Civil Engineer I - Plan Reviewer, Surface Water Management

The City of Des Moines is looking for a Civil Engineer I Plan Reviewer.

The ideal candidate will be someone who is a recent Engineer graduate with interest in surface water project/transportation improvements. The primary function of this position is the review and approval of private drainage and/or transportation plans. Must be detailoriented collaborative and an innovative problem solver.

If youre looking to expand your work experience with the opportunity for professional development and growth with an established Engineering team then this is the right opportunity for you! Please see the complete job description below for detailed information regarding this position.

Des Moines Washington is located on the eastern shore of Puget Sound midway between Seattle and Tacoma. It offers waterfront living with convenient access to metropolitan amenitieslocated just five miles south of SeaTac Airport and served by the Sound Transit Link Light Rail. The combination of water flight and light rail intersecting through the city makes the work performed by the Civil Engineer I unique from other cities.

Salary Range:

$98961.36 $120300.48 annually. DOQ

*Salary to be commensurate with the qualifications of the successful candidate.

Competitive Benefits Package: The City of Des Moines offers a competitive and robust benefits package to include:

• Washington state retirement planPERS
• 401(a) tax deferred account and 457 deferred compensation which includes an employer contribution for both accounts
• Forty (40) vacation hours and forty (40) sick leave hours front loaded at time of hire
• Paid vacation and sick leave with up to fourteen (14) paid holidays per year
• Four (4) different medical plan options to choose from
• Employer paid vision and dental plan
• Long term disability life insurance and much more
• HRA and HRAVEBA plans funded with contributions from the City

Closing Date

Open until filled. First review of applications on June 02 2025.

To Apply: Complete the online application at and attach a resume and cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements.

Necessary Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Principles and practices of civil engineering particularly in surface water management as related to engineering design and code compliance. Familiarity with the King County Surface Water Design Manual and WSDOT Design Manual and the application of each.
• State laws and procedures related to public works engineering and construction project administration.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Verbal presentations may be in front of groups or in difficult situations. Must be able to present complex technical data in an understandable manner to a variety of audiences.
• Prioritize organize plan and coordinate the work based on City and Department objectives.
• Maintain accurate and adequate project records.
• Interpret administer and enforce appropriate codes and standards within the context of established policy and applicable law.
• Complete multiple projects with unique and often conflicting time lines.
• Work with the public boards and Council in all situations with courtesy fairness poise and tact.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Be punctual and dependable;
• Be selfdisciplined and selfmotivated with a professional demeanor.
• Physical ability sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position under sometimes adverse field conditions i.e. inclement weather sloped surfaces heights and confined spaces.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Graduation from college or university with a bachelors degree in civil engineering or related field
• NCEES EngineerinTraining Certificate (EIT) preferred.

Special Requirements

• Possession of and the ability to maintain throughout employment a valid Washington State Drivers License with a good driving record.
• Successful completion of a preemployment background and criminal history check.
• Because of the known effects of tobacco use the City of Des Moines does not hire applicants who use tobacco products.

Working Conditions and Physical Abilities

• Environment: Outdoor and indoor work environments; subject to driving a vehicle to conduct work. Outdoor environment can include uneven and unstable walking surfaces tripping hazards and inclement weather conditions. Duties require the willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as assigned; attend evening meetings; travel out of town to attend workshops conferences and seminars.
• Mental Abilities: The position requires continuous decisionmaking interpersonal skills teamwork writing in English understanding reading and speaking English; frequent creativity customer service training/supervising performance of basic math use of discretion presentations/teaching problem analysis mentoring and independent judgment/action; and occasional performance of advanced math and negotiations.
• Physical Abilities: The position requires continuous fingering talking feeling and hearing; frequent standing walking reaching repetitive foot motions sitting bending grasping and handling and repetitive motions with hands and wrists; occasional stooping kneeling and climbing ladders and working at heights on sloped surfaces lifting and/or carrying objects up to 25 pounds pushing and/or pulling objects up to 10 pounds; rare crawling.
• Hazards: Working on or around heavy equipment ladders and scaffolding; exposure to various chemicals fumes odors and gases; tripping hazards from construction site debris and unstable walking surfaces; unrestrained animals; contact with dissatisfied individuals.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• The City of Des Moines is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and all qualified applicants including all ethnic backgrounds and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race sex age color religion national origin marital status sexual orientation veteran status disability status or any other basis prohibited by federal state or local law.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act an employer is obligated to make a reasonable accommodation only to the known limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability. In general it is the responsibility of the applicant or employee with a disability to inform the employer that an accommodation is needed to participate in the application process to perform essential job functions or to receive equal benefits and privileges of employment.

General Information

• The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job classification the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an allinclusive listing of work requirements.
• The physical abilities described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The provisions of this job description do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
• Updated in 2025.