Senior Site Inspector (Engineer III)

King County   Seattle, WA   Full-time     Engineering
Posted on April 5, 2025
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Salary

$52.24 - $66.21 Hourly

Location

WA 98057-2906, WA

Job Type

Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Job Number

2025VS24347

Department

DLS - Dept. of Local Services

Division

Permitting

Opening Date

04/04/2025

Closing Date

4/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

C1 : PROTEC17-DES, DLS, DNRP

Full- or Part-Time

Full Time

Hours/Week

40 hours/week

Summary



The Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for Senior Site Inspector (Engineer III). This role serves in a lead capacity, providing guidance and training to Site Inspector IIs while performing inspections on complex land use projects. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with county codes, stormwater requirements, and road standards for large-scale developments and infrastructure projects. The position requires extensive inspection experience, independent decision-making, and leadership skills to manage inspection teams and resolve complex site-related issues.

About the Department of Local Services:
King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, and the Road Services and Permitting Divisions. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas.

To learn more about the Permitting Division please visit our website at King County Permits .

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering equity, racial and social justice in every aspect of our work. Our commitment to " True North " values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

Job Duties



Applying equity, racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. As the Senior Site Inspector (Engineer III), you will:
  • Lead and mentor Site Inspector IIs, providing guidance on inspection procedures, technical standards, and regulatory compliance.
  • Assist and collaborate closely with the Development Engineer, regularly coordinating on project inspection assignments, providing status updates, and ensuring alignment with engineering and regulatory requirements.
  • Inspect complex construction projects for conformance with permit conditions, county codes, and engineering standards, with a focus on stormwater mitigation, critical areas, and road construction requirements.
  • Analyze, interpret, and apply relevant federal, state, and local regulations to ensure compliance with land use and environmental protection requirements.
  • Conduct advanced engineering calculations and assess methodologies to support site inspections and compliance determinations.
  • Evaluate field conditions, recommend solutions, and ensure best management practices are implemented for challenging or high-impact projects.
  • Investigate complaints and inquiries related to construction compliance, providing expert technical guidance and resolution strategies.
  • Act as a lead representative for the County in interactions with developers, contractors, property owners, and stakeholders, ensuring professional and effective communication.
  • Support a culture of superior customer service, maintaining transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to project inquiries and public concerns.
  • Work independently in both office and field environments, making high-level engineering decisions and demonstrating sound judgment with minimal supervision.
  • Perform other duties as assigned, including reviewing complex land use plans, participating in policy discussions, and contributing to process improvements.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills



Minimum Qualifications:
  • Six (6) years of experience inspecting site development projects for compliance with standards. Advanced education at the college level in civil engineering or related field can be substituted for up to four (4) years of the required experience with each year of education substituting for one year of required experience.
  • Familiarity of surface water design manuals, road standards, and land development codes as applied in a governmental or regulatory setting.
  • Proven ability to assess complex site conditions, apply relevant codes, and provide engineering solutions to ensure compliance.
  • Advanced skill in reading and interpreting engineering plans, technical reports, specifications, and regulatory documents.
  • Proficiency in engineering software for analyzing development proposals, along with experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to provide technical training, lead meetings, and present findings to stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills, with a demonstrated ability to guide teams and stakeholders toward consensus.
  • Commitment to exceptional customer service, with the ability to balance regulatory enforcement with effective collaboration.
  • Ability to manage multiple high-priority tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, including government agencies, developers, contractors, and the public.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring and training staff in inspection techniques, regulatory interpretation, and technical decision-making.
  • Advanced project management skills, with experience coordinating and overseeing multiple inspections, reviews, or site assessments
  • Extensive experience in local government permit processing, regulations, and land use inspection, with a deep understanding of King County Road Design and Construction Standards, WSDOT Standard Specifications, Low Impact Development (LID) standards, and drainage facility construction. This includes ensuring compliance with stormwater management requirements, road design specifications, and best management practices for sustainable development.
  • Experience with Blue Beam (Revu 2018 extreme) or similar versions.
  • Knowledge of advanced inspection methodologies for complex land use projects, stormwater systems, and large-scale infrastructure developments.
  • Familiarity with GIS mapping and analysis tools to assist in site assessments and compliance determinations.
Requirements:
  • An offer of employment will be contingent on the success of a pre-employment physical examination.
  • Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle throughout the county.
  • Ability to perform field work and negotiate rough terrain in all types of weather.

Supplemental Information



Applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 15-minute phone interview the week of April 28, 2025.

If selected to move forward after the phone interview, you will be invited for a virtual interview the week of May 5, 2025.

This recruitment may be used to fill vacancies for up to 6 months, including career service, short-term temporary (STT), term-limited temporary (TLT) and/or special duty assignment (SDA) opportunities for current King County career service employees who have passed their probationary period.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified applicants. First consideration will be given to current PROTEC17 members in the same classification that are eligible for lateral transfer.

Forms and Materials: A completed King County Application is required. We highly recommend that you also provide a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position.

Selection Process: Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Interviews will be conducted via Teams. Reference checks and file reviews will be conducted.

Work Schedule: The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but may at times require work outside of normal business hours. This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standard Act and is eligible for overtime pay, with prior supervisor approval.

Emergency Designation Status: This position has been designated as:

Non-Mission Critical - Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed, suspended, or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized Mission Critical.

Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather.

Union Membership: PROTEC17




Work Location:
This is a hybrid position. The work associated with this position will be performed by teleworking, field work, onsite work and meetings as needed. The responsibilities of this position may include regular and ongoing in-office work involving in person customer service in accordance with the division's available customer service options.

Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Your primary onsite workspace will be at 919 SW Grady Way, Suite 300, Renton, WA 98057.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our " True North ", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply:
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Vivienne Swai, HR Analyst, by email at vswai@kingcounty.gov , or by phone at 206-477-1538.



King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal holidays
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental,family and medical, and volunteer leaves
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite activity centers
  • Employee Giving Program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.