Senior Geotechnical Engineer (Civil Engineer, Senior)

Posting number: 2026-01254

Department: Seattle Public Utilities

Division: Project Delivery & Engineering Branch

Job classification: Civil Engineer, Senior

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a dynamic and talented Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead the engineering function forSPU’s Landslide and Spot Drainage Programs. The successful candidate serves as the engineering lead for: SPU’s Landslide Program, City’s Interdepartmental Landslide Coordination Team, and SPU’s Spot Drainage Program. The Spot Drainage Program is a public facing program to assist property owners who are impacted by drainage issues from City Right-of-Way (ROW). You will occasionally coordinate with the Seattle Department of Transportation to execute small drainage projects to help these property owners.

You will enjoy the support and team interactions with many different dedicated professionals, including staff in engineering, planning, operations, and other groups in SPU and other City Departments.

About Seattle Public Utilities:Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,500 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

• Develop, design, and execute small scale drainage projects to help mitigate landslide prone areas and to assist property owners via the Spot Drainage Program. Arrange survey, geotechnical investigations, design, drafting, project coordination, and construction support for small projects constructed by crews, and larger CIP projects constructed utilizing public works contracts
• Work with property owners to address their concerns regarding slope stability and drainage issues, responding to concerns and informing them of SPU’s programs and its capabilities/limitations
• Plan, schedule, and lead the annual Interdepartmental Landslide Coordination Meeting to coordinate the City’s preparedness for landslides
• Respond to landslide emergencies to assist SPU Field Operations in identifying and stabilizing any SPU infrastructure involved
• Track landslide risk using USGS criteria vs. Seattle precipitation history and forecasts; send out weekly landslide risk status to City stakeholders weekly during landslide season
• Maintain emergency landslide preparedness by sharing the role of emergency standby engineering support during approximately 25% of weekends and holidays during the November to May landslide season. Paid standby time at 10% of hourly rate
• Coach, mentor, and review the work of junior engineers in the Engineering and Systems Section of SPU
• Perform site visits and evaluations of landslide and drainage project sites to develop options for designs and develop design drawings and specifications
• Coordinate closely with SPU operations crews, project and program managers, surveyors, geotechnical engineers, and counterparts from other City Departments in the pursuit of the above.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding issues and data for the programs and projects that you support
• Support Race and Social Justice initiatives, and model behavior that supports inclusiveness, respect, and equitable treatment of all customers. Support related SPU programs in these areas as required
• Other Civil Engineering duties or tasks within the job class specifications as assigned

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.

• Experience: Requires (5) five years professional civil engineering experience
• ANDEducation: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology
• ORExperience and Education Equivalency:(9) Nine years of professional civil engineering experience

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.
• Current Washington State driver license

• Strong experience in slope stability analysis, including experience using slope stability modeling/analysis software.
• Background or experience in slope stability analysis, mitigation of active landslides and/or emergency response.

• Experience with design and construction in landslide prone areas

We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

• 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.
• Will be required to respond to emergencies.
• Hybrid: This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. City employees may have the option to work remotely two/three days per week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle 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.

The full salary for this position is $ $74.99 - $87.31 per hour. How to Apply:

• A full City of Seattle online application
• Resume, & Cover letter addressing your knowledge and experience, related to this position. If you do not attach these documents, you will no longer be considered.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Dominic Sumlin atDominic. : 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.

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at and check us out on social media.