Public Works Director/County Engineer

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 with a complete 2026 annual salary range of $132,662.40 - $173,534.40.

Responsibilities

• Uses independent judgment to provide supervision and leadership to department personnel, including hiring, discipline, coaching, mentoring, and performance reviews.
• Ensures staff follow department and county rules, safety practices, and accomplish job objectives.
• Maintains key relationships and communicates effectively to impact staff morale and performance.
• Allocates human and fiscal resources to achieve department goals cost-effectively.
• Develops detailed budgets, presents funding requests, and monitors performance against the budget.
• Plans, develops, and implements short-term and long-term objectives, policies, and procedures to accomplish departmental goals.
• Interprets policies, ordinances, and ensures uniform application, including impacts of new legislation.
• Manages the county road system, including development, design, construction, maintenance, and Right-of-Way.
• Oversees construction inspection, quality control, and contract documentation.
• Prepares and submits applications for funding programs and administers state and federal funds.
• Collaborates with county departments, agencies, cities, townships, and the public to address service needs and recommend legislative changes.
• Presents reports to the County Board and County Administrator on department activities, trends, and fiscal issues.
• Directs and assists with engineering design, construction oversight, and maintenance of County parks and trails.
• Obtains funding for parks, trails, and long-term planning activities.
• Confers with the County Attorney and law firms on enforcement actions and departmental operations.
• Serves as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act Responsible Authority designee, managing records and data retention/privacy regulations.

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.

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 and will remain open until filled.