Permits and Local Roads Department Manager

Macomb County Government; Michigan; On-site; USD 97,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision coverage

No premium for employee health plan

Job summary

Macomb County Government in Michigan seeks a Permits and Local Roads Department Manager to oversee construction inspection of the local road system and administer permits for residential, commercial and utility projects. The role ensures compliance with MDOT standards and manages department staff, budget, and interagency coordination.

Full-time exempt position, 40 hours per week with starting time at 8:00 a.m.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Construction Management or a related field is required.
• Five (5) years of experience working with engineering projects are required.
• Three (3) years of management or leadership experience are required.

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees the operations of the Permit and Local Road Department.
• Supervises the Permits and Local Roads Inspection Staff pertaining to scheduling inspector’s activities and the processing of all related correspondence.
• Educates employees regarding Department of Roads right-of-way and transportation permit issuance.
• Coordinates with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) regarding permit activity on state highways.
• Oversees site plan review process for commercial and utility construction applications.
• Prepares proposals by assembling standard sections, writing special provisions and determining basis of payment.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Communication

Education

Associate’s degree in Construction Management or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Word

Excel

Internet

E‑mail

Job description

As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.

Classification Title

Permits and Local Roads Department Manager

Salary

$97,449.67 - $126,043.03

Department

Roads

Opening Date

11/03/2026

Closing Date

11/11/2026 12:00 a.m.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Employment Relationship

Just cause subject to probationary period

CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME

Fulltime (40 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position is currently 8:00 a.m.

LOCATION

Permits Division

General Summary

Under direction, manages the construction inspection of the local road system. Acts as the administrator to Block Grant Road and Special Assessment Districts in local townships. Manages the overall operations of the Permit and Local Road Department with relation to permit issuance for residential, commercial and utility construction in the right-of-way and transportation permits.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees the operations of the Permit and Local Road Department.
• Supervises the Permits and Local Roads Inspection Staff pertaining to scheduling inspector’s activities and the processing of all related correspondence.
• Educates employees in regard to Department of Roads right-of-way and transportation permit issuance.
• Addresses questions and concerns from staff, consultants, contractors, residents, developers, municipalities, and utility providers relating to Department of Roads permit policies and service requests to ensure compliance with departmental standards and applicable regulations.
• Coordinates with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) regarding permit activity on state highways.
• Oversees site plan review process for commercial and utility construction applications.
• Reviews engineering plans to determine how construction will impact the road and right-of-way and determines associated fees and deposits.
• Reviews transportation permit applications of excessive weight or size with regard to road bonding or traffic concerns and determines if Weighmaster involvement is necessary.
• Processes information for Spring Weight Restrictions.
• Oversees accurate recording of all monies receipted for by the Permit and Local Road Department.
• Processes inspector’s daily reports and prepares monthly statements of billing for permit and inspection fees.
• Completes daily inspection reports to confirm inspections are following approved engineering plans and MDOT standards.
• Works in conjunction with the Finance Department for billing of MDOT inspection fees, escrow deposit dispositions, overdue fee collection and other related items.
• Maintains extensive records of permit, inspection and fee history.
• Prepares and manages the Permit Department budget.
• Maintains inventory of department vehicles and equipment.
• Works closely in conjunction with the Maintenance, Traffic and Right of Way Departments.
• Represents the Department of Roads at various project meetings with public officials, utility company personnel and contractors.
• Supervises the construction inspection of new subdivisions and township projects.
• Oversees the training of staff for required testing procedures and inspection forms.
• Reviews all subdivision and local road projects to assure that all activities are performed in a safe manner.
• Attends on site meetings to discuss field changes.
• Assists in resolving conflicts with existing and proposed utilities and right-of-way.
• Reviews and directs utility installations in our right-of-way.
• Reviews projects on a regular basis to determine if sufficient inspectors are available and assign inspectors where necessary.
• Directs the checking and processing of permits in the right-of-way use and occupancy in new subdivisions and private utilities.
• Performs final review of project records.
• Investigates complaints and recommends solutions.
• Reviews consultant’s plans, designs, specifications and quantities for compliance with Department of Roads standards.
• Prepares proposals by assembling standard sections, writing special provisions and determining basis of payment, assists in tabulation of bids.
• Attends meetings and seminars for the latest developments and techniques in design, construction and management.
• Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Construction Management or a related field
• Five (5) years of experience working with engineering projects
• Three (3) years of management or leadership experience

Preferred Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field

Required Licenses Or Certifications

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel

Preferred Licenses Or Certifications

• Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan certification
• Concrete Level 1 and 2 offered through the Michigan Concrete Association (MCA)/American Concrete Institute (ACI)
• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) certification from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
• International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Work Zone Training certification

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

• Macomb County Department of Roads work rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Permits and construction
• Soil and sub‑grade principles
• Pavement applications
• Subdivision and local road specifications
• Michigan Department of Transportation regulations
• Word, Excel, Internet, E‑mail and other related software

Skill In

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
• Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
• Determining and implementing safe work zones
• Engineering skills including but not limited to site plan review, road right‑of‑way, weight limits on roadways, engineering plans, and MDOT standards

Ability To

• Make decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established policies and procedures
• Keep records, maintain data entry and prepare reports
• Supervise, train and evaluate the work of assigned staff
• Prepare and present written and verbal reports in a clear and logical manner
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, Administrators, Department Heads, staff, union officials, and the public
• Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy
• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Work independently

Work Environment/Conditions

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C

Outdoor environment: F/C

Street environment (near moving traffic): F/C

Construction site: F/C

Confined space: O

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: O

Individuals with known violent backgrounds: O

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): O

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S

Communicable diseases: N/S

Moving mechanical parts: F/C

Fumes or airborne particles: O

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: O

Loud noises (85+ decibels): F/C

Blood Borne Pathogens: N/S

Physical Demands

N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: F/C

Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): F/C

Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: O

Crawling (moving about on hands and knees): O

Inspecting in confined spaces: O

Digging: O

Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: F/C

Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O

Kneeling to work at low levels: N/S

Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C

Up to 50 pounds: O

More than 50 pounds: N/S

Over 100 pounds: N/S

Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O

Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O

Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C

Standing in an upright position without movement: O

Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: O

Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S

General Requirements And Disclaimers

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.