Engineer Jobs in Yakima, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $5,652.40 - $6,787.73 Monthly
Location : Yakima, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Community Development
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.
Overview and Minimum Class Requirements
Are you looking to work in a positive, supportive growth environment? This may be just the change you are looking for!
The City of Yakima's Engineering Division is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals with many cross training and professional development opportunities. We have many exciting projects in a variety of stages of development, including Transit, Parks, Facilities, and other facets of a full-service city. Most of these projects are multi-layered and we are looking for a skilled engineering professional to move ahead! These endeavors with enable you to grow, interact and partner with consultants, state and federal agencies, and community professionals all dedicated to improve our city. Professional training through on-line and in-person courses, opportunities to prepare for PE licensing, and committee and organization memberships are encouraged and supported.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Master's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a related field and one (1) year of civil engineering related experience.
OR
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a related field and two (2) years of civil engineering related experience.
OR
High School Diploma or GED and six (6) years of civil engineering related experience.
Job Summary
Under general direction of the City Engineer, Chief Engineer or designee reviews land use actions and developer projects for compliance with the Yakima Municipal Codes (YMC). Assists in the processing of public information and other development services relative to engineering functions. Performs a variety of professional engineering duties.
Essential Functions
Coordinates with other divisions in the establishment of development standards within the function of the engineering division. Develops and maintains current YMC development standards and policies. Performs lead function in the development review of private project design and construction of public facilities. Provides information to and coordinates with other divisions and departments.
Acts as the point of contact for all development related public improvements and questions regarding those improvements (streets, storm water, water, sewer, other utilities inside and outside the city). Reviews preliminary projects/concepts and assesses probable YMC requirements from Title 8, 12, and 15. Ensures division comments are addressed and applicable fees are paid by the developer, then stamps, signs, and approves the plans.
Acts as the point of contact for the intaking of engineering (ENG), excavation (EXC) and right-of-way (ROW) use permits. Leads and/or assists in the review, processing and issuance of permits.
Coordinates the review, comments and revisions to public improvement civil plans with other City divisions and the engineer of record.
Provides final approval for all development related public improvement civil plans, including associated permit fees.
Works with City of Yakima inspectors throughout construction and obtains all required documents for project completion (Certificate of Completion, record drawings, ect.). Attends meetings and site visits as necessary.
Keeps project files up to date and organized in SmartGov or other online application/software working with Codes, building inspectors, and Planning.
Attends weekly planning meetings with other City divisions. Reviews agenda items, prepares comments prior to each meeting and submits them in SmartGov or other online application/software as applicable.
Works with the Planning Division and developers to obtain final plat approval including project bond development and approval.
Completes Traffic Concurrency (TCO) on required developments when determined by Planning.
Reviews private development right-of-way and easement documents for recording.
Administers the processing of Local Improvement Districts (LID's) from initial contact through preliminary assessment.
May assist the engineering project management staff in the development of City project plans, specifications, and estimates, coordinating maintenance of right-of-way and easement maps of public facilities.
May require travel to a variety of worksite locations and/or to attend off-site meetings.
Keeps any applicable licenses and/or certifications up-to-date and completes mandatory and otherwise assigned trainings as required.
Contributes to the effective administration of City government by fostering an attitude among staff that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
Requires regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge of: federal, state and city laws and ordinances, and City of Yakima policies and procedures; civil engineering principles and practices; law and procedure for developing private projects and local improvement districts; construction methods and materials; contract and property instruments and office management principles.
Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel; report writing tools; professional office procedures and practices; Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc.
Ability to perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze complex and technical documents and to translate analysis into recommendations or reports. Ability to read, research, interpret, apply and explain complex laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Must possess ability to identify and define complex problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to: establish and maintain paper and electronic control systems; review and monitor a project from its inception to construction including: interpreting land and construction survey notes; read, interpret, analyze and explain engineering design/construction plans and specifications; compute survey control, alignments and gravity hydraulic design; coordinates work of subordinate;
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse education and background, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to negotiate and present complex information clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.
Ability to work independently with self-direction; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.
Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team and adhere to the department's values including, but not limited to: customer focused, teamwork, positive communication, and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.
Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is mainly performed in an office environment, while sitting or standing at a desk or computer terminal for long periods of time. May be required to walk or bend for extended periods of time. Work may require occasional travel to a variety of locations and may be exposed to heavy equipment, noise, varying weather conditions including varying temperatures, various types of precipitation, wind, blowing dust, varying/uneven terrain, and/or traffic. Occasional lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds. Continual use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May be exposed to insects, construction debris, smoke, electrical hazards, noxious odors, fumes, or chemicals, solvents, oil, and/or vibrations. May work at heights, in confined spaces or awkward positions, in remote locations or in noisy work area. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
May work with angry, upset or emotionally distressed customers. Will require travel to a variety of locations. May require some evening or weekend work to address workload and when meeting with the public. Will be required to carry a cell phone and respond to technological or operating issues and/or emergency situations outside the normal work schedule, including weekends and holidays.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.
The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Leave accruals:
  1. Vacation - Starting at 7.67 hours/month
  2. Sick - 8 hours/month
  3. Personal holiday - 2 days
  4. Observed holiday - 11 holidays
• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Life Insurance
• Much more!

The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima's Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit.
01
Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you attest you have reviewed the job posting for this position, and acknowledge the salary range is defined as listed on the posting?

• Yes
• No

03
What is your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Technical/Trade Certification
• None of the above

04
What level of education do you possess with focus of engineering, construction management, or a related field?

• None
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

05
How many years of professional civil engineering related experience do you possess?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year and less than 2 years
• At least 2 years and less than 6 years
• At least 6 years

06
If you have the experience above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)
07
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.
Required Question