Engineering Technician I

Mille Lacs County, MN; Milaca (MN); On-site; USD 41,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Mille Lacs County, MN is seeking an Engineering Technician I to perform engineering and surveying tasks for data collection, highway project development, design, construction, and inspection of roadways and bridges.

The position requires two years of relevant post-secondary education or equivalent experience, a Class D driver's license, and MnDOT certifications. The incumbent may supervise a survey crew and must pass a background check.

Qualifications

• Two years of post-secondary education in Civil Engineering/Land Surveying Technology or equivalent.
• Class D driver's license.
• MnDOT certifications as specified.
• Ability to obtain MnDOT Team Leader Bridge Inspection Certification.
• Entry-level surveying CAD experience.
• Criminal history background check required.

Responsibilities

• Design highways and prepare plans and specifications under general direction.
• Performs staking and inspection of County State Aid Highways, county roads, bridges, and ditches; maintains records.
• Oversees project inspector role; coordinates with contractor and utility companies.
• Inspects bituminous/concrete plants, grading and sealcoat; reviews contractor reports for compliance.
• Performs surveys using GPS, base stations, total stations, data collectors and levels; prepares sketches and notes.
• Serves as crew chief on survey crew; assigns work and provides guidance to staff.
• Assists County Surveyor with PLSS maintenance and right-of-way surveys.
• Sets up, maintains and troubleshoots surveying equipment and software.
• Acts as liaison between construction/utility companies and the public.
• Assists in public hearings on road projects and right-of-way negotiations.
• Provides assistance to trainees as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Surveying principles

CAD

Engineering judgment

Education

Two years post-secondary education in Civil Engineering/Land Surveying Technology

Tools

GPS

Total stations

Data collectors

Base Stations

Levels

Job description

The Engineering Technician I performs a variety of engineering and surveying technical tasks related to data collection, highway project development, design, construction, and inspection of roadways and bridges.

This is a non-union position. Complete 2026 pay scale is $29.95-$39.18/hr. Hiring range for this position is $29.95 (2027 amount $30.85). For a complete position description, click here.

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. Designs highways, prepares plans and specifications under general direction using engineering judgment. Enforces conformity of predetermined standards from state manuals, including municipal design of streets and county roads. Conducts preliminary engineering and research. Performs technical computations, and compiles engineering data and statistics. Selects proper materials for road construction and resurfacing projects. Prepares public documents, construction plans, special provisions, contracts, construction documentation, and construction estimates.
2. Performs construction staking and inspection of County State Aid Highways, county roads, bridges, and ditches for maintenance contracts and replacement needs, including safety and conditions. Maintains records of all inspection and survey work. Assists with bridge inspections.
3. Oversees, observes, and serves as project inspector on contract projects within the county. Ensures compliance with the contract documents, and good construction practices. Coordinates construction with the contractor and utility companies.
4. Performs inspections of bituminous plant, concrete plant, bituminous sealcoat, grading, and gravel. Inspects tests and reviews contractor reports to ensure contractor compliance with county, state, and federal regulations.
5. Performs related engineering research and support work including, but not limited to, researching property ownership preparing and interpreting legal descriptions and easements; coordinates and lays out no-passing zones for sign crew, etc.
6. Performs topographic, cross section, and other surveys by operating GPS, Base Stations, total stations, data collectors, levels, and other engineering instruments. Determines type of survey; prepares sketches, survey notes, and maintains maps; solves moderately complex engineering computations.
7. Serves as crew chief on survey crew as needed and assigned. Assigns work and provides work direction to employees and seasonal temporary employees assigned to surveying. Reviews work, providing feedback and instruction, and ensures that the assigned employees know and follow department procedures, as well as sound work and safety practices.
8. Assists the County Surveyor with PLSS (public land survey system) maintenance and right of way survey field work.
9. Setup, maintain, and troubleshoot surveying equipment and software.
10. Acts as a liaison between construction/utility companies and the public.
11. Assists in public hearings on road projects, and in right-of-way negotiations.
12. Provides assistance to trainees as needed.
13. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of post-secondary education, with degree in Civil Engineering/Land Surveying Technology within 6 weeks of hire date; or equivalent combination of education and experience in Civil Engineering/Land Surveying Technology.
• Class D driver's license
• Must obtain the following MN/DOT Construction Technician Certifications as determined by Employer: Bituminous Plant Level I and II, Bituminous Street Level I and II, Concrete Field Level I and II, Grading and Base Level I and II and Bridge Construction.
• Must have ability to obtain MnDOT Team Leader Bridge Inspection Certification.
• Entry level experience with surveying principles and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
• Must successfully complete a criminal history background check

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