Environmental Engineer 3/ Civil Engineer (Lacey, WA)

Salary : $84,984.00 - $114,264.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-02807
Department: Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date: 04/16/2026
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Title: Environmental Engineer 3 / Civil Engineer
Location: Lacey, WA
Closes: This job posting is open until filled; first review of application(s) will be May 4th then review weekly. Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

This recruitment is for one (1) full-time, permanent, Environmental Engineer 3 position for Parks Development located in Lacey, Washington. Working hours are generally Monday- Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm with the option for flexible telework once training has been completed. The default assigned work location of all Parks positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington. This position may require you to travel as needed to accomplish assignments.

About the position:
The Environmental Engineer 3 represents the agency as a registered professional engineer which provides and approves final engineering designs and decisions. This position requires the ability to exercise sound independent professional judgement in making decisions concerning all facets of engineering, design, permitting, and construction.

Join a mission-driven team at Washington State Parks and make a meaningful impact by supporting vital planning and conservation efforts that promote the use of our state parks while protecting our state's natural and cultural resources. This role offers the chance to work on projects that benefit the public and the environment, with flexible work options, potential for teleworking, and opportunities to work in the state's most treasured outdoor spaces. If you are interested in public service and are seeking work you can truly feel proud of, consider joining our team. Staff value the collaborative culture and the satisfaction of preserving places people love for generations to come.
Duties

Some of what you will do:

Provide and/or supervise engineering support to the Region Operations and Maintenance Section. Responsible for the preparation of engineering reports/studies, supporting documentation for permit submittals, construction drawings, technical specifications, and construction cost estimates for a wide variety of capital development projects including:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other accessibility compliant facilities and amenities.
• Roadways, parking lots, and trails.
• Potable water systems (conveyance, wells, storage, treatment, etc.).
• Sewage systems (conveyance, storage, pumping stations, treatment, etc.).
• Stormwater systems (conveyance, storage, treatment, etc.).
• Building features and miscellaneous park structures.

Consultant Project Management: assist with selection/recruitment of specialty consultants on selected projects. Assist in the negotiation and preparation of work scopes and fees and preparation of consultant agreements. Assist with management of consultant agreements to ensure deliverables are consistent with scopes of work.

• Solicit, develop, and negotiate A&E agreements, personal service contracts, emergency contracts, and interagency agreements.
• Administer A&E agreements, personal service contracts, emergency contracts, and interagency agreements.
• Serve as the agency's Project Representative for consultants, other contracted professionals, and internal staff.
• Work with external regulators and interested entities in determining the best methods for resolving development and permitting issues related to capital projects.

Contractor Project Management: provide construction management services for capital construction projects to ensure compliance with contract documents including but not limited to:

• Bidding support and award evaluation services.
• Oversee the implementation of ADA improvements.
• Administer A&E construction management services.
• Perform construction management services.
• Perform contract dispute resolution, change order negotiation and preparation.
• Coordinate with park staff and others during construction of ADA projects.
• Develop written reports addressing progress and compliance issues.

Program support: develop capital budget submittals, including scopes of work, project cost estimates, and assist in the development of operational impacts for proposed capital projects.

• Provide Capital Budget System (CBS) ready capital project information.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:
Qualified candidates will meet one of the following criteria:

• Bachelor's degree with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, water resource, civil engineering, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, transportation, or related field, AND two (2) years of experience in environmental engineering AND registration as a professional engineer in Washington state AND a valid driver's license.

OR

• Eight (8) years of professional level experience in environmental or civil engineering AND registration as a professional engineer in Washington state AND a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master's degree with major study in one of the following engineering fields: sanitary, water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, structural, or related field.
• Design and project management for capital project work in parks or recreation.
• Knowledgeable in and/or experienced with accessibility design in accordance with ADA, ABA. etc.
• Knowledge of state government and Parks rules and regulations.

Core Position Competencies:
Capital Project Planning & Development: Ability to support the development of capital projects from early concept through budget submission, including defining scope, identifying requirements, and aligning projects with organizational goals.
Financial & Cost Estimation Analysis: Skill in preparing and analyzing project cost estimates and capital budget submittals, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with financial guidelines.

Technical Documentation & Systems Proficiency: Ability to prepare and manage detailed, system-ready project information (e.g., CBS inputs), ensuring data integrity, consistency, and compliance with required formats and standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively work with diverse teams-such as Project Scoping, Regional Capital Projects, Operations, and Facilities-to gather input, coordinate planning efforts, and support project development.

Project Planning Tools & Process Support: Knowledge of and ability to apply project planning tools, methodologies, and techniques to support capital project development and improve planning efficiency.

The Ability to take Action to Learn and Grow: Increasing and developing knowledge, skills, and abilities. Taking responsibility for learning and adapting, rather than relying on others to fill gaps.

The Ability to take Action to Meet the Needs of Others: Asking questions to understand and meet the needs of others. Collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.

Supplemental Information
How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications and competencies for this position
• Current resumé

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
• For more information on Veteran's Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click .

About Parks:Want to join a great organization? The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manage one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful-parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. Parks is staffed with nearly 1,000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere. For more information on Washington State Parks, click .
Note: This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed position(s) is(are) filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional position(s) for up to sixty (60) days.
Diversity Policy Statement:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Wendy Vandel at [click to reveal email address]Wendy.vandel@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8688.

For information about the job duties, please contact Azeem Hoosein at or call (360) 902-8647.
All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

Job Alerts to receive a list of new job postings at Parks.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Please select the highest level of education that you have completed:

• High school graduation or equivalent
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher
• I am substituting relevant work experience for the educational requirement (please explain in question four)
• None of the above

02

Do you have a bachelor's degree or a master's degree? If yes, please indicate in which subject. (*If substituting relevant work experience for the educational requirement, please list dates and job titles)
03

Which of the following best describes your professional work experience in environmental or civil engineering?

• I do not have this experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 8 years
• More than 8 years

04

Are you registered as a professional engineer in Washington state?

• Yes
• No

05

Please include your Washington state professional engineer license number.
06

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

07

Please describe your experience supporting the development of capital projects, including defining scope of work and preparing project proposals.

• I have no experience in this area.
• I have basic knowledge and have assisted with limited aspects of project planning.
• I have experience supporting scope development and contributing to project proposals under supervision.
• I have independently developed scopes of work and supported capital project planning from concept to submission.
• I have led capital project development efforts, including defining scope, aligning with strategic goals, and mentoring others.

08

Please describe your experience preparing cost estimates and contributing to capital budget submittals.

• I have no experience preparing cost estimates or budget submittals.
• I have basic familiarity with cost estimation concepts.
• I have assisted in preparing cost estimates or budget information with guidance.
• I have independently prepared detailed cost estimates and contributed to capital budget submittals.
• I have led the development and review of cost estimates and budget submittals, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

09

Please describe your experience working with cross-functional teams (e.g., project, operations, facilities) to support project planning and development.

• I have no experience working with cross-functional teams.
• I have participated in team settings with limited collaboration responsibilities.
• I have collaborated with multiple teams to gather input and support project work.
• I have independently coordinated with cross-functional teams to develop and advance projects.
• I have led cross-functional collaboration efforts, resolving conflicts and ensuring alignment across stakeholders.

10

Please describe your experience using project planning tools, methodologies, or techniques to support capital project development.

• I have no experience with project planning tools or techniques.
• I have basic knowledge of project planning tools or concepts.
• I have used project planning tools or techniques with guidance.
• I have independently applied project planning tools and methodologies to support project development.
• I have advanced expertise using and improving project planning tools and processes, including training others.

11

Please describe your knowledgeable in and/or experienced with accessibility design in accordance with ADA, ABA, etc.

• I have no experience or knowledge in this area.
• I have basic knowledge and have assisted with limited aspects of accessibility design in accordance with ADA, ABA, etc.
• I have experience supporting accessibility designs in accordance with ADA, ABA, etc.
• I have independently developed accessibility designs in accordance with ADA, ABA, etc.
• I have led capital project development efforts, including accessibility design in accordance with ADA, ABA, etc.

12

I acknowledge that this opportunity will require some travel and in-person site visits.

• Yes
• No

Required Question