Published date: September 15, 2025
Job Title: City Engineer
Organization: City of Mercer Island
Address: Mercer Island, WA
Job Website Link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mercerisland/jobs/5068618/city-engineer?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Short Description: The City Engineer coordinates and manages the utility and transportation staff and activities of the Capital & Engineering Division, along with the Capital Division Manager. Areas of responsibility include the transportation and utilities Capital Improvement Program; private development engineering review and inspection; right of way use; and transportation-related programs. Work involves assuring the effective completion of Public Works projects, managing the use of right of way by public and private entities, and compliance with State and Federal regulations, and City policies and goals.
Job Category: Engineering, Leadership, Project Management
Job Type: Full Time
Salary and Benefits Information: $144.185.60 – $182.457.60 Annually
Full Description:
The City Engineer coordinates and manages the utility and transportation staff and activities of the Capital & Engineering Division, along with the Capital Division Manager. Areas of responsibility include the transportation and utilities Capital Improvement Program; private development engineering review and inspection; right of way use; and transportation-related programs. Work involves assuring the effective completion of Public Works projects, managing the use of right of way by public and private entities, and compliance with State and Federal regulations, and City policies and goals.
Position is primarily focused on directing, coaching, and developing staff; coordinating and facilitating activities with other work groups and departments to achieve citywide goals. Acts as the City’s chief engineer. Establishes and implements engineering-related policies, procedures, and standards. Requires extensive depth of expertise and knowledge in engineering-related disciplines and project management that can be used to develop policies and procedures as well as determining efficient and innovative ways to accomplish the City’s goals. Must be able to work cooperatively and effectively with staff, elected officials, contractors, consultants,
and citizens.
Essential Job Functions
The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility.
Directs and guides staff through effective planning, staff management, and resource allocation; Division operations include Capital Improvement Program, municipal utilities, transportation engineering, and private development engineering review and inspection
Plans, directs, and coordinates the functions of design and construction project management, development review, and transportation planning and traffic engineering
Administers the review and processing of right-of-way use permits and encroachments; easement acquisitions/extinguishments, and right of way dedications/relinquishments; street vacations, and local improvement districts;
Provides leadership, direction, and guidance in operational plans and priorities, including Water System Plan, General Sewer Plan, Comprehensive Basin Review, 6-Year TIP, and PBF Plan
Evaluates City needs and Capital Improvement Program plans, and prioritizes operational plans, strategic plans, and resource requirements; interprets concerns, defines desired results, develops solutions, and determines scope and priorities of programs and special projects
Prepares reports and presentations for boards, commissions, and City Council
Ensures effective communication of Division issues; interprets and explains Federal and State rules and regulations; evaluates and analyzes Department policies and procedures, and recommends solutions; assures Division’s activities comply with all laws, policies, and regulations
Plans, prioritizes, and assigns tasks and projects; instructs and trains staff, monitors work, and evaluates performance; analyzes workload trends and implements staffing and assignment adjustments; meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve workload and technical issues; monitors operations to identify and resolve problems
Supports Division’s contracted projects; assures project deliverables meet cost and quality requirements; reviews and approves contracts and engineering designs; reviews technical and analytical reports in connection with Division projects, contracts, and regulatory issues
Analyzes Department financial and resource information; establishes and manages transportation and utilities operating and capital budgets; reviews and approves grant program billing for projects and programs with State and Federal agencies; analyzes operating costs and supports the development of service fees and rate proposals for the City Council; prepares and presents reports for internal and external audiences
Reviews staff work as needed to assure compliance to Department policies and standards; investigates, resolves, and mediates administrative, inter-agency, and community relations inquiries and complaints; negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues
Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the departmental and CIP budget; provides the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; requests expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary
Supports the relationship between the City and the constituent population by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and City staff; promotes City goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures
Responds to inquiries, questions, and comments from the general public per established standards and protocols; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints
Develops and maintains standard plans and specifications
Assures that the City complies with and enforces City, County, State, and Federal laws, regulations, codes, and policies
Acts as the City’s chief engineer in litigation.
Maintains strict confidentiality of restricted information
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and best practices
Ensures adherence to all established City policies, procedures, and protocols
May be required to attend evening and/or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and/or requirements
When required, responds to Emergency Operations Center to support the City’s response during an emergency and fulfills requested Incident Command System (ICS) role
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Collaborates with management team to identify and resolve problems
Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes
Recruits, trains, motivates, and evaluates the performance of personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures
Qualification Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, municipal utilities, multi-modal transportation planning, construction management, or related discipline; supplemented by ten (10) years of directly related experience including at least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Washington. If PE license is from another state, ability to obtain Washington PE within six (6) of hire. Eight (8) years of directly relevant municipal engineering experience for a total of eighteen (18) years of experience can be substituted for the PE.
Valid WA State Driver’s License with a driving record free from frequent or serious violations. A three (3) year driving record abstract must be submitted prior to hire
Completion of NIMS ICS-100, 200, 700, 300, and 800 within first six months of employment
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of City organization, operations, policies, and procedures
Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal civil engineering programs, urban planning, municipal utilities, multi-modal transportation planning, traffic engineering, and construction project management
Knowledge of principles of design, construction, project management, and maintenance of public works projects
Knowledge of federal and state standards and guidelines such as MUTCD, AWWA, WSDOE, and APWA/WSDOT governing public works projects
Knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in public works construction, maintenance, and repair
Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal project, contract, and budget management
Knowledge of principles and practices of administrative management, including personnel rules, cost accounting, budgeting, procurement, contract management, records management, and employee supervision
Skill in using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines, while assuring compliance with PWD goals and objectives
Skill in analyzing technical issues, evaluating alternatives, and making recommendations based on findings
Skill in analyzing and developing solutions for PWD capital project issues
Skill in interpreting and applying engineering and safety standards, complex variables, State and Federal regulations, PWD standards, City codes, and policies
Skill in working effectively with others to develop solutions for PWD issues
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
Skill in directing the work of staff and assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department / organization-specific software, and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required
Ability to effectively present information and technical advice to City leadership, boards, commissions, and elected officials
Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing
Ability to effectively present information and technical advice to City leadership and/or all relevant parties
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
Ability to commute independently to and from work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule (virtually or in person), including to community meetings and events
Working Conditions & Physical Abilities
Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing and/or walking.
Tasks are regularly performed inside and/or outside with potential for exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, cold, rain, fumes).
Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing.