Senior Claims & Litigation Investigator (Senior Civil Engineering Specialist)

Join us in shaping Seattles streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) we dont just move peoplewe connect communities build safer streets and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future were tackling big challenges: making travel safer cutting carbon emissions and ensuring reliable affordable transportation for everyoneno matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast and were growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024 were building sidewalks fixing bridges and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

Were a team of problem solvers planners engineers communicators and field crewsbringing purpose-driven work to life. Now we need passionate innovative talent like you. Lets build a Seattle that works for everyonetogether!

SDOT has an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and detail-oriented Senior Claims Investigator (Senior Civil Engineering Specialist)on our Legal Affairsteam within the Finance and Administration Division. This key team member will support departmental claim investigations and respond to claims for damages or litigation filed against the City of Seattle. This includes producing reports providing documents related to infrastructure conditions and activities testifying regarding investigative findings and departmental policies and most importantly identifying and promoting risk management and loss prevention measures to protect the public from harm.

• Performs site visits to assess and document conditions and causes that result in the filing of claims and litigation against the City of Seattle.
• Researches and interprets department-wide physical and electronic records including work orders service requests past claim investigations maps permits design drawings etc.
• Solicits field operations records input and site assessments from other SDOT staff.
• Advises department asset owners on work order requests and instructions for crews to implement corrective actions.
• Composes clear comprehensive and consistent investigation response reports and documentation.
• Provides responses and data to the Legal Affairs Advisor for the Citys Risk Management Office in a timely manner.
• Responds to requests for information from other SDOT staff and risk management staff in other City departments such as the City Attorneys Office.
• Provides litigation testimony on behalf of SDOT and the City of Seattle.
• Drafts and edits responses to interrogatories and prepares documents for production for the City Attorneys Office on behalf of the department.
• Supports department goals in promoting diversity equity and social justice.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:

• Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology ortwo (2) years of college-level coursework in engineering and construction technology.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of experience in civil engineering or construction technology.

OR:An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

Though not requirements strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:

• Knowledge of tort law.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in using Word Access Excel PowerPoint SharePoint and other analytical software.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a high level of customer service skills.
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently while keeping supervisor informed of progress and issues.
• Attention to detail organization and the ability to actively manage multiple processes.
• Ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Other Requirements:
Work Environment / PhysicalDemands:

• Work is typically performed in a hybrid work environment in which a minimum of 3 days of work is completed in a City office and 2 days of work is completed remotely in a regular 40-hour work week.
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather traffic hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
• May be required to stand walk or bend for extended periods of time.

License:

• Current Washington State drivers license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Supplemental questionnaire responses
3. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
4. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process including a potential background check.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Citys full salary range for this position is $62.79 - $70.35 hourly.

For more information regarding this recruitment please contact: Ryan Jonesat .

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation holiday and sick leave as well as medical dental vision life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at: May Apply:This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race color creed national origin ancestry sex marital status disability religious or political affiliation age sexual orientation or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply including people of color immigrants refugees women LGBTQ people people with disabilities veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.