River and Floodplain Engineer

Summary

Are you ready to become part of a dynamic, diverse, and driven team who step together toward challenges and who strive to continually improve processes and outcomes? We are a well-funded, mission-driven public service agency who work at the interface of risk-reduction/infrastructure-protection and habitat restoration along major rivers throughout King County. As a River and Floodplain Engineer you will have a chance to work on challenging river management and design projects in locations spanning from steep rivers of the Cascade Mountains to tidally influenced lowlands. These projects are a diverse and technically challenging body of work.
In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Engineer II positions throughout the Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) over the next twelve (12) months.

About the Role:
We are seeking to hire two (2) River and Floodplain Engineers (Engineer II) to join a multidisciplinary team working on rivers throughout King County. These positions are both located within the Water & Land Resources Division on the Strike Team. This team is focused on designing and repairing damaged flood risk reduction levees and revetments and supporting the work of the River and Floodplain Management Section.

Both positions provide excellent opportunities to apply engineering skills combined with a love for the environment to support risk reduction and habitat restoration as part of a highly innovative and collaborative team. While participating in multi-disciplinary teams with other engineers, ecologists, geologists, planners and more, you will contribute to a variety of projects including complex levee setbacks, flood protection facility repairs, fish passage improvements, habitat restorations, pump station overhauls and other multi-benefit projects. Your work will include developing design plans, technical specifications and cost estimates, providing construction documentation and oversight, and participating in field investigations and flood emergency response. You will have the opportunity to collaborate and build relationships with your unit and division colleagues, along with other county divisions and departments, regulatory agencies, community organizations, landowners and members of the community.

These positions follow a hybrid work model, blending remote and in-person work.

About the Team:
The Strike Team in the River & Floodplain Management Section supports the capital program of the River and Floodplain Management Program. The team works to reduce flood and channel migration risk and restore habitat along major rivers in King County by leading all aspects of capital projects, being a resource team for the River and Floodplain Management Section and participating in flood emergency response program. These projects make a difference to the people and environment of King County!
The Strike Team is highly collaborative, hardworking, and welcomes diverse perspectives. We are looking for teammates who are ready to learn and contribute as part of a dynamic, innovative, and dedicated group.

The work King County performs along its major rivers is at the forefront of developing and implementing innovative, multi-benefit solutions addressing today's environmental, river management and habitat challenges. The Water & Land Resources Division (WLRD), the parent Division for the River and Floodplain Management Section has a diverse portfolio of environmental and engineering services, including flood risk management, stormwater management, water quality improvement, salmon recovery, fish passage improvement, noxious weed removal, and support to agriculture and forestry in King County. This portfolio puts the WLRD at the center of key initiatives launched by the County Executive, including the Flood Hazard Management Plan, Clean Water Healthy Habitat, Fish Passage Restoration, and the Land Conservation Initiative.

In the wake of historic flooding in December 2025, we have need to advance repairs to numerous flood protection facilities around King County. These positions will immediately make a difference by supporting design and construction of repairs and collaborating as a team member for on-going projects at various stages of design and implementation.
Who Are We?
The Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) is at the forefront of King County’s efforts to protect and restore clean water and healthy habitat and strengthen the resilience of communities, environment, and infrastructure in the face of climate change. We are a dedicated workforce of more than 450 supported by an annual budget of ~$280 million. WLRD has a strong track record of developing innovative strategies to protect working farms and forests, restore habitat, improve water quality, and provide county residents with equitable access to green space. We house the Land Conservation Initiative, which aims to preserve our last, most important lands. Our forestry and agricultural programs help individuals protect their lands and support local food production. We house four salmon recovery forums where we collaborate with scores of partners to plan, design, and build habitat projects. We partner with regional jurisdictions to help residents and businesses reduce the threats posed by production, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. We are the primary service provider to the King County Flood Control District, contributing to flood preparedness and constructing and maintaining facilities that restore rivers and reduce risk. Our one true local service to unincorporated King County is stormwater management, protecting water quality, reducing flooding, and building and maintaining facilities. Finally, we provide regional science and laboratory services to an array of customers, maintaining high-quality data sets used to assess water quality and habitat trends, and provide Best Available Science to inform decision making. In two words, we are a watershed utility.

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a River and Floodplain Engineer , you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .

Apply now for a rewarding career at the Water and Land Resource Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.

Job Duties

What You Will Be Doing:

• Conduct engineering and technical analyses involving open channel hydraulics, floodplain and river conditions, flood and channel migration hazards, and development and assessment of project design elements.
• Prepare plans, specifications, and estimates (costs, quantities, and schedules) for flood hazard management projects, including the development of conceptual designs.
• Perform technical studies and engineering analyses, including preparation of corresponding technical reports.
• Contribute to development, implementation and administration of project scopes-of-work, schedules and budgets, environmental documentation, and contract requirements during all phases of projects.
• Conduct field work including construction oversight and inspection, investigation and engineering assessment of flood protection facilities, field surveys, and spatial data collection.
• Participate in flood warning and emergency response programs and activities, including flood emergency response actions, such as conducting problem site investigations, evaluating debris jams, documenting flood damages to County flood protection facilities.
  

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Qualifications You Bring:

• Bachelor of Science from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, environmental engineering, water resources, or closely related field, and demonstration of increasingly responsible work that is applicable to the primary job functions of this position.
• Demonstrated experience with open channel hydraulic engineering, river mechanics, and/or floodplain management project design and construction management experience and production of river engineering and technical analysis/reports, hydraulic modeling, design plans, specifications, or estimates.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with a diverse, multidisciplinary technical team from different professional backgrounds and participating with perseverance, patience, and levity on high-paced projects with overlapping deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience using AutoDesk Civil 3D as a design tool or in production of design plans.
• Demonstrated understanding of and experience working in situations requiring cross-cultural sensitivity and centering racial equity and social justice principles, and environmental justice.
• Ability to take verbal and written direction to perform tasks independently on assigned projects, while keeping senior and supervisory staff apprised of technical issues and schedule commitments.
• Ability to exercise proper tact and judgment while working remotely in the field and in a virtual office environment.
• Ability to work safely and effectively outdoors under adverse weather conditions during all seasons and in rugged, uneven terrain.

Required Licenses:

• Valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to starting work if selected for this position.
• Certification as an Engineer-In-Training.

Competencies You Bring:

• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Resourcefulness: Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
• Nimble Learning: Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Experience working on capital projects (analysis, design, construction) in aquatic or marine environment (including stormwater management).
• Advanced knowledge, understanding and application of hydrologic and open channel hydraulic principles and geomorphic processes.
• Advanced understanding and experience preparing plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Experience using Esri GIS software, such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Field Maps. Experience using AutoDesk Civil 3D or other CAD software.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

• Remote and Onsite Work Details: The Strike Team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change . The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104. Other work locations are at project sites and other site locations near the rivers of King County and at the King County Office of Emergency Management in Renton, WA.
• Remote Work Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
• Work Schedule: These full-time positions will work a 40-hour work week. These positions are covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. The typical work schedule is 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday- Friday. Work outside the typical work schedule including early mornings, evenings and weekends may be required from time to time. Participation in flood warning and emergency response programs and activities in support of King County's Flood Warning Center operations during flood events.
• Union Representation: These positions are represented by PROTEC Local 17A bargaining unit.
• Physical Requirement: These positions have a regular requirement to walk and navigate uneven ground outside along rivers, in forests, and rural areas during inclement weather and at all hours. These work areas can be dark, pose difficult terrain features, and often require specialized safety gear such as personal floatation devices (PFD). Job requires ability to lift 20lbs regularly and 50lbs infrequently. Job will be required to participate in flood emergency response requiring Swiftwater awareness training.

Application and Selection Process:
We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, but first consideration will be given to all current King County PROTEC Local 17A bargaining unit employees eligible for a lateral transfer (transferring within the Engineer II classification and having passed probation) . We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. The final candidate will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment physical. Please ensure that your application materials clearly detail how your skills and experience meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this posting.

Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Online Application with response to supplemental questions.
• Resume.
• Cover Letter.

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Isaac Good at (206) 848-0576 or igood@kingcounty.gov .

Discover More About the Water Land & Resources Division: Visit our website .

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website , explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , LinkedIn , TikTok , Instagram , YouTube and Keeping King County Green News .

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our " True North ", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer: No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental,family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

Closing Date/Time: 3/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• King County Water and Land Resources Division

• 206-477-4800

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