Civil Engineering Spec, Associate

Full Job Description

Are you interested in applying your technical and customer service skills in a fast-paced environment that supports providing water, drainage and wastewater service to Seattle Public Utilities customers?

If so, Seattle Public Utilities is presently recruiting multiple Associate, Civil Engineering Specialist positions for SPU’s Development Services Office (DSO).

These positions will apply City policies and processes to determine water, drainage and wastewater availability, as well as system improvement requirements for customers requesting new utility services or connections.

This team is also responsible for issuing Water, Drainage, and Wastewater Availability Certificates (WACs), which are integral to the issuance of building permits supporting new commercial and residential development within SPU service area.

These positions are a part of the DSO Project Requirements Team and will report to the DSO Project Requirements Manager.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost.

SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean.

Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity.

We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join us?

We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Requirements

• Process and review Water, Drainage, and Wastewater Availability Certificates (WACs) for new utility services and to determine infrastructure availability. Ensure accurate data entry in SPU systems and coordinate with engineering and planning teams to verify policy compliance.
• Identify and resolve site-specific technical issues by consulting with SPU’s subject matter experts. Assess system capacity, document findings, and record required system modifications or improvements.
• Prepare draft and final response letters for customer determination requests (appeals) related to utility system requirements, ensuring technical accuracy and alignment with SPU policy. Maintain organized records for audit and compliance purposes.
• Respond to technical and general utility service inquiries in both written and verbal form, maintaining high customer service standards.
• Communicate water, drainage, and wastewater service requirements clearly and professionally to internal and external customers.
• Interpret, apply and communicate the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC), SPU Director’s Rules, departmental policies, practices, and procedures to a variety of audiences.
• Manage and resolve escalated and/or sensitive customer issues in a timely manner.
• Represent SPU at customer and project meetings, both virtual and in person.
• Prepare GIS maps, technical drawings, and supporting documentation for Water, Drainage, and Wastewater Availability Certificates and utility service contracts.

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.

Qualifications

Experience: Two years of Civil Engineering experience.

Education: An Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or two years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology.

Experience/Education Equivalency: A combination of education/experience/training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.

License, Certification and Other Requirements:

• Current Washington State driver's license

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Most work takes place in an office setting, but occasional field visits to residences, businesses, new development projects and other job site locations may be required.

The ideal candidate may possess:

• Two (2) or more years of customer service experience, including technical and policy communication via phone, email, or in person
• Proven ability to communicate professionally and work effectively within a multi-cultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.
• Experience working in a team environment, demonstrating a strong ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across different departments and workgroups.
• Ability to clearly interpret and apply SPU’s policies, processes and other technical information to customers and other work groups.
• Prior experience with reviewing utility site plans.
• Demonstrated ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Be a proactive team player who enjoys partnering with others to streamline workflows and drive process improvements.
• Proficient in utilizing Microsoft Office programs and possess an aptitude for learning new computer systems and applications quickly.
• Proficiency in using GIS software to create maps and perform data analysis.
• Ability to work within the organizational framework of SPU Workplace Expectations including our values on Safety, Respect, Diversity, Trust, Humor, Productivity, Integrity, Innovation

Additional Information

Application Requirement(s): A full City of Seattle online application including resume, cover letter and supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration. Your cover letter should address your knowledge and experience related to the position.

Pre-Employment/Pre-Placement Requirements:

• SPU’s safety program requires a pre-employment medical assessment as a condition of employment in this position.

Workplace Environment/Telework Expectations:

• This position requires 3 days of office and general working hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
• Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is $53.60 - $62.40 per hour.

Benefits: 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 City's website at:
https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.

This position is open to all qualified 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.

If you have any questions, please contact Uma Suseelan at Uma.Suseelan@seattle.gov
Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/