Engineers Week - What is the Engineering Department?

It’s National Engineers Week. This week we’re highlighting the St. Helens Engineering Department and some of the projects they have underway.

What is the City of St. Helens Engineering Department and what does it do?

Most of our Engineering Department’s work takes place behind-the-scenes, but they are involved in every City construction project. Staff reviews permits and performs construction inspections for any projects that include public infrastructure. This ensures consistency in every project and that the construction is designed to last as long as possible.

Long before construction begins, Engineering staff are responsible for overseeing the design of a project. They establish the best methods for construction and ensure that a project proceeds as planned. Once the design portion is complete, staff seeks estimates, receives bids from contractors, and monitors work to be sure it meets the contract’s specifications. Engineering ensures that City projects are up to standards, safe, and consistent.

While much of the work is project-based, staff also keeps track of long-term development plans. They make sure specifications are up-to-date for new and updated projects and keep city maps and construction drawings of water, sewer, and storm drainage systems.

What types of projects does the Engineering Department work on? In short, every construction project in the city. Any project that includes water lines, sewers, drainage, street improvements, traffic signals, pedestrian walkways, or City facilities is in some way reviewed or overseen by the City’s Engineering Department.

We are grateful for the work of our Engineering Department staff. It may not always be visible, but it is the foundation on which the City bases every construction project.