Fresh Listing

Posted: March 20, 2026 (4 days ago)

Added to FreshGovJobs: March 25, 2026 (0 days ago)

Posted recently. We are still expanding our coverage, so we added it a bit late. Still worth applying!

Temporary Construction Engineering Work Experience for Aspiring Civil Engineers

Pierce County

Planning and Public Works

Fresh

Location

Salary

$30.30 - $30.30

per hour

Closes

April 4, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This temporary job offers hands-on experience for aspiring civil engineers by assisting with construction inspections across Pierce County, including site visits, measurements, and testing materials like concrete and asphalt.

You'll work under supervision but handle some tasks independently, learning to read plans and document findings in various weather conditions.

It's ideal for motivated students or recent graduates in engineering or construction who are detail-oriented, physically fit, and eager to build practical skills in a supportive government environment.

Key Requirements

  • At least one year of college or post-high school technical training in construction or engineering
  • Ability to read and understand engineering plans, specifications, and department policies
  • Proficiency in making field measurements and performing calculations using computers or calculators
  • Strong written documentation skills for accurate record-keeping
  • Safe driving record, as daily use of county vehicles is required
  • Physical fitness to perform outdoor work in all weather conditions, including lifting and site visits
  • Successful completion of a background check

Full Job Description

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This work project will run from 1 May to 30 September.

Requirements

Why It's a Great Opportunity: In this position you will assist Construction Inspectors performing site visits for various construction projects throughout the County.

You will be making documentations and various field measurements and calculations while learning from plans and the importance of recording inspection data and other technical procedures used daily by Construction Inspectors.

The person hired for this position will be supervised but work independently at times testing concrete, aggregate, and Hot Mix Asphalt using a Nuclear Density Gauge.

As an extra hire worker, regular scheduled work is Monday – Friday. Schedules may shift due to contract requirements, and work may include weekends or overnight hours.

You can count on Pierce County to provide PPE, tools, and a safe place to work. You will work out of the Tacoma area to various places in Pierce County.

Why It's a Great Department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies.

PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community.

The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

How to be Successful in the Role: We are looking for people who show up on time, care about the quality of the work you do, like to learn, grow their skills, love a challenge, and have great attention to detail in everything you do.

This is a physical job in all kinds of weather, so it takes strength and commitment to be successful.

This position requires daily driving of a Pierce County vehicle therefore a SAFE driving record is a must. Your Future in this Role: Pierce County cares about your career and personal development.

Your time with us will introduce you to the core work and core values that keeps our communities vibrant and safe.

You will quickly see this is a place with a variety of paths for a future career with Pierce County. Core Daily Responsibilities:

  • Read, understand or have the ability to learn and read engineering plans and specifications and to become familiar with engineering standards and department policies.
  • Understand and execute moderately complex oral and written instructions.
  • Make field measurements and complete calculations using computers or calculators.
  • Ability to document in writing clearly and accurately.
  • File plans and other materials alphabetically, numerically or by other predetermined classifications.
  • Read and understand engineering plans and specifications and to become familiar with engineering standards and department policies.
  • Understand and execute moderately complex oral and written instructions.
  • Make field measurements and complete calculations using computers or calculators.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Qualifications

  • 1 year of college or post high school technical training towards construction or engineering and two or more years of progressively responsible related experience.
  • Possess a valid Driver’s License.

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

  • Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
  • If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
  • If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
  • Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date.

Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step.

We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career.

We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.

Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?

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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/20/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/25/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-piercecountywa-5277878