Engineering technician [h1.location_city]

Salary : $6,645.00 - $8,301.00 Monthly

Location : Lakewood, WA

Job Type : Regular Full-Time

Job Number : 25-00031

Department : Public Works and Planning

Division : Engineering Services

Opening Date : 01 / 27 / 2026

Closing Date : 2 / 17 / 2026 11 : 59 PM Pacific

JOB SUMMARY

This is an AFSCME-represented, full-time regular position. The City of Lakewood participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). This position will close on 02 / 17 / 26 and 11 : 59pm

Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your technical skills in a collaborative and dynamic environment? The City of Lakewood's Planning and Public Works Department is a talented team of professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Lakewood residents. The Department oversees a wide range of services, including community planning, transportation and stormwater infrastructure, lake management, building and land use permitting, rental housing programs, economic development, and more.

This position is part of the Engineering Services Division and plays a key role in supporting both capital projects and engineering permit reviews within the City. As an Engineering Technician, you will assist engineers with preparing designs and plans, support traffic engineering studies, review development and right-of-way permits, and inspect construction projects for compliance with City standards. You'll also coordinate utility locates for City-owned infrastructure and perform technical research to support engineering projects.

See the full job details below and apply today to join our great team!

Under the direction of the Public Works Engineering Director or designee, assist civil engineers and / or higher-level engineering technicians in preparing preliminary designs through final plans; support traffic engineering studies; inspect construction projects for compliance with established standards; review development and right-of-way permit applications for compliance with established codes and standards; and coordinate utility locates for City owned infrastructure.

This is the journey level class in the Engineering Technician series. Employees in this class perform a full range of duties and receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Employees are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following :

Engineering Function :

Apply survey information and reduce field notes to complete base mapping and draft designs and drawings for various engineering and planning projects such as storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water mains, and streets.

Perform a variety of related office or field tasks to gather, analyze and record data and otherwise assist engineers in preparation of specifications.

Development Review Function :

Review pre-application information for new development proposals; visit site to ascertain existing conditions; prepare the pre-application comments based on applicable City codes and ordinances.

Review site development plans for compliance with City standards relating to rights-of-way, sidewalks, curbs, pedestrian ramps, driveways, roadways, and storm drainage.

Review storm drainage reports, traffic impact analysis reports, and other traffic related studies for compliance with City standards.

Calculate permit fees.

Coordinate locating City-owned underground infrastructure as part of the regional utility notification process.

Construction Inspection Function :

Perform construction and "as-built" inspections by overseeing assigned public works projects to assure conformance to plans and specifications, process inspection records with appropriate department personnel.

Maintain records of construction projects from information supplied by engineers; compile and compute data for contractors' progress pay estimates.

Perform field tests.

Traffic Engineering Function :

Assist in field traffic studies : conduct manual traffic counts, turning movement, traffic speed, and delay studies; set out traffic counters for intersection approach volume, crosswalk evaluation, and traffic volumes, compile data and prepare appropriate recommendations and reports.

Maintain record keeping and data tracking systems of traffic and complaint data including traffic accident, speed and count databases.

All Functions :

Perform technical research, present reports, information and presentations at meetings.

Answer questions from the public regarding particular area(s) of expertise.

Perform a variety of related office or field tasks to gather and record data.

Provide support to other City departments including computer generated maps and exhibits.

Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership.

Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to two years of college level courses related to civil engineering and three years of work experience using CADD to design roads, storm drainage, water and / or sewer systems. Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D is preferred.

License and Certification Requirements :

Must have and maintain a valid Washington driver's license and a satisfactory driving record throughout employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF :

• Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques of drafting and computer aided design.
• Trigonometry as applied to the computation of angles, areas, distances, and traverses.
• Basic principles and practices of surveying.
• Basic principles and practices of civil engineering including hydrology, hydraulics, soils, water and sewer utility design, and basic structures.
• Design and construction theory and engineering design standards.
• Principles, methods, materials, equipment, and safety standards of construction inspection.
• Engineering maps and records.
• Construction plans and specifications.
• Applicable City, State and Federal codes, ordinances, specifications, procedures and standards.
• Techniques, procedures and instruments used in engineering design, drafting, surveying and mathematics.
• CADD and other engineering software applications to generate and modify construction drawings.
• Environmental policies and laws applicable to assigned engineering projects.
ABILITY TO :
• Analyze
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Operate a variety of office machines including a personal computer and related software applications.
• Perform responsible technical duties related to the development of engineering projects, the layout of plans, and the inspection of existing utilities.
• Design or review engineering plans for various engineering projects to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and specifications.
• Assist in compliance and compatibility review with existing systems and applicable codes, standards, specifications and practices.
• Calculate, verify and plot field survey results.
• Communicate with agencies, the public and City management to answer questions and provide information.
• Interpret, apply and explain local, state and federal codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Read, review and understand engineering plans and specifications.
• Prepare design drawings using CADD equipment and software.
• Meet schedules and timelines.

ENVIRONMENT :

Indoor office environment; occasional outside work; driving a vehicle to conduct work at project sites.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES :

Walking on uneven surfaces and steep slopes; sitting and standing for extended periods of time; seeing to read maps and data; speaking and hearing to communicate with others; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to retrieve and maintain files.

HAZARDS :

Occasional exposure to working below ground level in manholes and catch basins; to traffic while working in and adjacent to roadway; and to construction equipment while working in construction zones.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY :

The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion for all. We welcome your contributions!

BENEFITS SUMMARY

for AFSCME MEMBERS

This is a summary of benefits and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to Local 1938, Washington State Council of County and City Employees of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees collective bargaining agreement, City policies and plan booklets for details.

WORK HOURS

The normal work week is five consecutive days of not more than eight hours per day, exclusive of lunch period. City Hall is open to the public from 8 : 30 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m. Where appropriate, alternative work schedules may be established, providing that not more than forty hours are scheduled per work week.

SALARY INCREASES

Step increases are granted annually upon successful completion of a performance evaluation until the maximum of the salary range is reached.

HOLIDAYS

Employees are granted the following paid holidays :

New Year's Day

M.L. King, Jr. Day

Presidents' Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans' Day

Thanksgiving

the day after Thanksgiving

Christmas day

Employees accrue one floating holiday on their anniversary date, which must be used within the following 12 month period. Holiday pay is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.

PAID TIME OFF

Paid time off leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during approved absences. Leave may be accumulated for succeeding years; however, the maximum accrual may not exceed 1,100 hours at the end of the calendar year.

Accrual Rate :

During the 1st year 200 hours of leave per year

After the 1st thru 2nd year 208 hours of leave per year

After the 2nd thru 4th year 216 hours of leave per year

After the 4th thru 9th year 232 hours of leave per year

After the 9th thru 14th year 264 hours of leave per year

After the 14th thru 20th year 296 hours of leave per year

After the 20th thru 29th year 312 hours of leave per year

After the 29th year 320 hours of leave per year

Paid time off leave accrual is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.

SHARED LEAVE

If an employee exhausts all paid leave because of medical reasons, they may be eligible to receive donated paid time off leave from other employees.

MILITARY LEAVE

Employees who are members of any federal military reserve unit or the Washington National Guard will receive up to twenty-one working days of paid leave during each year beginning October 1 and ending September 30, while engaged in active training duty or active duty.

The City will maintain continuity of health benefits to employees' families when employees are ordered to involuntary active military duty. Military differential pay is available during active military duty of more than 30 days and for no longer than 24 months.

JURY DUTY LEAVE

Employees will be paid their regular compensation while serving on jury duty provided they forfeit the juror's daily stipend to the City.

RETIREMENT PLAN

Employees and the City make contributions to the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3.

Under Social Security's Government Pension Offset, any Social Security spouse's or widow's or widower's benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from the City's retirement plan.

SOCIAL SECURITY REPLACEMENT

In lieu of Social Security, the City provides an alternative plan through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. The employee contributes 6.20% and the City contributes 4.77% of the employee's salary. The employee's investment choices range from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high risk) opportunities. Employees are immediately 100% vested in the plan.

Under Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision, any Social Security retirement or disability benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from this replacement plan.

VOLUNTARY 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available to employees through payroll deduction. This is an optional investment program. The City matches an employee's contribution up to 3% of the employee's base monthly pay rate.

VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

The Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125) is an optional tax savings program which is offered to employees annually. It allows employees to reduce taxable income by using part of their salary on a pretax basis to pay for out of pocket health care expenses and dependent care costs.

The effective date of health insurance coverage is the first day of the month following hire.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Three medical plans are offered to employees and dependents through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) : the Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a health savings account), the Regence HealthFirst Plan ($250 deductible), and the Kaiser Permanente Plan ($200 deductible).

Premiums are pro-rated based on FTE status for part-time employees.

Employees may be eligible to opt out of medical insurance coverage to receive $3,600 annually (pro-rated each pay period). Part-time employees may be eligible to opt out to receive an equivalent pro-rated amount.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, confidential resource available to employees, dependents and household members. The EAP provides professional counseling assistance in addressing a variety of concerns ranging from substance abuse to relationship issues. Premiums are paid by the City.

VISION INSURANCE

The Vision Service Plan (VSP) provides for annual eye examinations for employees and dependents. A $25 deductible benefit is provided for lenses, frames and contact lenses.

DENTAL INSURANCE

Washington Dental Service (WDS) Plan E insurance is provided through AWC. This is an incentive based plan - 70% to 100% of the cost for Class I and Class II benefits (routine exams, basic cleanings, x-rays, fillings, etc.) is covered. Class III benefits (crowns, inlays and onlays) are paid at 50%. The plan pays a maximum of $2,000 per individual annually for covered benefits. A separate orthodontia plan provides a one time orthodontia benefit of $1,000 for eligible children.

LIFE & LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE

The City provides the following insurance coverage for employees through Standard Insurance (a copy of each plan certificate will be provided during orientation). The insurance is effective the first of the month following hire, unless an employee is hired on the first day of the month, in which case the coverage is effective immediately.

SURVIVOR INCOME LIFE INSURANCE

A monthly survivor income benefit is paid to an employee's eligible spouse and children upon the employee's death. Prior to any reduction for Social Security survivor's benefits, a benefit amount equal to 30% of the employee's insured earnings is paid to the spouse or children, and 60% is paid if both spouse and children survive.

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE / ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT

A benefit equal to the employee's annual salary rounded up to the next thousand.

LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD)

Effective after 90 days of continuous disability. The maximum amount of the LTD benefit is 60% of earnings or $5,000 per month, whichever is less.

VOLUNTARY SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE

Employees may elect to apply for $30,000 to $300,000 in supplemental term life insurance coverage. Spouses may also be insured. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee.

VOLUNTARY SHORT TERM DISABILITY (STD)

Short term disability insurance provides benefit payments to help replace lost income when an employee is disabled due to a non-occupational accident or illness. Pregnancy or its complications are covered provided enrollment in STD insurance is prior to conception. Benefits are payable for a maximum of 13 weeks. This benefit is offered to employees at the time of hire and annually thereafter.

ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY INSURANCE PLANS

Additional insurance plans are available to employees through AFLAC, such as accident / disability, cancer, dental and hospital intensive care.

01

Do you have two (2) years of college level courses related to civil engineering AND three (3) years of work experience using CADD to design roads, storm drainage, water and / or sewer systems OR an equivalent combination of education and experience equal to five (5) years of relevant experience?

02

To receive credit for the previous question, describe in detail your relevant education and experience that qualifies you for this position. Please specifically address any experience you have with utilities and street lighting.

03

Will you have a valid Washington driver's license within 30 days of employment?

04

I understand that a satisfactory driving record is required. If I am selected as a finalist for the position, I will provide a full record of my driving history.

05

Describe how you organize, plan, and prioritize your work.

06

How many years of experience do you have working with CADD?

07

Summarize your experience with traffic signal and utility locates.

08

Summarize your experience with traffic counts and radar feedback equipment.

Required Question