City Engineer

American Society of Civil Engineers; Box Elder (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Box Elder is seeking a high-caliber Director of Engineering to lead the Engineering Department and oversee planning, subdivision development, and public works design and construction activities.

You will supervise personnel, coordinate with contractors and agencies, and guide long-range capital improvement and budget planning to support the city’s growth and services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field.
• Five to seven years of related experience directing and coordinating division work.
• Valid SD driver’s license required; PE licensure within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Directs engineering, subdivision development, and public works design activities.
• Hires, trains, and evaluates department personnel.
• Coordinates contracts and pay applications; manages budgets.
• Prepares five-year capital plan and annual budget.
• Represent the city in meetings with officials and agencies.

Skills

Management

Problem solving

Prioritizing & planning

Interpersonal relations

Oral and written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Welcome to Box Elder, South Dakota,a community that truly feels like home. Nestled between the rolling prairie and the scenic Black Hills, Box Elder offers the best of both worlds: peaceful small‑town living with easy access to adventure. Conveniently located just east of Rapid City along Interstate 90, the city is also proud to be home to Ellsworth Air Force Base, which plays a vital role in the local economy and adds to the strong sense of community.

Box Elder blends military and civilian life seamlessly, creating a diverse, welcoming atmosphere where people from all backgrounds come together. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area year‑round, with the Black Hills to the west and Badlands National Park nearby, making hiking, camping, and exploration part of everyday life.

Founded in 1907 as a charming whistle stop, Box Elder has grown into one of the fastest‑growing cities in South Dakota. With an impressive average growth rate of 5% each year, it continues to evolve while holding on to its close‑knit character. Whether you’re seeking opportunity, natural beauty, or a place to put down roots, Box Elder offers a vibrant future and a place to belong.

SUMMARY:

This position directs the operations of the Engineering Department, including planning directing, and coordinating engineering, subdivision development, and public works design and construction activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Hires, trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines department personnel.
• Coordinates the work of contractors, including engineers, architects, etc.
• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; prepares and administers the department budget.
• Directs long- and short-term department planning and policy formation.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates engineering, subdivision development, and public works design and construction activities.
• Assists in projecting a broad range of public improvements and advises the Public Works Director, elected officials, and other city personnel on engineering matters.
• Coordinates activities with the city management, elected and appointed officials, consultants, contractors, and representatives of local, state, and federal agencies.
• Administers contracts and manages the work of contractors engaged in capital improvements projects; tracks project pay applications, schedules, change orders, and overages; coordinates consulting engineering contracts.
• Coordinates bid processes for public works, engineering, maintenance, and other city projects.
• Represents the city in collaborating with other governmental jurisdictions, private firms, and the general public on engineering matters.
• Participates in the preparation of the five-year capital improvement plan and the annual capital budget.
• Manages the engineering review of construction plans for all private development projects to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local ordinances and with standard engineering practices.
• Assists in the preparation and updating of city development standards and regulations.
• Presents as necessary at the Finance, Legal, and Public Safety Committee meeting, Planning and Zoning Committee, and City Council.
• Conducts presentations regarding construction projects or proposed projects. Reviews contractor pay applications and approves payment. Conducts constructions progress meeting for developments and public works projects. Interprets city specifications and requests for design exemptions. Compiles data, prepares reports, and completes special projects as requested; prepares and maintains related documents. Performs related duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.

Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require five to seven years of related experience.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the state of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Certification as a Professional Engineer

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

• Valid Driver’s license.
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of South Dakota within one (1) year of date of employment.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices. Knowledge of budgeting and accounting principles. Knowledge of capital improvement planning principles. Knowledge of construction inspections principles and practices. Knowledge of construction plan review principles. Knowledge of personnel management principles. Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures. Knowledge of computer and job-related software programs.

Required Skills:

• Skill in management and supervision. Skill in problem solving. Skill in prioritizing and planning. Skill in interpersonal relations. Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

The City Administrator and Chief Financial Officer assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work though conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPOSIBILITIES

This position has direct supervision over department personnel.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work consists of varied management, engineering, administrative, supervisory, and technical duties. The variety of tasks to be managed contributes to the complexity of work.

The purpose of this position is to direct the city’s engineering operations. Successful performance helps ensure the effective and efficient operation of the department and affects the quality of life for city residents and visitors.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects and climbs ladders.

The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving part. Work may require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office setting. Work is subject to travel to a variety of City locations. This position is classified as “Essential Personnel”.