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SalaryThe County Engineer serves as the department head for the Highway Department, providing leadership and direction related to operations and services within the County. Plans, directs, and coordinates all County road, bridge and trail engineering, construction, and maintenance projects in accordance with State Statutes, Minnesota Administrative Rules, and State Aid requirements.
SSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Plan, directs, and sets short-term and long-term goals and objectives for the County Highway Department, including establishing policies to maintain and improve the County highway system subject to state and federal laws and economic constraints, and consistent with County Board objectives.
Allocate human and fiscal resources, as authorized by the County Board, to ensure department goals are achieved in a cost-effective manner. Analyzes expenditures, expected needs, future cost projections, and sources of funding in order to develop detailed budgets. Reviews year-to-date spending reports and monitors performance against plan during the entire budget cycle. Works to ensure the most cost-effective alternatives are identified when planning expenditures. Prepares requests for annual funding and presents requests to County Administrator.
Manages and supervises Highway Department staff. Execute human resources-related functions for the department including, but not limited to; manage department hiring operations, complete annual reviews, provide training and work direction to staff, address employee concerns and complete human resource related administrative tasks.
Makes recommendations; prepares reports for, and coordinates department plans with the County Administrator. Represents the department at County Board meetings to present plans and accomplishments, and to discuss the development and implementation of programs and policies.
Uses independent judgement to provide supervision and leadership to department personnel. Makes recommendations on matters of hiring and discipline. Conducts ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring and timely formal reviews of performance for staff. Provides training and work direction, ensuring staff know and follow department and County rules, as well as sound work and safety practices, in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.
Responsible for communications that maintain relationships key to the function of the County; plans and carries out communications at a level that can impact the morale and performance of staff.
Responsible for engineering design recommendations related to maintenance of the County ditch system, to support the system as directed by the drainage authority.
Seeks grant funding and other outside funding sources for projects and department purposes; works with administration staff to account for grant fund uses. Administers state and federal funds for political subdivision within the County.
Serves as Engineer of Record for all county-related highway construction projects. Ensure adherence to MNDOT engineering and construction standards.
Perform other duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field, and four or more years directly related professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Professional Engineering Minnesota License within six months of employment and a valid MN Driver’s License are required. Must satisfy continuing education requirements to maintain license.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS + ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Department and County organization;
Administrative policies, procedures, and practices;
Applicable County, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations;
A wide variety of engineering fields, construction, and highway maintenance practices.
Skills in:
Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently;
Organizing and prioritizing work;
Customer service and public relations skills for dealing with the public;
Operating computers and all other job-related equipment.
Ability to:
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the County Board, County Administrator, department heads, county staff, state and federal agency staff, contractors and members of the public;
Efficiently operate computers, vehicles, and all other job-related equipment;
Present ideas and demonstrate effective oral and written English communication skills;
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
Analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions;
Prepare and/or supervise and analyze budgets and financial reports;
Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of programs;
Manage multiple ongoing tasks, meet deadlines, prioritize tasks and delegate workload;
Use good judgement and make independent decisions;
Effectively supervise subordinates;
Settle disputes and work under pressure.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Work is performed primarily in an office setting, with frequent computer use. Regular local travel and regular field site visits are required. Periodically required to work in construction zones and repair shop where there is exposure to vehicular traffic and moving equipment. Occasionally required to drive or work in adverse weather conditions. Subject to sunburn, poison ivy, and insect bites when outdoors. The job may involve dealing with, and calming, individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue. There is considerable attention to detail and deadlines.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Climbing, balancing, stopping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motions. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
