Public Works Director

About the role

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.

Essential Functions

• Uses independent judgment to provide supervision and leadership to department personnel under the span of control.
• Makes recommendations on matters of hiring and discipline.
• 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.
• 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.
• Plans and carries out communications that maintain relationships key to the function of the county.
• Presents regular reports to the County Board and County Administrator on Department activities, program trends, and fiscal issues.
• Manages county road system providing expert planning and oversight in the areas of development, design, construction, maintenance and Right-of-Way.
• Manages the work involved in construction inspection, quality control, measurement of quantities, and documentation of contract progress.
• Prepares and submits applications for funding programs consistent with delegated authority.
• Administers state and federal funds for the county and political subdivisions within the county.
• 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.
• 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.

  Minimum 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.

  Selection Process

  • Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience.
  • Top candidates will be invited to participate in oral interviews.
  • This is a continuous posting (will remain open until filled).

  Benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Confinement Insurance

  Required

  • Do you have a valid Class D driver's license?
  • Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering?
  • Do you have a current Minnesota Professional Engineering License?
  • If no, are you eligible to take the written exam for the Minnesota Professional Engineering License?
  • Please select the option which best describes your full-time work experience in public works, contract management, inspection, engineering, construction, maintenance, or any other related field.
  • How many years of experience do you have directly supervising others in a paid work setting (e.g. subordinates, clients, etc.)?