Staff Engineer

About the role

The City of Onalaska is seeking to hire a Staff Engineer in the Public Works department. An employee in this position assists with the planning, designing, bidding, and organizing of engineering projects in the Public Works Department.

Responsibilities

• Participates in municipal engineering as it relates to preparing, planning, designing, specifications, plan review, drafting and resident project observation.
• Assists with development, review and preparation of project designs including site layout, grading and utility design.
• Assists with preparing and submitting various permits, reports, regulatory documents, etc. to local, state, and federal agencies for various Public Works projects.
• Prepare, maintain and assist with activities for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit (MS4).
• Acts as resident project representative performing construction inspection, management and administration of city projects ensuring compliance with applicable specifications, codes, standards, etc.
• Assist with Sidewalk Management Program, including performing yearly inspections.
• Maintains records, correspondence, and as built information for various public works projects.
• Assists with review and approval of City Engineering Department right of way permitting.
• Supports preparation and tracking of project budget and preparing annual budget recommendations.
• Assists with topographical survey and construction staking for various public works projects.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited university.
• Registration as Engineer in Training required, or ability to obtain within one year.
• A minimum of one (1) year of related Civil Engineering experience required.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.

Pay

The 2026 annual salary range for this exempt position is $75,985 (step 1) through $99,666 (step 11). Starting salary up to $87,023 depending on qualifications. Eligible for annual wage advancement upon approval.

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment.
• For 2026 health insurance, the most affordable area plan offered is the Quartz West Plan with premiums at $225.36 per month for a single plan or $554.72 per month for a family plan. There is no deductible or co-insurance amount for the health insurance plan.
• Dental insurance is through Delta Dental with premiums paid 100% by the City.
• The position qualifies for automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan) providing a lifetime payment once vested and upon eligible retirement.
• Voluntary benefits such as vision, flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance.
• Paid sick leave, holidays, and vacation.
• Access to an employee assistance program (EAP).
• The City of Onalaska is also a qualifying employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Federal Program.