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Assistant County Highway Engineer|

Class Title: Assistant County Highway Engineer|

Salary: $131,347.22 - $205,224.66 Salary

Job Summary

Assists the Transportation Division Director and County Highway Engineer/Highway Department Director in managing and coordinating the professional engineering functions and activities of the Division for county infrastructure projects. Manages and directs (parks, trails, highway, bridges and water related) design, right of way, water resources/WMO and construction functions of the division, overseeing projects and asset management for all activities therein and providing guidance in dealing with complex programming, operation, and capital issues. Responsible for supervision, personnel management, budget preparation, and administration for these functions. Represents the County at meetings and committees involving the public and officials of state, federal, and local governmental agencies. Leads internal and external teams to meet County strategic goals. Serves as County Engineer in their absence.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Manages and directs highway, bridge, park, trails and water-related design, right of way, and construction functions of the division.

  • Manages and coordinates transportation, recreation, and water-related infrastructure improvement activities. Coordinates and directs project managers for all infrastructure improvement projects. Works directly with the Physical Development Division Director and County Highway Engineer/Highway Department

  • Director to prepare short- and long-term Transportation Improvement Plans, Parks Improvement Plans, and WMO Capital Improvement Programs.

  • Leads, supervises, and directs the work of assigned staff, including scheduling work and staff training sessions, approving absences, evaluating performance, monitoring career development, hiring, and disciplinary actions.

  • Serves as County Engineer in their absence.

  • Prepares annual budgets and monitors budget projections to ensure fiscal responsibility for the division.

  • Collaborates and coordinates with elected officials, other County divisions, federal, state, and local agencies and organizations, and the public on transportation, parks and WMO improvement projects, regional plans and priorities, capital improvement plans, and County road operations such as safety, mobility, and surface conditions.

  • Prepares requests for proposals and manages, plans, and directs consultant contracts used to augment internal staff to efficiently deliver the County's transportation, recreation and water-related improvement programs.

  • Provides direction on interdepartmental, intra-divisional, and intra-County issues and activities by gathering, researching, and analyzing appropriate information and communicating decisions as necessary.

  • Conducts public hearings and other public meetings as required for the efficient delivery of projects.

  • Develops, conducts, analyzes, and carries out special projects as assigned; prepares information for and following up on board items and provides direction as needed.

  • Develops, manages, and delivers the highway reconstruction and reconditioning program and the annual highway operations plan while maintaining all procedural, environmental, political, funding, and budgeting guidelines and policies.

  • Implements plans for improvement opportunities to county highway system impacted by development. Meets and confers with developers, their engineers, and construction contractors to ensure compliance with the county’s guidelines, policies and specifications for proposed developments throughout the County.

  • Implements plans for improvement opportunities to the county highway system impacted by development. Negotiates complex situations, resolves problems and authorizes permit approvals in a timely manner.

  • Administers and leads internal and external meetings.

  • Develops and maintains contacts with local and state government, consultants, vendors, etc., to be able to effectively and efficiently administer the work of the County.

  • Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

  • 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. Limited evenings required on occasion.  

  • Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, licensed as a professional civil engineer in the State of Minnesota and eight years of professional and administrative experience in civil engineering and public infrastructure projects with an emphasis in parks, water resources, highway planning, design, and construction. Supervisory experience is required. Must possess a valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities. 

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The employee is under general guidance and direction from the County Engineer for program and service delivery vision and goals. Progress on and completion of projects is determined by written reports, 1:1 meetings, and results achieved.

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Commitment - Develops a high quality workforce that is dedicated to advancing a safe, healthy and livable community.
 
Communication – Communicates effectively with internal and external customers.
 
Customer Service - Creates a customer experience that is respectful, responsive and solution-oriented.
 
Innovation - Explores and adopts new technologies and processes with the goal of improving service and reducing the long term cost of service delivery.
 
Leadership - Displays commitment to the mission of Scott County. Continually strives for excellence, Demonstrates and encourages team participation.  Engages in personal growth and professional development. Anticipates changes and manages challenges based on reliable information and citizen input.
 
Partnership - Aligns existing resources, volunteers and programs to achieve shared goals.
 
Personal Relationships - Establishes and promotes a positive work environment. Interacts appropriately, professionally, and effectively with people of varying backgrounds and disciplines.
 
Safety Conscious - Promotes and supports safety and loss control programs to ensure a safe and healthy working environment that will minimize hazards or risks that could result in personal injury, illness, and/or property damage.
 
Stewardship - Ensures the responsible and stable investment of taxpayer dollars and communicating its value to the public.
 
Knowledge –Knowledge of transportation and engineering principles and techniques involved in the construction and maintenance of highways and bridges, with demonstrated skill in applying this knowledge.
 
Knowledge of Federal laws and State statutes and policies pertaining to County highway systems, water projects, and other infrastructure projects.
 
Knowledge of the union agreements as they govern the management of personnel within the division.
 
Knowledge of governmental functions and organizations impacting County Government.
 
Knowledge of County policies, procedures, and labor contracts.
 
Abilities –Ability to lead committees and achieve desired results through team concepts.
 
Ability to work in arenas of conflict and bring diverse opinions to resolution or consensus.
 
Ability to plan, administer, and evaluate departmental programs.
 
Ability to prepare plans, budgets, technical, and administrative reports as required.
 
Ability to train and evaluate personnel.
 
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Convey clearly and present concisely complex and controversial issues to decision-makers and the general public.
 
Ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with subordinates, other governmental agencies, and the general public.
 
Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
 
Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
 
Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.
 
Ability to analyze and modify existing processes to reduce time, resource requirements, and improve service and response time.

Ability to determine and effectively respond to customer requirements and legislative changes.
 

Ability to analyze project needs and prepare long range and strategic plans.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDSTypical 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.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work:  Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.  Lifts and/or navigates 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.