Divisions
Office of the County Engineer
The Office of the County Engineer oversees the planning, building, repair, and upkeep of all county roads. The office includes several work groups: Design Engineering, Construction Engineering, Traffic Engineering and Operations, Survey, Development Review, the Project Program Management Office, and Real Estate Services.
Work Groups
Construction Engineering
The Construction Engineering work group oversees and inspects our capital construction projects and the pavement preservation program. They make sure every project is built to the specified design standards and follows proper safety practices. The team also ensures all work meets federal, state, and local labor and engineering requirements.
Design Engineering
The Design Engineering work group creates the plans for major infrastructure projects, including roads, parks and trails, solid waste sites, and stormwater systems. The team of engineers and project managers uses both in-house skills and consultant support to develop these projects. Together, they plan and deliver Thurston County’s capital programs from start to finish.
Development Review
The Development Review work group answers permitting questions from the public and reviews private development projects to make sure they meet Public Works codes and standards. Their inspections help protect the community and ensure new projects are built safely and correctly. This team is the permitting arm of Public Works and is based at the Building Development Center, 3000 Pacific Ave SE, in Olympia.
Real Estate Services
The Real Estate Services team helps keep county projects moving by making sure all land-related work follows federal and state laws. They secure the land and property rights needed before any construction or repair project starts, handle requests from utility companies to use county rights-of-way, and maintain detailed records for county-owned properties. The team also manages permits, leases, and property disposals for all Public Works properties tied to real estate activities.
Survey
The Survey work group creates topographical maps of roads, trails, bridges, culverts, parking areas, and rivers to support project designs and public works teams, along with maintaining survey monument markers and references. During the construction of capital projects, the survey group stakes out the proposed work for contractors to ensure improvements are built at the locations as designed. The team also leads the department’s drone program.
Traffic Engineering and Operations
The Transportation Engineering and Operations work group designs, operates, and maintains all traffic control devices on public roads in unincorporated Thurston County. Their responsibilities range from managing signs, streetlights, and road striping to completing speed studies, traffic engineering, traffic calming, pavement maintenance and improvement planning, ADA planning, and long-range transportation projects. They also respond to public service requests, work with neighborhood groups, and support programs that promote driver safety and awareness.
Environmental Services
The Environmental Services work group brings together environmental policy, permitting, and technical support for all Public Works divisions, making sure projects meet federal, state, and local requirements. The team handles permit applications, environmental reviews, inspections, and mitigation work throughout project delivery. They also support the Fish Passage Enhancement Program by evaluating sites, securing grants, and completing environmental reviews and habitat restoration plans.
Project Program Management Office
The Project Program Management work group supports all Public Works divisions with a wide range of services. They help improve processes, set priorities, and guide projects to ensure compliance with industry best practices. The team also works with other County departments and outside agencies to coordinate long-range infrastructure and land-use planning.
By the Numbers
9
Projects in Pre-Design Study
4
Fish passage enhancement projects completed
18
Capital projects completed
573
Miles of roadway striped
34,600
Gallons of paint used
243
Number of thermal plastic markings replaced
Traffic calming devices installed
25 Speed humps
6 Traffic circles
1 Raised crosswalk
2 Chicanes
30,264
Tons of asphalt laid
24,838
Tons of total rock moved
45,589
Cubic yards of dirt moved
$30.2 M
Contracted construction work completed
12
Miles of fish habitat restored
24
Acquisitions for county projects
Project Highlights
Road Operations
The largest division within Public Works, Road Operations, is responsible for maintaining the county’s transportation network safe and operational year-round. Crews service county roads, clear fallen debris, mow roadsides, and respond to emergencies such as snow and ice during severe weather. They also repair, upgrade, and clean the county’s drainage systems. Road Operations manages 1,027 miles of roadway, 143 bridges, 28 miles of guardrail, and over 100 miles of sidewalks annually.
Work Groups
Drainage
The Drainage work group maintains drainage ditches and repairs or installs catch basins and culverts. The team removes sediment, trash, and debris and performs repairs to keep drainage structures in good condition and ensure the county’s stormwater systems work effectively.
Roadway
The Roadway work group maintains and repairs county roads, including fixing potholes and cracked pavement. The team manages annual preservation projects to keep roads safe and drivable.
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
The NPDES work group maintains the stormwater conveyance system along county roads. They ensure compliance with the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit by cleaning catch basins, culverts, and roads to reduce flooding and prevent pollutants from entering county waterways.
Roadside
The Roadside work group maintains all county-owned guardrails and manages the plants and brush along county roads, bridges, and stormwater areas. This includes mowing and weed-eating road shoulders and slopes, as well as clearing overgrown vegetation to keep roads and sidewalks accessible and ensure drivers have clear visibility for safe travel.
Parks and Trails
The Parks & Trails work group maintains facilities and grounds to ensure that our parks and trails are safe, clean, and accessible for residents and visitors. The team also collaborates with community organizations and individuals to promote environmental education, restoration, and preservation.
By the Numbers
11.32
Lane miles of roadway repaved
17
Total Roads & Transportation Active Projects
2900
Lane miles of roadway swept
536
Number of catch basins cleaned
6800
Feet of drainage pipe cleaned
1000
Feet of culvert pipe installed
13,384
Tons of asphalt placed
2,249
Service requests received
390,221
Gallons of brine applied
2289
Centerline miles of shoulder mowed
3407
Number of pothole repairs
280
Dead animals cleared
Project Highlights
Parks and Trails
The Public Works Parks & Trails Program cares for 2,578 acres of park land and 56 miles of trails across Thurston County. Our parks include Burfoot, Frye Cove, Kenneydell, Guerin, and Deschutes Falls, and our trails include the Chehalis Western, Yelm-Rainier-Tenino, Gate-Belmore, and Ralph Munro. We also collaborate with local cities, Mason County, The Evergreen State College, and the Town of Bucoda through interlocal agreements to support the upkeep of shared community spaces.
By the Numbers
2
Total active projects
893,940
Total Parks & Trails visits
72,000
Dog waste bags distributed to Parks & Trails users
Project Highlights
Solid Waste
The Solid Waste Division operates and maintains Thurston County’s main waste transfer station, the Waste and Recovery Center (WARC) in Lacey, along with drop-box sites in Rainier and Rochester. These facilities manage garbage, organics, and recycling for more than 300,000 residents of Thurston County. The division also oversees solid waste planning, recycling initiatives, waste reduction efforts, and roadside litter cleanup. Solid Waste develops education and outreach programs, partners with Public Health to promote proper hazardous waste disposal, and collaborates with the Thurston County Master Recycler Composter Program to teach residents how to reduce waste and recycle effectively.
Work Groups
Planning
The Planning work group sets the direction for how our solid waste facilities and services are planned and managed. They monitor and analyze solid waste and recycling data and lead the development of Thurston County’s Solid Waste Management Plan. They also work closely with the Solid Waste Advisory Committee to ensure planning efforts stay on track and align with community needs.
Facilities Operations
The Facilities Operations work group manages and maintains the Waste and Recovery Center, the Rainier and Rochester Drop-boxes, the Off-Leash Dog Park, and HazoHouse. Their team includes Moderate Risk Waste Operations, which handles hazardous materials from homes and small businesses; Environmental Operations, which oversees the closed landfill; and Building and Grounds Maintenance, responsible for all solid waste facilities and the 128 acres surrounding them. Together, they ensure these sites are safe, clean, and functioning properly for the community.
Recycling & Waste Reduction
The Recycling & Waste Reduction work group develops and manages programs that align with the county’s Solid Waste Management Plan. They deliver presentations and organize events to inform both the public and county staff about reducing waste, reusing items, recycling, and properly handling solid waste. Their aim is to keep more materials out of landfills and encourage sustainable practices.
Scale & Tollhouse Operations
The Scale & Tollhouse Operations team manages customer service at the Waste and Recovery Center and the drop-box sites in Rainier and Rochester. They help customers, operate the scales, and ensure the facilities operate efficiently.
Community Litter Cleanup Program
The Community Litter Cleanup Program collects trash from county-owned roadsides, parks, trails, and illegal dump sites. The program collaborates with the Road Operations Division and the Washington State Department of Ecology, overseeing volunteers, court-ordered crews, and in-custody workers from Cedar Creek. Its main goal is to keep the community safe and healthy by removing waste and hazardous materials from areas where people live, work, and play.
By the Numbers
5,000+
Copies of Trash Talk!, our youth recycling and waste reduction newsletter, were distributed to 160 classrooms at 32 schools
8
Total active projects
266,036
Customer visits to the WARC
26,380
Customer visits to the Rainier Drop-box facility
4,593
Tons of waste processed at the Rainier Drop-box facility
19,611
Customer visits to the Rochester Drop-box facility
2,978
Tons of waste processed at the Rochester Drop-box facility
20,938
Tons of organic material diverted from the waste stream
203,200
Pounds of roadway litter collected
Project Highlights
Water Resources
The Water Resources Division oversees the county’s stormwater, water, and sewer systems to ensure water quality, reduce flooding, and supply safe, dependable drinking water. The division also includes the Noxious Weeds work group, which aims to protect farmland, natural areas, and local infrastructure from invasive plants that can cause harm. These programs help maintain healthy and resilient communities and environment.
Work Groups
Stormwater Utility
The Stormwater Utility work group oversees all aspects of the county’s stormwater system, from long-term planning to ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. They review development plans, inspect systems before and after construction, and examine developments, subdivisions, and businesses to verify proper functioning. They also maintain stormwater infrastructure, provide technical support, and plan capital projects.
Water & Sewer Utilities
The Water & Sewer Utilities work group provides drinking water and wastewater services to over 850 homes and businesses in the county. The team operates three water systems with five wells, three wastewater treatment plants, and a large on-site septic system. These services support the communities of Boston Harbor, Grand Mound, Olympic View, and Tamoshan.
Noxious Weeds
The Noxious Weeds work group implements the work plan of the Thurston County Noxious Weed Control Board. They assist property owners throughout the county in managing invasive weeds. Their efforts protect water quality, human health, native plants, wildlife habitat, farmland, and recreation areas.
Stormwater Utility - By the Numbers
743
Private development infrastructure stormwater assets inspected
4,889 Catch basins/manholes
6,700 or 94.5 miles of Culverts/pipes
3,593 or 112.7 miles of Ditches/swales
969 Ponds
37
Permeable pavements
9,069
Public infrastructure stormwater assets inspected
2,717 Catch basins/manholes
3,775 Culverts/pipes
4,211 Ditches/swales
62 Ponds
8 Permeable pavements
32 Bioretention
705 Curb Cuts
158
Outfalls
920
Stormwater assets mapped
24
Sediment and erosion control inspections for residential and commercial projects
10,292
Utility location requests processed
6,275
Linear feet of CCTV inspections on pipe systems and culverts
Project Highlights
7
Total active Water & Sewer Utilities Projects
113,645,324*
Public infrastructure stormwater assets inspected
83,040,743
Gallons of wastewater treated
Project Highlights
Noxious Weeds Highlights
Noxious Weeds collaborated closely with the Noxious Weed Board to set priorities, conducted countywide inspections, helped landowners meet control requirements, surveyed and treated roadsides, and offered education and technical support to residents. In 2025, staff monitored 50 listed species, identified two new or recently listed weeds (delta arrowhead and blueweed), engaged 1,300 residents at nine events, and distributed over 2,000 educational materials. The team also coordinated and, in some cases, assisted with seven complex waterway projects on local rivers and lakes to ensure effective treatment and permit compliance.
Business Services
The Business Services Division keeps Public Works running efficiently by providing essential behind-the-scenes support. The team provides financial analysis, assists with purchasing and contracting needs, and handles payroll for all Public Works divisions. The division is made up of three work groups: Finance, Procurement, and Payroll.
Work Groups
Finance
The Finance work group manages all Public Works’ financial tasks, including budgeting, daily financial management, billing for water, sewer, and solid waste services, processing grant and property damage reimbursements, and paying vendors. Their aim is to act as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars by providing transparent oversight and robust audit practices for all Public Works assets.
Procurement
The Procurement work group assists Public Works in purchasing the goods and services necessary for community projects and daily operations. They ensure all contracting and purchasing comply with federal, state, and county rules. The team offers expert guidance to divisions to ensure contracts are solid, cost-effective, properly documented from start to finish, and compliant with federal, state, and county policies and requirements.
Payroll
The Payroll work group manages all payroll services for Public Works and prioritizes providing excellent customer service to employees. They ensure accurate timekeeping so managers have dependable information for decision-making and that payroll records satisfy all grant reimbursement requirements. The team collaborates closely with Human Resources and guarantees that all payroll processes comply with federal, state, and county rules and policies.
By the Numbers
Project Highlights
Administrative Services
The Administrative Services Division handles core administrative functions and maintains strict safety standards within the department through the Administrative Services and Training work groups. This division is in charge of records management, policies and procedures, recruiting, and training.
Work Groups
Administrative Services Staff
The Administrative Services Staff work group handles a wide range of administrative tasks, including managing records and ensuring all divisions have the resources and support they need to operate effectively. They also manage scheduling, coordinate meetings, recruit new employees, facilitate onboarding, and assist with implementing policies and procedures to ensure the smooth functioning of Public Works services.
Training
The Training work group develops and manages both required and elective training for the department. They are responsible for ensuring the department complies with county, state, and federal-mandated training. Their responsibilities also include onboarding new employees and overseeing the stormwater training plan. They serve as the training liaison to Human Resources and provide guidance and training for the county learning system.
By the Numbers
81.9%
First Aid/CPR Certified Public Works Staff
162
Equipment Certifications
173
Public Records Requests Received
161
Public Records Requests Closed
Records retentions:
34 Destruction Logs Created
122,000 Documents Destroyed
86
Board Agenda Item Submitted
244
Employee Hiring Interviews
2000+
Training & Travel Requests Processed
Total Service Requests:
Parks: 63
Noxious Weeds: 46
Road Ops: 1193
Traffic Ops: 383
Solid Waste: 167
Stormwater: 270
Water/Sewer Utilities: 108
400+
Park Shelter Reservations
100+
Park Lodge Reservations
Project Highlights
Office of the Assistant Director
The Assistant Director’s Office comprises three work groups focused on safety, communication, and infrastructure assets. The Safety team establishes standards, conducts inspections, offers training, and prepares for emergencies. The Communications team supports internal communication and connects Public Works with the community by sharing information on projects, decision-making, and the role of public input. The Asset Management Program inventories assets and collects data to prioritize projects, guide long-term budgeting, and enhance Thurston County’s infrastructure.
Work Groups
Safety
The Safety work group develops and enforces safety regulations, conducts regular inspections and risk assessments, and provides training to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with health and safety laws. They ensure staff have the necessary resources to work safely every day and lead emergency planning efforts that establish a clear response framework and include exercises to improve departmental preparedness.
Communications
The Communications work group connects Public Works with the community through clear, accessible, and meaningful messaging. Their work extends beyond project updates; they produce dynamic content that explains what’s happening and why it matters, using digital tools, printed materials, and in-person outreach to meet people where they are. From emergency updates to long-term project storytelling, the team helps foster public trust and understanding while also supporting staff by sharing information and highlighting work across the department.
Asset Management
The Asset Management Program work group oversees the department’s asset management efforts and ensures infrastructure remains functional and durable. They assist divisions in tracking and assessing infrastructure, monitoring maintenance and costs, and planning work more efficiently. They also develop GIS and information systems to support consistent service and provide reliable data for budgeting, financial planning, and long-term decisions.
By the Numbers
20+
Asset Management portable support devices deployed in the field
5
Asset Management new pilot processes
4
Ribbon-cutting events
4
Open Houses coordinated
Project Highlights
