Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00931

Department: Seattle City Light

Job classification: Civil Engineer Supervisor

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Engineering, Utilities, Construction Trades

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Seattle City Light has an exciting opportunity to participate in the Construction Management Work Group. This position will act as Resident Engineer and/or supervise a staff of construction management professionals in the administration of public works contracts to construct and maintain power generation, distribution facilities, and other related Seattle City Light infrastructure.

This position will be actively involved in work in both the office and the field performing construction management, document management, budget development and tracking, workload forecasting, resource leveling, and implementation of City and departmental initiatives. This position will report to the Construction Management Services Manager.

Examples of duties

This candidate will assume the primary duties of Supervisor of staff serving as Resident Engineers and Inspectors, or act as the Resident Engineer on public works contracts for the utility. In this role, primary responsibilities will be to direct and coordinate construction management staff to ensure that contracts are administered in conformance with contract documents, laws, codes and permit conditions. Duties will include, but are not limited to: overseeing general contract administration and record keeping, reviewing management of quality control processes; assuring that project correspondence is properly handled and that claims processes are adhered to in compliance with contract provisions; overseeing and participating in the negotiation, writing, and authorization of contract change orders; reviewing contractor progress payments, schedules, and various submittals; assisting staff on critical issues that must be elevated for resolution; providing general supervision and leadership; mentoring; identifying training needs; monitoring and reporting on overall performance; and completing employee performance evaluations.

Additional responsibilities will include: Facilitating/participating in dispute resolution processes with contractors, agencies, project managers, and legal advisors through meetings, dispute review boards, mediation, arbitration or litigation; managing responses to public inquiries, claims, or complaints; supporting project closeout activities; preparing and overseeing construction management project labor budgets; working with project managers, engineers, other City departments and outside agencies on project issues and agreements; meeting with clients and management to keep them apprised of construction project progress; participating in pre-construction field trips and constructability reviews; reviewing plans and specifications for clarity, accuracy, and enforceability, cost adjustments, working day estimates, and general reports; participating in work load forecasting and resource leveling; and communicating critical issues to the manager of the Construction Management Work Group.

May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays and in all types of weather. Work may take place in either of the office or field/construction site environment and may require overnight travel or work outside the Seattle area.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Requires six years professional civil engineering experience, including two years supervisory experience, and a Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

License, Certification and Other Requirements

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.
• You must hold a current valid state issued driver’s license from any US state to be verified prior to start date. Out of state license holders will be required to obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Overnight travel may be required.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Hands-on experience in the preparation of engineered drawings, specifications, permit application processes, and other general practices related to the production of construction contract documents.
• Construction Manager certification or Project Manager certification.
• Six or more years’ experience in construction management.
• Thorough knowledge of the principals, practices, and procedures of civil construction engineering, including the methods, materials, equipment, and techniques used in the construction, inspection, and administration of construction contracts.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations as they relate to project safety, environmental protection, and general construction practices.
• Experience in claims/risk management strategies.
• Experience leading or managing interdisciplinary teams of engineers, engineering specialist, craft workers and others.
• Experience in inspections, quality control, documentation, change order negotiation, claims investigation and dispute resolution processes.
• Experience managing complex capital projects and/or public works contracts.
• Experience with alternative contracting methodologies; Design-build, Task Order Unit Price and Job Order Contracting.
• Knowledge of electrical energy systems construction.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Good organization skills and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to foster a collaborative work environment and successfully coordinate the efforts of multi-discipline, multi-agency project teams.
• Experience working with represented employees and interpreting collective bargaining unit agreements.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in using MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Project.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Emergency Response Commitment:

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

Supplemental information

The full salary range for this position is $81.17 to $94.12 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3 A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers