Snohomish County Planning and Development Services
Salary : $110,288.40 - $134,109.96 Annually
Location : Everett, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-02560
Department: Planning and Development
Division: Planning and Dev Svcs Permitting
Opening Date: 07/25/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The mission of the Snohomish County Planning and Development Services (PDS) Department is to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations by promoting protection of natural resources and facilitating the development of safe, sustainable and resilient communities.
Snohomish County Planning and Development Services (PDS) is responsible for reviewing and issuing a wide variety of permits and land use applications, including residential and commercial building permits, boundary line adjustments, subdivisions, driveway aprons to the right-of-way, clearing and grading, public events, firework stands, and others. PDS strives to make the permitting process as painless and as easy to understand as possible.
Job Summary
This position will act as a technical expert for the Traffic and Drainage Team within PDS. This team reviews a variety of development applications including subdivisions, multifamily, townhomes, industrial/commercial and conditional use permits. The Engineer IV will play key role in training and mentoring the other engineers on the team. This position will also be required to conduct peer review of the team's work and perform expert testimony in a quasi-judicial setting (hearings and public meetings).
The Engineer IV position plays a key role in the review and approval of a diverse range of engineering submittals related to land development. You will be exposed to construction engineering, low impact development, geotechnical engineering, stormwater modeling, groundwater hydrology, and traffic engineering.
Not sure you meet the minimum qualifications? Apply and let us decide. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage everyone to apply.
Benefits
Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family and will be invested in your success and growth. We are proud to offer an outstanding benefit package to employees and their dependents. We offer competitive wages, job flexibility and stability, pension opportunities, and employer paid ORCA cards. Snohomish County will be invested in your success and growth and offers the following benefits to our employees. Your salary is only part of your Total Compensation Package:
The work associated with this position can be performed with a hybrid of remote work and in-office work as needed and assigned. For employees who prefer to work in the office full time, that option is available.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop; and when working remotely, must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Snohomish County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. A Snohomish County Telework agreement is required for employees assigned to telework.
Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
About Snohomish County
Snohomish County, , is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities, and a thriving economy. is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.
Snohomish County - The Future We Choose - video
Job Duties
BASIC FUNCTION
The Engineer IV is a Senior Project Manager position responsible for development and design of programmed projects totaling $10 million or more and leads a group of professional employees performing advance engineering assignments requiring the application of engineering principles and methods. Seals all plans developed under his/her direction with professional engineer's stamp.
STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or a related engineering specialty and eight (8) years of professional engineering experience; OR, any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skill and ability to perform the work. Must pass job related tests.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A Professional Engineer's License in civil engineering is required for all positions.
A valid Washington State Driver's License is required.
Additional Information
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
The employee reports to and receives direction from an Engineering Manager. The work requires considerable independent judgment and discretion in developing and achieving work unit goals and objectives. The work is reviewed through meetings and periodic status reports, and by evaluation of results obtained.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The work is performed in an office and field environment with frequent trips to locations throughout the county to make site visits, attend meetings or coordinate work activities. Meetings or project requirements may involve working evenings, weekends or holidays as necessary. Field conditions involve working in and around hazardous sites and construction vehicles.
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.
Visit to learn more about the following benefits.
County Benefits
01
Following are a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your job related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general online application. The employment history and education detailed in your general application must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process.
A resume may be submitted, but it will not substitute for the general online application or supplemental questions; responses such as "see resume" or "see application" may not be considered.
Do you agree to answer each question truthfully and that your responses can be supported by your general application/work history and by your references?
02
Do you have a degree in civil engineering or a related engineering specialty?
03
Do you have any professional engineering experience?
04
Do you have a Professional Engineer's License in civil engineering?
05
Do you have a valid WA State Driver's License?
06
Please note which computer software skills for which you are proficient:
07
Discuss your engineering expertise, especially in traffic, construction, and drainage issues. Describe in detail your experience and training in reviewing or designing storm drainage, grading, roadways, traffic, structures, geotechnical, hydrogeological, and storm water pollution prevention plans, and low impact development BMPs. Also give an example of a related project and your involvement. (30 points)
08
Describe in detail your experience and skills in (a) interpreting codes/regulations and policies; (b) technical writing for diverse audiences; and (c) presenting technical and policy issues to county officials, management, and the public. Give specific examples of each. (10 points)
09
Each time we interact with an individual, answer the telephone, send an e-mail, write a letter, or attend a meeting, we are making an impression on our customers - whether they are citizens, visitors, people working in Snohomish County, people working with our staff on a project, or even county employees. Describe a specific and recent example of a time when you provided great customer service or went out of your way to help an internal or external customer. (5 points)
10
The Engineer IV position plays a lead role on the engineering team. Describe your experience monitoring the work of other engineers, and providing technical guidance and feedback to ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness across the team. What challenges have you faced in this role and what strategies have you used to foster a healthy team environment? (15 pts.)
Required Question
Location : Everett, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-02560
Department: Planning and Development
Division: Planning and Dev Svcs Permitting
Opening Date: 07/25/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The mission of the Snohomish County Planning and Development Services (PDS) Department is to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations by promoting protection of natural resources and facilitating the development of safe, sustainable and resilient communities.
Snohomish County Planning and Development Services (PDS) is responsible for reviewing and issuing a wide variety of permits and land use applications, including residential and commercial building permits, boundary line adjustments, subdivisions, driveway aprons to the right-of-way, clearing and grading, public events, firework stands, and others. PDS strives to make the permitting process as painless and as easy to understand as possible.
Job Summary
This position will act as a technical expert for the Traffic and Drainage Team within PDS. This team reviews a variety of development applications including subdivisions, multifamily, townhomes, industrial/commercial and conditional use permits. The Engineer IV will play key role in training and mentoring the other engineers on the team. This position will also be required to conduct peer review of the team's work and perform expert testimony in a quasi-judicial setting (hearings and public meetings).
The Engineer IV position plays a key role in the review and approval of a diverse range of engineering submittals related to land development. You will be exposed to construction engineering, low impact development, geotechnical engineering, stormwater modeling, groundwater hydrology, and traffic engineering.
Not sure you meet the minimum qualifications? Apply and let us decide. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage everyone to apply.
Benefits
Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family and will be invested in your success and growth. We are proud to offer an outstanding benefit package to employees and their dependents. We offer competitive wages, job flexibility and stability, pension opportunities, and employer paid ORCA cards. Snohomish County will be invested in your success and growth and offers the following benefits to our employees. Your salary is only part of your Total Compensation Package:
- : County employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
- benefits: The County offers a choice of three comprehensive medical insurance plans with low deductibles. The county's contribution to this benefit is significant.
- Flexible work schedules for some positions.
- Career development training.
- Sick leave: You will accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.
- Vacation Leave: You will start out accruing 8 hours of vacation leave per month totaling 2.4 weeks of vacation in your first year. Your leave accruals increase based on your years of employment with the County.
- Holiday Pay: The County observes 11 paid legal holidays per year and provides employees with two floating holidays annually.
- Benefits: The County offers a wide range of benefits including medical and dental, vision, life insurance, Long Term Disability, deferred compensation and more.
- : If you choose to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), the County will match your contributions up to 1 percent of your base monthly salary.
- Pay Increases: Each year you will be eligible for a step increase until you reach the top step.
- Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): County employees typically receive yearly cost of living adjustments.
The work associated with this position can be performed with a hybrid of remote work and in-office work as needed and assigned. For employees who prefer to work in the office full time, that option is available.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop; and when working remotely, must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Snohomish County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. A Snohomish County Telework agreement is required for employees assigned to telework.
Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
About Snohomish County
Snohomish County, , is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities, and a thriving economy. is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.
Snohomish County - The Future We Choose - video
Job Duties
BASIC FUNCTION
The Engineer IV is a Senior Project Manager position responsible for development and design of programmed projects totaling $10 million or more and leads a group of professional employees performing advance engineering assignments requiring the application of engineering principles and methods. Seals all plans developed under his/her direction with professional engineer's stamp.
STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
- Plans and coordinates all engineering operations related to complex engineering projects.
- Acts as a division resource in resolving complex engineering problems relating to design, land development, traffic operations and right of way use and acquisition.
- Assigns, evaluates and leads the work of four (4) or more subordinate employees as required; advises, assists and trains subordinates as necessary; participates in the selection of new employees, and may perform periodic performance evaluations.
- Directs the preparation of comprehensive engineering studies and databases in order to compile, cross-index and analyze information for engineering planning and decision making.
- Resolves design and funding problems on county projects under construction to ensure that the completed project operates as intended and preserves the public health and safety.
- Prepares and manages the preparation of project plans, specifications, estimates and construction documents to assure that assigned projects are completed on schedule and within an acceptable budget.
- Coordinates operations with resource groups, other county departments and programs, outside agencies, citizen groups and the general public as necessary; provides technical assistance to other county departments as required.
- Reviews and approves plans and contract documents before they are used in the public bidding process for county construction projects, includes stamping plans and specifications with Professional Engineering License.
- Works with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office to resolve engineering related legal issues and acts as an expert witness on engineering aspects of design and right-of-way use/acquisition and land development for assigned public works projects.
- Prepares reports and recommendations to the County Council, various community groups and outside agencies as necessary; may conduct or participate in public hearings to explain program plans and solicit public input.
- Prepares Federal and State funding applications, prospectus packages, council approval motions, permits and jurisdictional agreements and other documents to support funding of design and construction projects on the County ACP and Six Year TIP.
- Responds to inquiries from the public regarding specific problems or issues in area of assignment.
- Prepares regular project status reports and task assignments status reports.
- Selecting and managing of engineering consultants to provide necessary project services for the department when the expertise or resources are not available.
- Coordinates with other County agencies, governmental agencies; municipalities, citizen groups, developers, and utilities to achieve project goals and presents comments on behalf of the Public Works department.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or a related engineering specialty and eight (8) years of professional engineering experience; OR, any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skill and ability to perform the work. Must pass job related tests.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A Professional Engineer's License in civil engineering is required for all positions.
A valid Washington State Driver's License is required.
Additional Information
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- civil engineering standards, principles and practices with special reference to the functional area
- methods and techniques related to the planning, design, construction and maintenance of public works facilities
- federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations related to the area of assignment
- the principles and practices of planning, scheduling and budgeting
- methods to conduct comprehensive engineering studies and data analysis
- the literature, trends and developments in the area of specialty
- manage multiple projects and activities
- design construction projects by preparing contract plans and specifications and developing estimates
- direct and evaluate the work of subordinate employees
- develop project specific work plans, schedules and budgets
- propose solutions to complex problems utilizing professional knowledge, research and other outside resources
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, associates, subordinates, representatives of other agencies, and with the general public
- communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare a variety of correspondence, reports and other written materials and documents
- exercise excellent interpersonal communication skills, conflict resolution and negotiation skills; walk and climb on construction sites
The employee reports to and receives direction from an Engineering Manager. The work requires considerable independent judgment and discretion in developing and achieving work unit goals and objectives. The work is reviewed through meetings and periodic status reports, and by evaluation of results obtained.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The work is performed in an office and field environment with frequent trips to locations throughout the county to make site visits, attend meetings or coordinate work activities. Meetings or project requirements may involve working evenings, weekends or holidays as necessary. Field conditions involve working in and around hazardous sites and construction vehicles.
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.
Visit to learn more about the following benefits.
County Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Retirement
- Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Long Term Disability (LTD)
- Commuting Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program
- Leave & Holidays
- Deferred Compensation 457(b)
- Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
- Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Supplemental Individual Insurance Policies
- Regular full-time employees: If you work 35 or more hours per week, you will pay these for medical insurance. The County pays the for vision, dental, and basic life insurance.
- Regular part-time employees: If you work between 20 and 34 hours per week, you will pay for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The County's contribution toward the premium for an employee in a regular part-time appointment will be pro-rated in an amount equal to the F.T.E. percentage the employee is assigned.
01
Following are a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your job related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general online application. The employment history and education detailed in your general application must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process.
A resume may be submitted, but it will not substitute for the general online application or supplemental questions; responses such as "see resume" or "see application" may not be considered.
Do you agree to answer each question truthfully and that your responses can be supported by your general application/work history and by your references?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a degree in civil engineering or a related engineering specialty?
- No Degree
- Degree, but not in related field
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctorate
03
Do you have any professional engineering experience?
- 0 to less than 4 years of experience
- 4 to less than 6 years of experience
- 6 to less than 8 years of experience
- 8 or more years of experience
04
Do you have a Professional Engineer's License in civil engineering?
- Yes
- No
- No, but I can obtain before employment
05
Do you have a valid WA State Driver's License?
- Yes
- No
- No, but I can obtain before employment
06
Please note which computer software skills for which you are proficient:
- Microsoft Office (WORD, Outlook, Excel)
- Permit tracking or other databases
- Bluebeam
- Hydrologic programs
- Other engineering software
07
Discuss your engineering expertise, especially in traffic, construction, and drainage issues. Describe in detail your experience and training in reviewing or designing storm drainage, grading, roadways, traffic, structures, geotechnical, hydrogeological, and storm water pollution prevention plans, and low impact development BMPs. Also give an example of a related project and your involvement. (30 points)
08
Describe in detail your experience and skills in (a) interpreting codes/regulations and policies; (b) technical writing for diverse audiences; and (c) presenting technical and policy issues to county officials, management, and the public. Give specific examples of each. (10 points)
09
Each time we interact with an individual, answer the telephone, send an e-mail, write a letter, or attend a meeting, we are making an impression on our customers - whether they are citizens, visitors, people working in Snohomish County, people working with our staff on a project, or even county employees. Describe a specific and recent example of a time when you provided great customer service or went out of your way to help an internal or external customer. (5 points)
10
The Engineer IV position plays a lead role on the engineering team. Describe your experience monitoring the work of other engineers, and providing technical guidance and feedback to ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness across the team. What challenges have you faced in this role and what strategies have you used to foster a healthy team environment? (15 pts.)
Required Question