Professional Engineer

Job Summary

Provides professional and technical engineering services to support varying projects and initiatives in the Transportation Services Division. Employees may perform as a generalist or may be more specialized in an area of the operation. Performs a wide variety of duties including: highway design and preparation of construction plans, conducting traffic safety and operational studies; coordinating with individuals and entities regarding transportation, parks, water management, or trails design issues; prepares and reviews traffic control and sign maintenance plans; provides detailed analysis of highway, operations, parks, natural resources, and infrastructure projects; prepares and administers project budgets; and coordinates aspects of projects from concept through design, construction, and inspection.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides detailed analysis and conducts safety and operational studies for highway, infrastructure, natural resources, or maintenance projects or activities; provides recommendations, insight, and technical expertise throughout all phases of a project.

• Coordinates with individuals and entities keeping them informed regarding issues and keeps projects moving forward in a timely manner.

• Coordinates aspects of projects from concept through design, construction, and inspection; prepares and administers project budgets and timelines.

• Prepares technical and administrative reports using computers and specialized engineering software to aid in administrative, analysis, and design activities.

• Oversees or conducts traffic/transportation investigations and studies and makes recommendations.

• Documents and assists in the development of policies, procedures, and guidelines.

• Prepares for and attends public information meetings and presentations to county, city, and township boards and other various agencies and organizations representing the county and the county's interests; answers questions of and provides information to residents and elected officials.

• Contributes to Scott County internet functions by posting project documents and updates.

• Directs technical and seasonal staff and consultants in engineering activities and projects.

• Serves as project designer and project engineer for all phases of county highway projects.

Incumbents assigned to Natural Resources are responsible for:

• Performs concept level, preliminary, and final drainage design for highway construction projects and reviews and approves consultant drainage designs.

• Provides input related to the design of transportation projects for stormwater management, including land development effects on roadway drainage systems, hydraulic analysis and impacts associated with transportation projects, providing typical drawings and language for requests for proposals, and coordination with cities regarding their drainage systems and joint transportation systems.

• Conducts water resource engineering analysis of private development projects, reviews resource management plans and erosion control plans, prepares reports, and makes necessary water resource engineering decisions and recommendations. Coordinates reviews with other county staff.

• Conducts and coordinates the engineering review of development impacts as they affect the county's water and natural resources.

• Conducts and coordinates planning for preservation and enhancement of the county natural resources and storm water systems.

• Provides oversight of the stormwater permits held by the county, such as the NPDES MS4 permit; coordinates activities between divisions for permit elements.

• Manages, conducts, and/or coordinates water engineering analysis of various projects, developments, processes, technical studies, reviews, and plans affecting the county's water systems and natural resources; makes recommendations for appropriate actions.

• Develops hydrologic and hydraulic engineering plans, policies, and guidelines, including updating the County Stormwater Plan and Ordinance (Local Water Plan) coordinated with the County Comprehensive Plan and Scott Watershed Management Organization (WMO) Comprehensive Water Resource Management Plan.

• Oversees the inspection of work done by developers and county highway engineers and outside agencies under permit in the unincorporated areas of the county.

• Manages the engineering review process and is responsible for the approval/denial of stormwater and grading permits within the unincorporated areas of the county.

• Works closely with Planning and Resource Management divisions in planning for a safe and efficient water resources system (local, county, state) in the unincorporated areas of the county.

• Provides engineering guidance and direction to others in implementing the county erosion control inspection program; provides coordination in enforcement actions required for permitted and unpermitted grading activities; coordinates with staff and officials in in other agencies in responding to wetland permitting issues.

• Handles resident, developer, and engineer phone calls on development issues, and flooding, stormwater management, and drainage issues; helps others resolve issues.

Incumbents assigned to Traffic or Highway Maintenance are responsible for:

• Coordinates and oversees traffic and infrastructure operations projects including inspection, timing coordination, construction oversight, studies, communication, and use of resources.

• Conducts or coordinates traffic and other required studies and investigations, making relevant recommendations.

• Prepares and maintains traffic data and computer files used for traffic analysis.

• Performs field investigations to ensure that traffic controls are consistent with county policies and the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MN MUTCD).

• Conducts the review and analysis of plat and land use developments as they affect traffic operations on the County Transportation System; prepares written comments of development review and analysis and coordinates with the appropriate staff.

• Assists in the development and implementation of traffic and transportation policies and guidelines, including the County Transportation Plan.

• Responds to after-hours calls as needed to address traffic signal damage and malfunctions.

• Develops traffic signal timing plans and program traffic control equipment.

• Inspects work zones for traffic safety and makes recommendations in the field to safely direct traffic through work zones.

• Checks and reviews cost estimates; directs crews in making construction and location surveys.

• Reviews plans and specifications to develop field inspection procedures.

• Participates in all phases of project designs pertaining to traffic engineering; serves as project designer for traffic engineering projects such as traffic signals, lighting, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Automated Transportation Management Systems, Traffic Management Systems, traffic control, and roadway striping.

• Ensure plans and specifications meet State Aid standards.

• Serves as inspector on traffic signal systems, ATMS, TMS, and traffic related infrastructure construction projects. Directs and coordinates quality control activities.

Incumbents assigned to Highway Design responsible for:

• Provides work direction, oversight, and quality reviews of work of consultants and design staff.

• Performs design functions to identify horizontal and vertical alignments, pavement design, erosion control, cross-sections, and hydraulic features to enable project planning and decision-making within frameworks of state and federal regulations, environmental impacts, public safety, and funding limits.

• Provides recommendations, insight, and technical expertise of concept, preliminary, and final design.

• Generates a broad spectrum of plan documents including alignments, plan and profiles, tables of quantities, and cross sections.

• Prepares exhibits and information for public meetings, websites, and internal decision making.

• Prepares project layouts, construction plans, and specifications.

• Prepares, checks, and reviews cost estimates.

• Directs crews in making construction and location surveys.

• Works with regulatory authorities to obtain construction permits and agreements.

• Serve on committees as assigned to advance the division and county to provide safe, healthy, and livable communities.  

• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires licensure as a Professional Engineer and 4 years of directly related engineering experience. Special certifications may be required for specific positions and will be listed at the time of posting. A valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities are required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Preference given for knowledge of State Aid highway design standards and the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Training in AutoCAD and AutoDesk Civil 3d or Microstation and Geopak, Traffic Signal design, public involvement processes, and understanding of community planning and zoning principles is highly desired.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Program Manager and County Engineer as to specific project/program responsibilities and assignments. Work is reviewed through ongoing consultation with the Program Manager and objectives set forth. Guidance is available when required; however, the employee is expected to work independently according to established plans, procedures, and using professional judgment.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of state, regional, and local statutes, policies, and ordinances pertaining to the county transportation system, parks, natural resources, maintenance, and planning issues.

Knowledge of engineering and transportation principles and techniques.

Knowledge of state and federal requirements as related to program area(s).

Knowledge of civil engineering methods materials and equipment used in highway, parks, natural resources, and infrastructure design and construction.

Knowledge of proper use of traffic control devices and familiarity with the MMUTCD.

Knowledge of civil engineering survey principles, practices, and their application.

Knowledge of engineering mathematics and its application in field surveying and construction computations.

Abilities – Ability to make accurate time, equipment, and material estimates relating to construction and design projects.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software and surveying and drafting equipment for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

Ability to exercise initiative and problem-solving capability in a variety of traffic situations.

Ability to work independently without close supervision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires field work, typically in a construction oriented setting; and inside work, typically in an office setting. One may be exposed to construction site hazards such as falling debris, moving equipment, chemical/dust exposure, treacherous surfaces, etc. when traversing inspection sites. Some essential duties will require incumbents to be near moving traffic, to work around 120 volt wiring in traffic signal cabinets, to be in inclement weather, traverse uneven and slippery surfaces, and may involve use of a boom truck.

Physical activities include light to medium work: Sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, driving, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, pushing, pulling, feeling, reaching, lifting, grasping, twisting above the waist, bending at waist, repetitive hand and arm motion, and fine finger manipulation in the use of a computer. Incumbent will climb ladders, enter crawl spaces, exert force to maneuver items, traverse uneven and slippery surfaces, and lift and/or navigate up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.