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Temporary Civil Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Temporary Civil Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$43.2K

$94.1K

$140K

How much do temporary civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary civil engineer in Seattle, WA is $94,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $112,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary civil engineer?

Temporary civil engineers are professionals hired on a short-term basis to work on civil engineering projects, such as construction, infrastructure, or public works. Their contracts typically last for the duration of a specific project or a set period, filling gaps in staffing or providing specialized expertise. Temporary civil engineers perform duties similar to permanent staff, including designing, planning, and overseeing construction activities, but their employment is limited in scope and time. This arrangement allows companies to efficiently manage workloads and project demands without committing to long-term employment.

What does a temporary civil engineer do?

As a temporary civil engineer, you complete all of the responsibilities of a civil engineer, except you are under contract for an individual project. Your duties may involve designing or evaluating a building plan, supervising construction, providing maintenance for infrastructure systems, obtaining permits, identifying cost estimates, using design software, and analyzing data before and during the building process. You may also conduct fieldwork to inspect concerns and recommend plan revisions to supervisors. You can work for private or public businesses and companies, or perform freelance services. Some industries you may work in include construction, structural, geotechnical, and transportation engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary civil engineer?

To thrive as a Temporary Civil Engineer, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and often a professional engineering (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and project management tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and adaptability are important soft skills for working within project teams and adjusting to new environments. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring project quality, safety, and timely completion in short-term or contract-based roles.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary civil engineers, and how can they effectively integrate into new project teams?

Temporary civil engineers often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new project environments and team dynamics. Since assignments can vary in duration and scope, it's important to rapidly familiarize yourself with project documentation, site requirements, and company protocols. Building strong communication with permanent staff and proactively seeking clarification on expectations helps ensure seamless collaboration. Demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to learn can also foster trust and make the transition smoother.

What is the difference between Temporary Civil Engineer vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectTemporary Civil EngineerCivil Engineering Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering; may require engineering licenseAssociate's degree or diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, engineering firms, project managementDesign offices, construction sites, field surveys
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by engineering firms and construction companies for project-based rolesEmployed by engineering firms, government agencies, and contractors for technical support

The main difference is that Temporary Civil Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and may be licensed, focusing on project management and design, while Civil Engineering Technicians usually have an associate degree and support engineering projects through technical tasks. Both roles are essential in construction and engineering projects but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

Can you work remotely as a temporary civil engineer?

Temporary civil engineers typically work on-site at construction sites, project locations, or engineering offices, but some roles may offer remote or hybrid work options depending on the employer and project requirements. Remote work is less common due to the hands-on nature of civil engineering tasks, site inspections, and collaboration with field teams, but certain design or planning tasks can sometimes be performed remotely with appropriate software tools. Certifications and experience in project management or design software can facilitate remote work opportunities in this field.
More about Temporary Civil Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Civil Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Temporary Civil Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Civil Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Civil Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Temporary Civil Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Temporary Civil Engineer job openings:

Temporary Civil Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Civil Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,085 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Civil Engineer 1 Temporary Hire

Pierce County, WA

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$45.55/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Salary: $45.55 Hourly
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Extra Hire
Job Number: 26--00870
Department: Planning and Public Works
Division: PPW Surface Water Management
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Summary
Why it's a great opportunity: In this intensive temporary position with the Water Quality Division, you will be conducting engineering calculation and modeling of regional pond capacity and assisting in the development of regional pond policy through your work. You will also assist with the creation of a user-friendly technical guide for our 1300-page Stormwater Management and Site Development Manual. You will conduct engineering calculations that support guidance and translate complex engineering requirements into practical guidance documents, modeling guidance and step by step resources for homeowners, contractors, engineers, and others to create easier and more efficient processes and support stormwater compliance. Your efforts will help to streamline the County's stormwater permitting processes for future developments in Pierce County.
Why it's a great department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW's team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!
How to be successful in the role: Your success will come from translating complex engineering and regulatory requirements into clear and practical guidance for a highly diverse group. Bring your understanding and ability to demonstrate proficiency in hydrologic modeling including Western Washington Hydrology Model to the work. Your ability to problem solve and describe complex processes simply and communicate technical concepts in plain language will support your success. You should be self-motivated, goal focused, with a collaborative growth mindset that enjoys focusing on developing tools and processes to improve programs.
Your future in this role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.
Core daily responsibilities:
  • Performs layout, drafting and design work on a variety of routine civil engineering projects utilizing computer programs. Depending on program to which assigned, may design or review roads, bridges, structures, traffic control devices; flood control structures; aviation and maintenance facilities; stormwater collection and disposal systems; wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems; water treatment and distribution systems; and/or other infrastructure.
  • Reviews proposed development projects for compliance with county ordinances, state and federal statutes and regulations, adopted standards, and county policy and meets with project applicants to resolve questions and compliance issues.
  • Prepares information to support public meetings, hearings, boards, commissions, or elected officials
  • Inspects and evaluates assets for compliance with established inspection programs and prepares appropriate reports; calculates and verifies pay quantities for contracted services
  • Designs and/or prepares contract plans for capital improvement projects. Prepares and reviews comprehensive engineering plans, reports, studies and related documents.
  • Maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and assigned worksite.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Registration as an Engineer-in-Training or a bachelor's degree from an ABET accredited program in civil engineering or closely related field may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
  • Four years of progressively responsible, broad-based civil engineering experience is required.
  • A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
  • A valid driver's license is required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity please:
  • Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or visiting www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
  • If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and include the job number and title.
  • Individuals who need accommodation in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Our Recruitment Practices: This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the positionPierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.
During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.
Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.
Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.
Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment: Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.
Guided by the County Executive's Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Our benefits:
Sick Leave
Extra hires are eligible to receive sick leave in accordance with the WA State Minimum Wage Act. Extra hires are not eligible for other County benefits.
Social Security
All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
Pro-tem Judges in District Court, Pro-tem Superior Court Commissioners, Extra Hires with Retirement, and Work Study Students with Retirement are eligible for Retirement and Deferred Compensation and Social Security.
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment may be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.
ORCA Passport Program
Pierce County employees may participate in the County's ORCA (One Regional Card for All) Passport program. The pass will provide you with free transportation on regularly scheduled service on several public transit systems.
To participate once hired the employee will need to contact the Planning and Public Work's Commute team.
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