Assistant County Engineer

Job Description

Hiring

Assistant County Engineer

Columbia County Public Works – Dayton, Washington

Salary: $85,051 – $90,251 annually (DOQ)
Position: Full-Time | Exempt
Application Deadline: Initial review begins August 10, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. (Open Until Filled)

Build Your Career Where Engineering Makes a Difference

Columbia County Public Works is seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant County Engineer to help lead the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the County’s transportation infrastructure. This is an outstanding opportunity for a civil engineering professional who enjoys managing diverse public works projects while living in one of Washington’s most scenic rural communities.

Working directly with the Public Works Director/County Engineer, you will provide technical leadership, supervise engineering staff, oversee capital improvement projects, coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies, and serve as the Acting County Engineer during assigned absences.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in planning, designing, and managing transportation infrastructure projects
Supervise engineering and technical staff
Oversee capital improvement projects from design through construction
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local engineering standards
Prepare project plans, specifications, contracts, permits, and bid documents
Coordinate with WSDOT, utilities, railroads, consultants, and regulatory agencies
Pursue grant funding and assist with transportation improvement planning
Perform engineering design, construction inspection, drafting, and surveying
Represent Columbia County on committees and with public stakeholders
Serve as Acting County Engineer when assigned.

Qualified applicants should possess a combination of education and progressively responsible civil engineering experience. Typical qualifications include:

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Surveying, or related field and four years of relevant experience; or
Associate degree with six years of progressively responsible experience; or
High school diploma/GED with eight years of progressively responsible experience; or
An equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience.
Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and hold, or be able to obtain within six months, a Washington State Professional Engineer (PE) license. Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D, transportation engineering, and WSDOT standards is highly desirable.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting salary ranges from $85,051 to $90,251 annually, depending on qualifications.

Columbia County offers an excellent benefits package including:

Medical, health reserve account, health savings account, dental, and vision insurance
Washington State retirement system
Life insurance
Paid vacation
Sick leave
Two floating holidays annually
Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.

Why Columbia County?

Located in the beautiful Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington, Dayton offers an exceptional quality of life with outstanding outdoor recreation, excellent schools, quality healthcare, historic downtown charm, affordable living, and easy access to Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, skiing, cycling, or simply a close-knit community, Columbia County provides the perfect balance between professional opportunity and lifestyle.

How to Apply

Application Packets Available at https://www.columbiaco.com/jobs.aspx.

Submit the following materials:

Columbia County Employment Application
Cover Letter
Resume
Optional supporting materials (references, driving abstract, etc.)
Applications may be mailed, emailed, or hand delivered to:

Columbia County Public Works
P.O. Box 5
415 N. Guernsey Avenue
Dayton, WA 99328

Email: Wg_morgan@columbiacountywa.gov

For questions, contact:

Walter G. Morgan, P.E.
Engineer / Public Works Director
(509) 382-2534

Initial application review begins August 10, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Position remains open until filled.

Columbia County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.