County Engineer

Job Summary

Performs responsible leadership, administrative, managerial, and professional engineering work directing the County Highway Department's operations, systems, and staff. This includes the Program Delivery, Traffic, and Highway Maintenance units. With a long-term vision for the county's infrastructure needs related to transportation, highways, roadways, and trails, the incumbent develops short-term and long-term plans to achieve the vision of the County Board. Collaboratively with other professional managers and leaders, the incumbent develops strategies and action plans to implement this vision and provides ongoing guidance and analysis to others on technical issues and operational needs. Provides leadership that promotes effective, efficient, and professional operations that are responsive to the public's interests and desires for services. Guides staff and contractors to ensure plans are brought to fruition, motivating employees to achieve the mission and goals of the division and the county. Incumbent fulfills the appointed role of County Highway Engineer as defined by MS 163.07.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Serves as County Engineer per MN Statute 163.07.
• Leads the operations of the Program Delivery (Design, Construction, and Inspection), Traffic, and
• Highway Maintenance departments; leads process change initiatives that work toward the County Board's vision and advances the Board's mission.
• Oversees, manages, and directs the staff, the work, and the work activities of the County Highway Department, including Program Delivery (Design, Construction, and Inspection), Traffic, and Highway Maintenance.
• Assures services and programs provided are consistent with laws, rules, and accepted standards of practice through involvement in program development, coordination, project delivery, and problem solving.
• Leads development of and manages the annual budgets for program areas of responsibility (operating and capital).
• Assesses existing and anticipated service levels, staffing needs, and program requirements. Ensures staff is adequately trained to resource share, placing appropriate staff where the priorities of the county reside.
• Leads implementation of the county's employee and organizational development policies and programs in the Highway Department.
• Assesses county capital and infrastructure needs; works with others on five- and ten- year plans; develops capital financing plans for the delivery of infrastructure projects and services to address those needs.
• Collaborates with the Transportation Services Director on regional transportation issues (Met Council/Metro); collaborates with the County's Legislative and Communications Coordinator on State Legislation issues. Keeps abreast of County Engineer legislative initiatives and communicates them to division director and County Administration.
• Interacts with, collaborates with, and responds to residents, businesses, and other agencies regarding studies, designs, initiatives, and inquiries assuring an informed and engaged public on all projects.
• Works with the Planning Manager and Transportation Services Director on developing a long-term transportation (highway, trails, transit) policy and working with the County Board's Transportation Committee to move policy and programs forward.
• Serves as primary liaison on county highway projects and operational matters to municipal councils, planning commissions, staff from other agencies, counties, cities, business, and public organizations.
• Collaborates with the Transportation Services Director and Planning Manager on corridor and land-use studies that involve municipal councils and staff. Develops cooperative agreements with other agencies.
• Directs the preparation of required regional, state, and federal reports on program activity and effectiveness and grant proceeds.
• Collaborates and participates in county projects including parks and water management as needed. Supports activities that move the county’s strategic plan forward.  
• Participates in county-wide activities and events that build relationships and enhance the Transportation Services Division and county organizational culture. Supports activities that support the division's goals and enhances teamwork and communication within the Transportation Services Division.
• Develops and utilizes measures consistent with Scott County Delivers that support the board's outcomes and drives data-driven decision making and utilization into the Highway Department.
• 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.
• Performs the other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires license as a Professional Engineer in the State of Minnesota and eight years of progressively responsible experience in the management of complex civil engineering projects, including at least three years supervising professional staff. The incumbent shall provide a valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The incumbent is under broad policy guidance and direction from the Transportation Services Director and is responsible for the operation the County Highway Department, including Program Delivery (Design, Construction, and Inspection), Traffic, and Highway Maintenance. Design of the work is subject to objectives and boundaries imposed by state and federal laws and policies, direction, and comprehensive plans established by the County Board. Incumbent has wide latitude for discretion and independence applying professional, diversified knowledge of complex engineering and planning principles and techniques to accomplish county objectives. The incumbent represents the highest technical authority when addressing the Board of Commissioners; city, state, and township officials and councils; and the public in regard to matters of significance in the departments he or she oversees.

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.
 

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 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.

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.

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 and/or traffic, chemical/dust exposure, treacherous surfaces, etc. when traversing inspection sites.

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, and exert force to maneuver items, and lifts 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.