Assistant County Engineer

Mille Lacs County; Milaca (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Mille Lacs County seeks an Assistant County Engineer to provide leadership for road, bridge, ditch, park, and trail engineering, construction, and maintenance. The role focuses on planning and directing projects while coordinating with MnDOT, DNR and other agencies.

The position requires a civil engineering degree with several years in design and project management, plus certifications. A criminal background check and a Class D license are required.

Qualifications

• Two years of post-secondary education in Civil Engineering Technology and four years of experience, including two years in highway design.
• One year in bridge safety inspection and two years in project management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field preferred with advanced bridge rating, hydrology, GIS, and management training.
• Must possess or have ability to obtain certifications upon request: MnDOT Construction Technician, Bituminous Plant II, Bituminous Street II, Concrete Field II, Grading and Base II.
• Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.
• Class D Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Uses independent judgment to supervise department personnel and provide leadership.
• Plans and coordinates highway, ditch, park, and trail projects with regulatory compliance.
• Directs engineering staff in planning, design, and documentation of highway improvements; coordinates with MnDOT and other agencies.
• Reviews design data, plans, estimates, and right-of-way issues; monitors progress; recommends improvements.
• Attends County Board meetings to present plans and discuss programs and policies.
• Supervises engineering staff and ensures safety and adherence to county rules.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Two years post-secondary education in Civil Engineering Technology

Two or more years directly related professional experience (preferred)

Job description

The Assistant County Engineer assists in providing leadership and direction related to operations and services within the County. Plans, directs, and coordinates all County road, bridge, ditch, park, and trail engineering; construction; and maintenance projects.

This is a non-union position.

Complete 2026 pay scale is $80,142.40- $104,852.80/annually.

This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.

1. 1. Uses independent judgment to provide supervision and leadership to department personnelunder the span of control. 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, to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.
2. 2. 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.
3. 3. In collaboration with the Public Works Director, plans, directs, and sets short- and long-term goals and objectives for the County Public Works Department, including establishing policies to maintain and improve the County highway, ditch, park, and trail systems subject to state and federal laws and economic constraints, and consistent with County Board objectives.
4. 4. Manages the County’s bridge inspection program. Manage field inspection procedures and fieldbridge inspection reports; review bridges in field with bridge inspection personnel to determinespecific rating or maintenance problems; investigate bridge maintenance problems anddetermine repair options; compute or check new postings calculations; prepare letters andreports to local and state officials concerning the condition of specific structures.
5. 5. Oversees and directs engineering staff in the planning, design, and documentation of federal,state, and county highway improvement projects. Coordinates project development and requiredAssistant County Engineer2reports with MnDOT, DNR, Army Corps of Engineers, local governments, and other agencies. Reviews design data, plans, estimates, and right-of-way issues; monitors staff progress; and recommends improvements to ensure project goals and compliance with current standards.
6. 6. Makes recommendations; prepares reports for, and coordinates department plans with, the Public Works Director. Attends County Board meetings to present plans and accomplishments, and to discuss the development and implementation of programs and policies. the preparation of material for presentations concerning future or pending construction and conduct public meetings.
7. 7. Supervises, and assists with the work of engineering staff, including associated work involved with the survey, design, construction, inspection, and project management of related activity involving County roads, ditches, parks, and trails. Ensures staff know and follow department and countyrules, as well as sound work and safety practices, in order to accomplish the job objectives andavoid injury or loss.
8. 8. Responsible for engineering design recommendations related to maintenance of the county ditch system and the county’s park and trail systems.
9. 9. 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 federalfunds for the county and political subdivisions within the county

Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Top candidates will be selected to participate in oral interviews.

• Two years of post-secondary education in Civil Engineering Technology and four years’ experience, which includes two years in highway design, one year in bridge safety inspection, two years in project management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess or have the ability to promptly obtain the following certifications upon request: MNDOT Certified Construction Technician, Bituminous Plant Level II, Bituminous Street Level II, Concrete Field Level II, Grading and Base Level II.
• Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.
• Class D Driver’s License.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field and two or more years directly related professional experience preferred, in addition to advanced training desirable in bridge rating, hydrology, geometric design, geology, GIS, traffic data analysis, right-of-way acquisition, computers, public relations, and management.

Complete 2026 annual salary range is $80,142.40- $104,852.80.