarding PS&E development and review, PS&E constructability review, quantity checks, specification review and development, and estimate review. Provide a high-level expertise in and conduct construction inspection, scheduling support, change order preparation, documentation review, project closeout documentation, surveying support, and material testing. Responsible for leading staff in the design, construction and administration of multiple projects to improve County roads. Coordinates design and construction schedules, working with Engineering & Construction Manager. Performs construction inspection work when required to ensure compliance with contract plans, specifications and provisions. Ensures that materials acceptance and testing is performed as required. Maintains accurate and detailed construction records such as: daily reports, field notes, as-built drawings, etc. and reviews records prepared by construction inspectors.

Review and approve prepared pay estimates, change orders and construction documentation files. Interprets plans and specifications and addresses questions from contractors during bidding and construction. Provides response for County-wide emergencies in any capacity needed.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, staffing the County’s Emergency Operations Center, inspecting damaged facilities, preparation of estimates for repairs and other necessary documentation for project funding, coordination with consultants, preparation of emergency PS&E, and inspection of emergency repairs. May be required to attend bridge inspection training and prepare elements of bridge inspection reports and/or become a Bridge Inspection Team Leader. Conducts bridge inspections for annual program documenting the condition of the structures, compiling reports, and recommending improvements to address found defects. Attends and participates in professional group meetings, keeps abreast of new trends and innovations in the engineering field.

Also performs research on materials, products or other data as required to complete projects. Knowledge of: Use of personal computer for drafting and design tasks as well as for email, word processing, spreadsheets, scheduling, internet research, graphics, database management, and use of printers/plotters and digital cameras in support of work responsibilities. Engineering principles, practices, methods, plans, specifications, CADD procedures and drafting standards. County, state and federal regulations and codes pertaining to public works, engineering and construction, including (but not limited to) WSDOT Standard Specifications, Local Agency Guidelines (LAG), and AASHTO Design Standards. Principles and practices of road construction, including earthwork, roadway, bridge, utility, drainage, erosion and sediment control.

Understanding of efficient use of construction equipment as well as materials testing requirements.

Ability to perform testing if required, and working knowledge of test results, allowing for acceptance/rejection of materials. Design and construction references, including but not limited to: WSDOT Design Manual, WSDOT Construction Manual, Standard Plans, Plans Prep Manual, Highway Runoff Manual, AASHTO, MUTCD, etc. Ability to: Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, in English. Work and communicate effectively and courteously with other employees, the public, outside agencies, Consultants and Contractors. Also employ tact and courtesy when interacting with the aforementioned, occasionally in difficult/tense situations. The employee may be required to deal with disgruntled individuals requiring the use of conflict management skills. Prepare bid documents and plans. Analyze and identify problem areas and develop solutions. Set work priorities, manage and guide the work of project staff (Engineers, Technicians, Interns, and Consultants) and Contractors, and to mentor less experienced coworkers. Inspect and evaluate the condition of public works structures. Negotiate with contractors, consultants, outside agencies and the public. Maintain confidentiality within the department or work group, as necessary. Employee may occasionally be required to lift or move up to 40 pounds.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Registered as a Professional Civil Engineer in Washington State, and 4 years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering in the transportation and public works field, and; Incumbent will have a minimum of 2 years of experience as an Engineer II or equivalent. LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS A valid Washington State Driver’s License First Aid/CPR/AED certification within 6 months (provided by employer) Other training provided by the employer as required by County policies and State laws

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