Job Details

Salary : $7,593.73 - $9,235.20 Monthly
Location : Yakima, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Utility & Engineering
Opening Date: 10/17/2025
Closing Date: 11/7/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: TEAMSTERS

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.
Overview and Minimum Class Requirements
Are you interested in Public Works construction? The Engineering Division is looking for someone that can read plans, specifications, and codes to lead a team of inspectors on a variety of public works projects. Use your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience to ensure quality and compliance as you and your team work with various contractors contributing to the growth and safety of our community.
MINIMUM CLASS REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field PLUS four (4) years increasingly responsible Civil Engineering experience related to design or construction of capital improvement/Public Works projects.

The required Civil Engineering experience must include at least two (2) years of lead/supervisory/project management experience or two (2) years' experience as a Construction Inspector.

Other qualifying experience:

High school diploma or GED and four (4) years' additional Civil Engineering experience may substitute for the Bachelor's Degree. Experience must still include 2 years' lead/supervisory/project management experience or 2 years' experience working as a Construction Inspector.

City of Yakima Construction Inspectors may also qualify with:

Bachelors' Degree and two (2) years' City of Yakima Construction Inspector experience.
OR
Five (5) years' experience as a Construction Inspector with the City of Yakima.
*Title Change from Construction Engineer
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Must possess and maintain a current Washington State Driver's License. Obtain a Basic First Aid/CPR certification within six (6) months of appointment. Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Washington is a plus.
Job Summary
Under general direction of the City Engineer, Chief Engineer, or designee, supervises, assigns and coordinates the inspection of contracted Public Works construction projects and/or private developments requiring construction improvements in City right of way for compliance to plans, specifications and applicable laws. Drives City vehicles. and performs related work as required.
May assist in preparation of division budget and activity reports; project budgets/funding; coordinates with contract personnel; and supervises Construction Inspectors and other subordinate technical personnel as assigned.
This is a professional position requiring considerable contact with a wide range of individuals or groups involved in the maintenance, design, construction, repair, and operation of necessary municipal projects for the safety, efficiency and/or convenience of City residents. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed in relationship to the successful achievement of city goals, objectives and outcomes through observation, performance evaluations, meetings, and reports.

Essential Functions
Supervises the inspection of contracted public and/or private improvement construction projects for compliance with plans, specifications and applicable law.
Supervises and participates in the engineering and construction work of the division; assigns tasks, schedules, and supervises construction inspectors and other assigned subordinate staff; establishes and coordinates construction inspectors/staff work schedules; provides guidance, direction and support to City personnel and stakeholders. Oversees, reviews and assesses work; trains, and develops subordinate staff in City standards and other related work; provides professional leadership, mentoring, and ongoing growth/development opportunities to staff; fairly and objectively evaluates individual performance including, but not limited to, completing employee evaluations in a timely manner and recommending employment or disciplinary action as necessary. Provides guidance to staff in resolving difficult or unusual situations and problems. Responsible for the performance of subordinates; ensures compliance with all applicable laws, state and federal regulations, City ordinances, policies, procedures and sound financial practices.

Reviews construction submittals, materials testing reports and contract documents for compliance with applicable standards; develops quantity and cost estimates.
Keeps the Chief Engineer and Engineering staff advised of critical issues, decisions and actions. Maintains quality customer service relationships with residents, community leaders, businesses and professional groups impacted by, or in contact with, construction projects, actions or personnel. Communicates, coordinates and meets with a variety of city departments, contractors, architects, developers, utility companies and other agencies in formal and informal forums to schedule, facilitate and complete activities, exchange information, and resolve issues, concerns and questions.
May serve as staff representative and liaison with government agencies, residential and professional organizations, and the general public, to provide continuous community involvement and input. May attend hearings, meetings, bid-openings and other activities as a spokesperson for the Engineering Division as designated. May confer with elected officials, other division supervisors, officials of local, state and federal agencies; and respond to resident concerns and complaints. May make presentations to City Council, Hearing Examiner, public agencies and/or civic groups.
Assists in the preparation of the long-range construction projects and/or programs. Writes, edits, reviews and evaluates various reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and may assist with the preparation and completion of the division budget, state and federal grants and other funding matters as necessary. Tracks and records various documents and corresponding information including but not limited to: time, equipment, materials, public meeting attendance, and any other reports reflecting status of projects. May recommend future capital improvements, requisitions, equipment and supplies. Monitors budget expenditures. May be responsible for or assist with identifying and applying for grants and other funding opportunities as necessary. Prepares various reports or documents for management staff and presents to City Council as required.
Acts safely and responsibly when driving and/or operating vehicles and other motorized equipment to perform required duties. Work is performed in a variety of locations in a timely and efficient manner. Legally adheres to all traffic laws and regulations,
Contributes to the effective administration of the Engineering Division and City government by fostering an attitude among staff that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
Requires regular, punctual and reliable attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge of: City/Federal/State ordinances and regulations including but not limited to knowledge of federal, state and local traffic laws, rules and regulations, with ability to drive safely and efficiently, public works construction principles, materials and techniques, materials testing principles and methods, including civil engineering principles and methods; design techniques and methods; laws codes, ordinances and procedures for developing private and public projects and local improvement districts. Knowledge of City of Yakima policies and procedures.
Knowledge of best principles and techniques of supervision and leadership; practices and principles of workflow and systems analysis; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; best principles and practices for project and financial management; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement regarding public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.
Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets/databases/industry applications and software; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel; applicable report writing tools; and office equipment; professional office procedures and practices; and familiarity with computerize municipal budgetary and fiscal management practices to optimize work processes and maintain records. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax/copy machine, telephone etc.
Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to managers, staff, government officials, contractors, public and private interest groups, and members of the public.
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse education and background, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well-developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, including, but not limited to: correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation. Must respond in a diplomatic and confident manner to upset individuals.
Ability to: apply relevant laws, ordinances, codes, standards and specifications to the construction work of the division; establish, facilitate, and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including City Engineering staff, other City employees, consulting engineers, designers, contractors, property owners, utility companies, the general public, and to consistently demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs.
Ability to develop, present and gain acceptance for long-range projects and budgets. Ability to oversee assigned capital projects, including design, implementation, and resource management. Ability to research, locate, or identify resources and funding through federal, state and/or local grants, review/prepare grant proposals, secure funding, allocate resources, and monitor to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
Ability to negotiate, and clearly and concisely present technical and non-technical information in both written and verbal formats to individuals with varying levels of expertise. Must possess the ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups, conduct public meetings, and participate in public forums. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication; facilitate and lead cohesive, positive and highly productive work teams with a customer service focus.
Ability to coach, train, supervise, plan, organize, and direct the work of others; evaluate personnel performance with completion of timely and objective performance evaluations; provide constructive feedback; develop and implement effective and efficient auditing and accountability measures/methods. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction.
Ability to perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, research, interpret, apply, explain and analyze various engineering/construction codes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and other complex documents, and to translate analysis into recommendations or reports. Must possess the ability to identify and define complex problems, establish facts and render a timely, appropriate judgment or decision within broad or specific guidelines.
Must be able to drive legally with precision, speed and safety. Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards; to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns; and to make sound decisions and actions while performing duties and/or operating vehicles.
Ability to work independently with self-direction and/or minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize and assign workloads; manage multiple tasks with appropriate urgency and in compliance with competing deadlines. Maintains high availability and responsiveness during critical incidents or time-sensitive projects. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.
Ability to work cooperatively as a supportive team member and adhere to the department's values including but not limited to: customer-focused teamwork; positive communication; and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.
Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including, but not limited to, City mandatory training requirements.
Ability to work extended hours as needed to meet city or project deadlines, handle urgent issues, and carry out supervisory responsibilities and functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is occasionally performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for periods of time or while standing for a period of time. May need to move about the office to access office machinery, May be required to stand, walk or bend for extended periods of time. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/keyboarding and other fine motor skill manipulation while performing duties and operating on computers. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders and other inclines while maintaining balance and stability. Occasional bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck. Occasional stooping/bending/ kneeling/crawling while performing duties. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/ hearing/seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory to process and recall complex information. Work will require travel to a variety of locations. Frequent driving and may work outside in all weather extremes and be exposed to stinging/biting insects, animals, rodents/vermin, water, pollen, dirt, dust, construction debris and noise, smoke, electrical hazards, noxious odors, fumes, or chemicals, solvents, oil, vibrations, traffic, heavy machinery, needles and/or drug paraphernalia, and rough and uneven terrain. May work at heights, in confined spaces or awkward positions, remote locations or in noisy work area. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Works with members of the public, employees, contractors, government officials and others, some of whom may be emotionally distressed, upset, or angry. Requires routinely driving and traveling to a variety of locations. Occasional extension of the workday to meet deadlines, project goals or attend meetings. Will be required to carry a cell phone or paging device and respond to active construction project issues and/or emergency situations outside the normal work schedule, including weekends and holidays.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 3% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee contribution to Teamsters Pension Plan
• Leave accruals:
  • Vacation - Starting at 8 hours/month
  • Sick - 8 hours/month
  • Personal holiday - 3 days
  • Observed holiday - 11 holidays
• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Longevity pay
• $100,000 Life Insurance
• Much more!

The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima's Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.

This position is covered by Teamsters 760 Public Works Supervisors & Administrative bargaining group.
01

Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Technical/Trade Certification
• None of the above

03

Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience in increasingly responsible Civil Engineering experience related to design or construction of capital improvement/Public Works projects do you possess?

• None
• Less than 4 years
• Between 4 and 8 Years
• At least 8 years

05

How many years of lead/supervisory/project management experience do you possess?

• None
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years or more

06

How many years of experience do you have as a construction inspector?

• None
• Less than 2 years
• Between 2 and 5 years
• 5 years or more

07

If your experience or education meets the minimum requirements listed above, where in the work experience portion of the application is this documented? Enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s).
08

Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.
Required Question