Public Works Director / County Engineer

Job Description

Public Works Director / County Engineer

Garfield County, Washington

Salary: $125,000 – $150,000

Garfield County is located in southeastern Washington, and is bordered by Columbia County, Asotin County, the Snake River and the Oregon state line marks the county’s southern border. Garfield County is home to 2,431 residents and is the least populated county in the state. Pomeroy, the county seat, is home to approximately 1,497 residents and offers the close-knit character of a rural community. Pomeroy is ideally situated between two of the region’s major outdoor recreation areas, the Blue Mountains, approximately 15 miles to the south, and the Snake River, about 15 miles to the north. Garfield County’s rural setting, strong sense of community, and easy access to year-round outdoor recreation make it an inviting place to live, work, and raise a family.

The Garfield County Public Works Department operates with approximately 15 FTEs across Engineering, Road, Planning, Building, and Recycling divisions. Responsibilities include approximately 447 miles of county roads and 34 bridges, transportation planning, engineering and construction projects, solid waste management, permitting, zoning, and planning. Department staff are responsible for coordinating the planning, engineering, design and construction of transportation/infrastructure projects, solid waste management, building permits, and county zoning and planning.

Reporting to the Board of County Commissioners, the Public Works Director / County Engineer is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, planning, coordination, direction, and evaluation of all public works functions. The Director provides fiscal responsibility, leadership, and management for the Public Works Department and oversees a broad range of services and programs, including road construction and maintenance, equipment maintenance, civil engineering, solid waste management, land use planning, GIS services, building inspection activities, transportation planning, and infrastructure projects. Key responsibilities include administering departmental budgets and programs; supervising staff and departmental operations; coordinating with state and federal agencies, county departments, contractors, and the public; and interpreting and applying applicable statutes, regulations, and county policies. The Director exercises considerable judgment and discretion in carrying out these responsibilities and is accountable for the effective leadership, management, administration, and engineering functions of the department, consistent with Board policies and statutory requirements.

Education & Experience: A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. Two (2) years of progressively responsible administrative, engineering or related managerial work experience associated with public works functions at a level equivalent to Assistant Director of Public Works or County Engineer. Must be licensed as a Professional Engineer in Washington State or able to obtain licensure within six (6) months of employment. Leadership experience managing people, projects, budgets, public infrastructure, regulatory requirements, and coordination with elected officials or agencies is preferred.

Benefits include: The best medical insurance available in the state. Dental insurance. Vision insurance. Life insurance. 120 hours of vacation. 96 hours of sick leave. 13 paid holidays. Washington Public Employee Retirement System.

For a complete position profile and to apply online, visit the Prothman Company at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on “Open Recruitments”. For questions, call 206-368-0050. Garfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by October 4, 2026 (open until filled). Applications will be reviewed as submitted.