Published date: August 11, 2025
Job Title: Utilities Engineer
Organization: City of Mercer Island
Address: Mercer Island, WA
Job Website Link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mercerisland/jobs/4985134/utilities-engineer?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Short Description: The Utilities Engineer manages water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure projects from concept through construction. This position oversees project planning, design, permitting, budgeting, and construction administration for capital improvement projects. Working under limited supervision, the Utilities Engineer exercises independent judgment to solve complex engineering problems and ensure projects are completed efficiently and in compliance with regulations. The role involves coordination with consultants, contractors, and internal teams, and may include occasional evening or weekend commitments. A Washington State PE license is preferred.
Job Category: Engineering, Project Management, Utilities
Job Type: Full-time
Salary and Benefits Information: $101,774.40 – $128,793.60 Annually
Full Description:
The Utilities Engineer performs engineering management of water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure projects from conceptual design through construction. Work involves project planning, design, permitting, and construction.
Work is performed under limited supervision with latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment. Position develops solutions to non-routine issues, without appreciable guidance from others, and exercises latitude in determining best approaches to critical assignments.
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.
Manages engineering and construction of water, sewer, and storm drainage utility improvement projects in the Capital and Engineering Division of the Public Works Department
Provides engineering support to CIP projects and other Public Works Department teams
Develops and maintains project budgets; provides cost estimates and monitors project costs and expenditures
Prepares consultant Request for Qualifications/Proposals; reviews submittals and interviews consultants; makes recommendations for selection of project consultants; negotiates project scope and fee schedules
Prepares in-house project specifications and designs; prepares specifications for contract work; coordinates and manages design of large projects by consultants
Completes various permit applications, i.e., SEPA, HPA, conditional use, shoreline development, right-of-way use, and building permits; provides direction to consultants during permitting processes
Prepares progress payments, manages change orders, reviews and approves submittals, monitors budget and project costs
Resolves issues that arise during design and/or construction
Manages project scoping, budget, and project timelines
Maintains up-to-date water system components inventory
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and best practices
Responds to inquiries, questions, and comments from the general public per established standards and protocols
Maintains strict confidentiality of restricted information
Ensures adherence to all established City policies, procedures, and protocols
Attends evening and/or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and/or requirements
When required by management, responds to Emergency Operations Center to support the City’s response during an emergency
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
May supervise contract/seasonal employee, interns, or technicians
Qualification Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in civil or mechanical engineering, or related discipline required; supplemented by five (5) years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Washington
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
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, and 700 within first six months of employment
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering and construction project management as they apply to the planning, design, inspection, and construction of public works projects
Knowledge of principles of design, construction, maintenance, and life cycle management of water, sewer, and stormwater systems
Knowledge of standards and regulations such as AWWA, APWA, WSDOT, SEPA, etc.
Knowledge of municipal budgeting and strong skills in managing a budget and contracts
Knowledge of department policies and procedures for the preparation, production, and maintenance of reports, documentation, and records
Experience using GIS and AutoCAD
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
Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
Skill in using mathematics required for the work
Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands, and ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing
Ability to follow oral and written instructions
Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret program-related laws and regulations, and establish necessary work processes and procedures
Ability to use reasoning skills that minimize duplication of efforts, including but not limited to comparing, classifying, analyzing, and coordinating
Ability to analyze and/or prepare complex reports and contract documents
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 the 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.
Public Works teams operate in a smoke and drug-free work environment for their health, safety, and productivity, as well as that of their customers.