Principal Civil Engineer

Milwaukee County; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Milwaukee County seeks a Principal Civil Engineer to lead the Civil Engineering & Site Development Unit. This pivotal role involves managing civil engineering and site development projects, ensuring quality control, and maintaining compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates will have extensive project management experience, a Professional Engineer License, and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in project management and civil engineering.
• One year of supervisory experience in leading project teams.
• Intermediate knowledge of project management tools and software.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Civil Engineering & Site Development Unit.
• Ensure quality control across all project phases.
• Promote sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Professional Engineer License in Wisconsin

Relevant advanced degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil3D

Job description

Posted Monday, June 16, 2025 at 6:00 AM | Expires Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 5:59 AM

Interested in joining Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County is searching for authentic people who are out to change the game and bring their whole selves to work every day.

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Closing Date: June 30th, 2025 or upon the receipt of the first 50 application submissions.

Principal Civil Engineer

Department of FacilitiesManagement

Pay Range: $47.64 – $71.46

Job Summary: The Principal Civil Engineer leads and manages the Civil Engineering & Site Development Unit within Milwaukee County’s Architecture, Engineering & Environmental Services (AE&ES) Division. This position provides strategic oversight and technical leadership for civil engineering, surveying, and site development projects across Milwaukee County’s public infrastructure. The role ensures high-quality project execution, regulatory compliance, sustainability integration, and collaboration with internal departments and external agencies.

• Provide leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for the Civil Engineering & Site Development Unit.
• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented work environment that promotes innovation, accountability, and superior customer service.
• Serve as the primary representative for civil engineering services to County leadership, departments, and external stakeholders.
• Direct the planning, design, bidding, and construction administration for capital and maintenance projects.
• Ensure adherence to budget, schedule, quality standards, and sustainability objectives.
• Oversee stormwater management, regulatory compliance, and permitting for site development projects.
• Maintain strong relationships with County departments, community organizations, and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a technical advisor on site development, infrastructure planning, and public works initiatives.
• Provide guidance on engineering design standards, specifications, and best practices.
• Ensure quality control across all project phases, from concept through construction closeout.
• Promote the integration of sustainable infrastructure solutions in site development projects.
• Manage and oversee surveying functions, including the development of Certified Survey Maps (CSM), plats, utility maps, and legal descriptions.
• Ensure the accuracy and compliance of all property documentation and land development activities.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies on permits, funding opportunities, and regulatory reviews.
• Represent Milwaukee County in public meetings, technical reviews, and grant administration processes.
• Ensure projects align with all applicable codes, ordinances, and environmental requirements.
• Lead the hiring, training, and performance management of engineering and surveying staff.
• Promote professional development and technical training.
• Assist County departments with annual and five-year capital improvement planning.
• Provide cost estimates, technical recommendations, and budget justifications for site development and infrastructure projects.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a current resident of Wisconsin.
• Valid WI Driver’sLicense during application and maintained throughout employment.
• At least Five (5) years of experience in Project management and Civil Engineering related work.
• At least One (1) year or more supervisory experience in leading project team, or managing technical / professional staff
• Intermediate knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Intermediate knowledge of Project Management Tools and Software
• Basic knowledge of AutoCAD, Civil3D

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer License in the State of Wisconsin preferred.
• Relevant advance degree preferred and beneficial.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of civil engineering theories, principles, and best practices, with an emphasis on site development, utility engineering, and construction engineering.
• Proven ability to oversee and ensure quality assurance in the preparation of construction bid documents for a variety of public works projects.
• Strong analytical skills to develop comprehensive engineering reports for complex public works projects.
• Effective leadership and supervisory skills to guide and mentor staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with internal staff, county departments, and external agencies to facilitate project success.

DAS Equity Statement: DAS is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse work force that is demographically and racially representative of Milwaukee County residents. DAS leadership is committed to honoring diverse experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, while fostering work environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Must be able to work in all Milwaukee County facilities including secured detention/high-security facilities and work in areas with sensitive information and assets Applicants must successfully undergo a criminal history background check to establish security clearance for Milwaukee County facilities and maintain this clearance throughout employment.

NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATIONis open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application.Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.