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Yakima commissions approve revision to Chief Engineer classification, PE changed from requirement to preference
Summary
The Yakima civil service commissions approved revisions to classification code 11107 for Chief Engineer, replacing a mandatory professional engineer (PE) registration with a preferred qualification and clarifying alternative qualification paths and duties focused on project administration and consultant coordination.
Yakima City commissioners on March 10 approved revisions to classification code 11107 for the Chief Engineer position that change professional engineer (PE) registration from a requirement to a preferred qualification.
The Charter Civil Service Commission and Police and Fire Civil Service Commission approved the amendment by voice vote during their joint meeting. The change was presented by Bill Preston, Community Development Director and acting City Engineer, who said the city now performs fewer in-house stamped engineering plans and needs the role to emphasize project administration and coordination with consultants. "We used to do a lot more in-house engineering than we are doing currently," Preston said. "What's needed now is someone who can also review the plans ... but also provide a lot more assistance in project administration and wrangling all of our consultants."
Commissioners were told the revision aims to preserve promotional opportunities and retention by widening the applicant pool. The updated qualification language allows a candidate to qualify either by PE registration or by a bachelor’s degree plus five years of experience; if a candidate holds a PE, some experience requirements would not be required. Gretchen Peterson Lee, HR Services Administrator, clarified that PE registration itself typically requires about four years of experience and passing the licensing exam.
The commission also discussed reporting lines. Preston confirmed the chief engineer will continue to report through the city engineer and that the city engineer position still requires a PE. Commissioners asked whether the classification’s first-line supervisor reference should name "Director of Community Development"; staff said they left the supervisor field broad to accommodate organizational changes over time.
Action taken: the commission approved the revised classification language for code 11107, titled "Chief Engineer," with the modifications presented. The motion passed by voice vote with no opposition.
The revision reflects a shift from in-house engineering production to a role emphasizing contract management, project administration and plan review rather than routine stamping of plans.
The commission did not change the city engineer requirement; that position continues to require PE registration.
