Assistant Traffic Engineer

County of Dakota; Apple Valley (MN); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a motivated Assistant Traffic Engineer to join their Transportation Department. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to lead projects aimed at improving roadway safety and mobility for the public. You'll provide professional engineering reviews, manage traffic signal operations, and oversee funding applications for safety grants. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in civil engineering, project management, and public engagement. Join a team that values service, integrity, and innovation while contributing to the safety and efficiency of transportation in the community.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

Excellent work-life balance

Generous paid time off

Eleven paid holidays

Pension with employer contribution

Ability to work from home

Qualifications

• 5+ years in transportation engineering with project management experience.
• Valid Driver's License and Minnesota Professional Engineer License required.

Responsibilities

• Lead traffic engineering staff and manage roadway safety projects.
• Conduct transportation studies and recommend improvements.

Skills

Transportation Engineering

Project Management

Traffic Safety Assessment

Public Engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Traffic Simulation Software

Project Management Software

Job description

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Transportation
HOURS: Full-time
FULL SALARY RANGE: $88,458 - 138,216 (110 Grade Level)
LOCATION: Western Service Center, Apple Valley, MN
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: This posting will remain open until filled. Apply early as the initial review of applications will occur on March 28th.

What You'll Do
The Dakota County Transportation Department is seeking a motivated individual to fill our Assistant Traffic Engineer position, responsible for providing professional engineering review for Transportation projects and activities. Additionally, this role involves providing leadership, supervision, and direction to traffic engineering staff to improve roadway safety and mobility for the traveling public. This position is part of the Transportation Leadership Team.

Some specific job responsibilities may include: representation on project teams, assessing intersections and recommending improvements such as roundabouts or traffic signals, oversight of funding applications for safety or mobility grants, addressing resident safety concerns, managing projects to improve safety or signal operations. This position provides work direction to traffic staff and manages consultant contracts as needed to implement traffic projects and system operations. The Assistant Traffic Engineer has the discretion to determine priorities, investigate issues, make decisions, take appropriate action, and carry out work necessary to implement projects and improvements in coordination with the County Traffic Engineer.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county, home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More,” and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, focusing on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. We aim to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences, promoting an equitable and culturally aware work environment.

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field AND five years of experience in transportation/highway engineering ** (see below).
OR
• Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field AND three years of experience in transportation/highway engineering ** (see below).
AND
• Valid Driver's License
• Minnesota Professional Engineer License OR Professional Engineering License from another state and ability to obtain MN P.E. License within six months.

** Years of highway engineering experience should include a combination of work in one or more of the following work areas:

• Managing roadway projects
• Conducting transportation studies
• Developing signal timing or assessing traffic safety

Nice to Have Qualifications
• Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (P.T.O.E.) certification is desirable.
• Three or more years of experience in the development, implementation, assessment, or modeling of traffic signal timing.
• Three or more years of progressive experience in leading staff and projects or direct experience as a manager or supervisor.
• Experience working with the public through projects or studies, including addressing citizen concerns.

Essential Job Functions

1. Provide leadership, supervision, and work direction to traffic staff in the preparation of studies, plans, and evaluations.
2. Manage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) related to traffic including:
   
   • Coordinate communications internally and externally for traffic issues for projects including coordinating traffic review of large projects.
   • Determine design details including roadway alignments, traffic signal details, traffic control requirements, and data collection requirements to support design decisions.
   • Coordinate the activities of consultants to ensure appropriate design details and contract delivery.
   • Prepare project agreements and resolutions authorizing agreements and contracts.
3. Oversee the traffic signal timing and operation program for the County.
4. Represent traffic on technical committees and participate in public involvement programs for planning, large design, and corridor projects.
5. Conduct research and analysis required for department activities/programs and recommend appropriate actions.
6. Oversee analysis and evaluation utilizing County safety assessment tools.
7. Provide evaluation and analysis for the CIP, participate in the CIP development process, and prioritize/recommend traffic operation, aging signal replacement, and safety projects for the CIP.
8. Oversee the County's efforts in obtaining State/Federal funding for traffic-related projects.
9. Review traffic engineering studies related to private site development for impacts to the County highway system.
10. Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment
Work is performed in a County office building. Work is primarily sedentary, although there is some walking, travel, and carrying of lightweight items such as briefcases, laptops, and work papers. Flexibility around work location is coordinated with County leadership to meet the needs of the position.

Location & Schedule
This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions.
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications.
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration.
• We conduct background and reference checks before hiring.