Associate Process Engineer Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $8,596.00 - $10,741.00 Monthly
Location : City of Lakewood, Human Resources, 6000 Main St. SW, Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 25-00044
Department: Public Works and Planning
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
JOB SUMMARY
This is an AFSCME represented full-time regular position. The City of Lakewood participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
Are you seeking an opportunity to work in a collaborative, diverse and dynamic Department focused on improving customer services and processes across several programs and services? The City of Lakewood's Planning and Public Works Department is a diverse, dynamic and talented team of professionals working to improve the quality of life for all Lakewood residents. The Department is entrusted with a wide range of public services including community planning, building and maintaining transportation and stormwater infrastructure, managing the health of our lakes, building, site development and land use permitting, rental housing and rental assistance, economic development and much more!
This position is part of the Engineering Services Division and will support both capital projects and engineering permit reviews within the City. As an Associate Civil Engineer, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and expertise through review of public and private development projects, oversight of maintenance and operations contracts (traffic signals, street sweeping, etc.), and assistance with a variety of capital improvement projects.
See the full job details below and apply today to join our great team!
Under the direct supervision of the City Engineer or Capital Projects Division Manager perform civil engineering work in connection with a variety of Planning and Public Works projects and other assigned tasks. Plan and conduct engineering studies and projects; coordinate and direct outside engineering consultants and firms on assigned projects and studies. The Associate Civil Engineer performs design and project management; reviews and approves engineering drawings as assigned, and represents the City on projects and engineering reviews. Review and approve private development project plans and specifications. Incumbents integrate numerous engineering and construction disciplines performing a variety of engineering tasks including analyzing, researching, planning and designing municipal structures and systems and/or leading technical engineering staff in the design of construction projects and/or system improvements. This position may supervise junior-level engineers, technicians, inspectors, or interns.
Associate Civil Engineer - Performs work under the direction of a senior level project engineer/manager on complex projects. Manages small to medium-sized projects independently.
Civil Engineer - Designs and manages complex projects independently.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Attendance: Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Construction Management: Perform construction management and construction engineering duties including: contract
administration, shop drawing and submittal reviews, coordination with utilities and contractors, change order development and cost analysis, progress payments, and on-site reviews.
Engineering Calculations: Make complex calculations involving assigned engineering specialty including utilities, construction, transportation and others.
Review calculations and designs to assure conformance with City engineering and professional engineering standards.
Grants: Apply for and administer grants and loans associated with public works projects.
Plan Review: Review complex architectural and engineering plans and drawings to assure compliance with City ordinances, engineering standards and policies;
Project Planning: Develop and/or manage the development of plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for municipal construction projects, such as streets, traffic improvements, storm water improvements, and water and sewerage systems in compliance with professional engineering standards and procedures. Oversee in-house and/or consultant design team(s) to ensure compliance with scope, schedule, and budget.
Conduct and/or direct planning, studies and research in association with public works projects, planning documents, and operations.
Reports: Compile and analyze statistical and technical information, maps and other data related to engineering projects and prepare reports concerning projects and related activities. Maintain various records and files as required.
Provide written and verbal reports as necessary on assigned projects and contracts; present reports to outside groups, City Council, Hearings Examiner, or others as requested.
Safety: 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 that would likely provide the candidate with the knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the job will be considered. A typical combination is: Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field AND three years progressively responsible public works engineering experience required.
License and Certification Requirements:
Engineer In Training (EIT) certificate desired.
A valid driver's license with a driving record that meets an acceptable standard for safety at the point of hire and throughout employment in this position.
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of civil engineering.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Modern engineering methods as applied to the design, project management and construction of public works, public utilities, transportation and general construction.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Correct English usage, grammar and vocabulary.
• Computer software such as; Excel, Word.
• Technical specialty within engineering discipline appropriate to assignment.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Principles of work direction and guidance of other technical personnel on project teams.
• Computer aided drafting and design software, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Pavement Management Systems (PMS).

ABILITY TO:

• Design and evaluate engineering projects to assure objectives and codes are followed.
• Compile and analyze statistical and technical information, maps, and other pertinent data.
• Perform general computer duties using miscellaneous software such as Excel and Word.
• Meet schedules, commitments and time lines.
• Perform difficult and complex engineering mathematical computations.
• Make verbal presentations and lead technical meetings.
• Plan, organize and lead complex projects involving other technical personnel.
• Interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Maintain records and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships using tact, patience and courtesy with others.
• Effectively lead technical staff members in a team environment.
• Conduct field evaluations to review actual systems.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work primarily in an office environment; however; must be able to work in the field gathering information and reviewing actual systems in all weather conditions and over rough terrain.
May involve entering manholes, sewer lines, and/or lift stations.
May be subject to loud noises, nearby traffic, and/or heavy construction equipment zones.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate office equipment, sitting and operating a keyboard for extended periods of time, hearing and speaking to exchange information. Walking at construction and outdoor sites, kneeling or crouching, bending, and seeing to perform inspections. Seeing to review blueprints, diagrams, maps, etc. Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
HAZARDS:
Working in confined spaces. Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions. Extremely loud noise level and potentially hazardous conditions in construction equipment zones and/or
high traffic areas.
FLSA DESIGNATION:
Exempt, not eligible for overtime.
UNION AFILIATION:
AFSCME-represented
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging 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.