Public Works Director & County Engineer — Lead Infrastructure

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

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.