Public Works Director/County Engineer

Mille Lacs County; Milaca (MN); On-site; USD 133,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

Mille Lacs County is seeking a Public Works Director to lead the Public Works Department and serve as County Engineer. The role requires strategic leadership, strong budgeting skills, and compliance with statutes to guide county infrastructure programs.

Responsibilities include budgeting, policy development, road system oversight, funding applications, and interagency collaboration. This position is non-union and posted continuously until filled.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and eight (8) years of directly related work experience, including a minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minnesota Professional Engineering License.
• Class D Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Uses independent judgment to provide supervision and leadership to department personnel under the span of control; hires and disciplines staff; provides coaching and performance reviews.
• Manages communications to maintain relationships key to the function of the county.
• Allocates human and fiscal resources to meet department goals; analyzes expenditures and funding sources; develops budgets and presents funding requests.
• Plans, develops, and implements short- and long-term objectives, policies, and procedures; interprets policies and ordinances for uniform application.
• Manages county road system with planning and oversight in development, design, construction, maintenance and Right-of-Way; oversees construction inspection and contract progress.
• Prepares and submits applications for funding programs; administers state and federal funds for the county.
• Collaborates with other departments, agencies, and the public to address service needs and obtain approvals.
• Provides the County Administrator and County Board with information on program outcomes, trends, and fiscal issues; presents regular reports.
• Oversees County parks and trails, including surveys, engineering design, construction oversight, and long-term funding planning.
• Confers with the County Attorney on enforcement actions as required.
• Acts as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act Responsible Authority designee for the Department.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Communication

Public works leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering

Minnesota Professional Engineering License

Class D Driver’s License

Job description

The Public Works Director serves as the department head for the Public Works Department and the County Engineer pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 163.07, providing leadership and direction related to operations and services within the county. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining the standards, controls, and policies necessary to administer and coordinate the various programs and services provided by the department.

This is a non-union position. Complete 2026 annual salary range is $132,662.40 - $173,534.40.

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. Uses independent judgment to provide supervision and leadership to department personnel under the span of control. Makes recommendations on matters of hiring and discipline. Conducts ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and timely formal reviews of performance for staff. Provides training and work direction, ensuring staff know and follow department and county rules, as well as sound work and safety practices, to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.
2. Responsible for communications that maintain relationships key to the function of the county. Plans and carries out communications at a level that can impact the morale and performance of staff.
3. Allocates human and fiscal resources, as authorized by the County Board, to ensure department goals are achieved in a cost-effective manner. Analyzes expenditures, expected needs, future cost projections and sources of funding to develop detailed budgets and present funding requests to the County Administrator. Reviews year-to-date spending reports and monitors performance against plan during the entire budget cycle, ensuring that the most cost-effective alternatives are identified when planning expenditures.
4. Plans, develops, and implements short-term and long-term objectives, operating policies and procedures to accomplish departmental goals and objectives. Interprets policies and ordinances and ensures uniform application to the public, including the impacts of new legislation. Works with the County Administrator on the development of departmental policies, short-term and long-term goals, and the annual work plan.
5. Manage county road system providing expert planning and oversight in the areas of development, design, construction, maintenance and Right-of-Way. Manage the work involved in construction inspection, quality control, measurement of quantities, and documentation of contract progress.
6. Prepares and submits applications for funding programs consistent with delegated authority.
7. Administers state and federal funds for the county and political subdivisions within the county.
8. Collaborates with other county departments, state and local agencies, cities, townships, and the public to address service needs and recommend legislative changes. Meets with governmental units or agencies and the public to explain department programs and projects, resolve problems, and obtain necessary approvals.
9. Provides the County Administrator and County Board with comprehensive information regarding programmatic outcomes, alternatives, recommendations, and initiatives. Presents regular reports to the County Board and County Administrator on Department activities, program trends, and fiscal issues.
10. Responsible for County parks and trails. This includes directing and/or assisting with obtaining required survey information, engineering design, construction oversight, and maintenance of County parks and trails. This position is also responsible for obtaining or overseeing application for funding for parks, trails, and long-term planning activities.
11. Confers with the County Attorney and law firms on retainer to conduct enforcement actions and solicit input as required on other departmental operations.
12. Serves as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act Responsible Authority designee for the Department; responsible for the records and management of records, including all applicable data retention and data privacy regulations.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and eight (8) years of directly related work experience, including a minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minnesota Professional Engineering License.
• Class D Driver’s License.

This is a continuous posting (will remain open until filled).