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State Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Assistant City Engineer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$40.92 - $52.17/hr

Assists in enforcing applicable state and local law requirements for all construction and permitting within the public right-of-ways owned by the City of Paducah. * Assists the City Engineer in the ...

Civil Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site +1

$50K - $160K/yr

This position MAY require a valid state driver's license. * This position MAY require a Professional Engineer (PE) License. * Position MAY be designated Mission Essential in accordance with DoDI 3020 ...

G. Reynolds Watkins to provide engineering services to federal, state, municipal, and private industry clients. Since that time, GRW has grown to become a national design firm with offices in ...

Civil Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience communicating and working with local, state, and federal agency staff. Education and Experience * Bachelor's degree in civil engineering. * PE license * At least 5 years of relevant ...

Engineer

Henderson, KY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Must obtain a Professional Engineer in the State of Kentucky within 4 years of appointment ... PERFORMANCE APTITUDES Data Utilization: Requires the ability to coordinate, manage, and/or ...

Engineer

Henderson, KY

$70K - $80K/yr

ENGINEER PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION The purpose of this classification is to provide technical ... Reviews and interprets state and federal regulations and ensures compliance. Provides technical ...

$253 - $380/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborating with other ML teams, systems engineering, and product management, State Estimation builds advanced models that blend the best of the research literature with the needs of industry to ...

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Showing results 41-60

State Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$33.9K

$88.4K

$119.4K

How much do state engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for state engineer in Kentucky is $88,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $101,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a state engineer do?

A State Engineer is a government official responsible for overseeing water resources management, including the allocation and regulation of water rights within a state. They ensure that water use complies with state laws and policies, conduct hydrological studies, and may supervise dam and reservoir operations. State Engineers also issue permits, resolve disputes over water use, and help develop long-term water planning strategies. Their work plays a crucial role in balancing the needs of agriculture, industry, municipalities, and environmental protection.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a state engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a State Engineer, you need a strong background in civil or environmental engineering, typically supported by a Professional Engineer (PE) license and several years of relevant experience. Familiarity with GIS software, water resource management systems, and regulatory compliance tools is commonly required. Leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating complex projects and engaging with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualities ensure the successful oversight of public infrastructure, environmental protection, and regulatory adherence at the state level.

How does a state engineer typically collaborate with government agencies and private stakeholders on large-scale infrastructure projects?

A State Engineer often serves as a key liaison between government agencies, private contractors, and the public on major infrastructure projects such as water resource management, transportation, and public works. Collaboration usually involves coordinating project planning, ensuring regulatory compliance, and facilitating communication among all parties to address technical, legal, and environmental concerns. State Engineers regularly attend interagency meetings, review project proposals, and provide expert guidance to ensure projects meet state standards and timelines. This collaborative environment helps ensure that infrastructure projects are completed efficiently, safely, and with stakeholder input.

What is the difference between State Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectState EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a professional engineering license and state-specific certificationsRequires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering; licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) often preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in government agencies, overseeing public infrastructure projectsWorks in consulting firms, construction sites, or government agencies on various infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies at state level, public infrastructure projectsPrivate firms, consulting companies, government agencies in construction and design

While both roles involve infrastructure and engineering expertise, a State Engineer typically works within government agencies managing public projects and requires specific state certifications. Civil Engineers have broader roles in designing and constructing infrastructure across various sectors, often with licensure as a Professional Engineer. The roles overlap in skills and credentials but differ mainly in scope and employment setting.

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for State Engineer jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most State Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various State Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,375 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Assistant City Engineer

City of Paducah, KY

Paducah, KY • On-site

$40.92 - $52.17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under administrative direction, assists the City Engineer in planning and directing activities of the City Engineering Department as outlined in the City of Paducah's Code of Ordinances; provides field coordination and construction monitoring; prepares and maintains city environmental compliance requirements (Phase II sMS4); oversees design and construction of City's capital improvement programs and public works projects; assist with the preparation of annual operating budget and controlling department expenditures; and oversees the City's pavement management program
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES:
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive City right-of-way maintenance portfolio, identifying the needs of right-of-way improvements, and initiating projects to address right-of-way needs.
  • Monitor subdivision regulations and completion requirements of various steps needed in order to accept new subdivision improvements within the City of Paducah's infrastructure system. Coordinate bonding from other forms of surety for improvements.
  • Prepare and/or update, upon review and approval by Corporation Counsel, City Ordinances, City policy and procedures, legal documents, encroachments, easements, property acquisitions, etc.
  • Inform consulting engineers, attorneys, surveyors, and citizens of the city's ordinances, policies, and procedures related to the Engineering and Public Works Department.
  • The primary charge of KPDES Phase II sMS4 stormwater requirements for the City of Paducah.
  • The primary charge for technical review of construction and surveying documents submitted to the Engineering Department for comment, approval, and/or disapproval.
  • Responds to citizen concerns concerning drainage and/or right-of-way issues.
  • Assists in planning, permitting, construction observation, and directing activities of the Engineering Department.
  • Assists in preparing annual capital improvement program, establishing goals and objectives for all divisions of the Engineering Department; preparing annual operating budget and controlling expenditures, etc.
  • Assists in conducting in-depth research and preparing reports and studies; prepares contract forms, construction specifications, and other related documentation utilized in contract proposals.
  • Assists in administering capital improvement contracts (e.g., ensures contractors and subcontractors comply with requirements, approves progress payments, recommends release of bonds after successful completion of project, etc.)
  • Assists in overseeing and participating in the design of public works construction and maintenance projects;
  • Assists in monitoring and participating in construction inspection of all public right-of-ways, public works projects, new subdivisions, etc.
  • Assists in enforcing applicable state and local law requirements for all construction and permitting within the public right-of-ways owned by the City of Paducah.
  • Assists the City Engineer in the administration of regulating activities within the floodplain in accordance with NFIP regulations
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the City Engineer.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with four (4) years experience in planning and directing aspects of an engineering program.
  • Experience or knowledge of federal, state, and local government administrative procedures related to construction procurement.
  • Applicant must have an advanced understanding of drawings and written specifications.
  • Valid Professional Engineering Registration with the Commonwealth of Kentucky State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is preferred.
  • Candidates having a B.S., Civil Engineering degree from an engineering program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology or any engineering program deemed equivalent by the Kentucky State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors and having passed the Engineering Fundamentals Exam with comparable experience will be considered.
  • Advanced knowledge of computer word processing, spreadsheets, and computer graphics software packages is required.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication with co-workers and the public is essential.
  • Valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to tolerate various temperatures and climates for prolonged periods, operate a computer keyboard, and internal radio system, personally observe all infrastructure systems for diagnosis, and pass a pulmonary function test while maintaining an acceptable respiratory condition suitable for confined space entry and personal respiratory devices. Maintain a minimum lifting capacity of 30 lb. Must maintain the physical requirements to successfully pass the Essential Job Function Test as required for the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of principles and practices of Civil Engineering; city government structure and process; design and construction standards and methods; codes, ordinances, and regulations governing public works projects; management principles and practices; budgeting; advanced mathematics; and safety practices and procedures. Ability to direct and coordinate engineering activities; exercise independent judgment; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; analyze a situation and determine appropriate action; develop and maintain effective working relationships; interpret plans and specifications, plats, and legal descriptions; monitor expenditures; prepare and maintain accurate documentation; evaluate cost/benefit factor; and inspect and evaluate for compliance with established standards. Skill in the use of surveying instruments and equipment; advanced knowledge of and use of computer-aided design and drafting; ArcGIS software; word processing; spreadsheets; data basis and other associated computer skills.
Salary Description
$40.92 - $52.17 Hourly/$85,112 - $108,518 Annually