County Engineer

Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the administration, maintenance, design and construction of roads, bridges, culverts and special projects for the Secondary Roads department.

Develops and implements approved Five Year Construction Program.  Provides short and long-range planning for construction and maintenance projects by analyzing road deficiencies. Ensures adequate road signage for safety to the traveling public.

Develops and presents annual departmental budget, reports, and programs in accordance with the Iowa Code and Iowa Department of Transportation regulations. Reviews expenditures and makes recommendations to meet departmental needs.

Meets with the Board of Supervisors to discuss issues such as road projects and recommend alternative solutions to problems; provide feedback to the Board and public on matters such as relevant state and federal legislation which impact county road projects.

Coordinates County Engineer functions with other county departments; develops department goals and objectives, policies and procedures, methods and standards, and improvements to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.

Performs personnel management functions such as staffing, scheduling, assigning and reviewing work duties, conducting performance evaluations and administering disciplinary actions. Administers collective bargaining agreement and personnel policies in a fair and consistent manner to ensure compliance and achieve productivity and motivation of employees.

Maintains positive public relations for the department through proper management and direction of all activities while ensuring goals and objectives are met.

Delegates responsibility and directs subordinate staff in areas such as:

• Conducting periodic inspections of roads, bridges, access ways and drainage structures/areas to ensure proper maintenance, timely repair and replacement as needed.

• Constructing, maintaining and repairing roads, bridges, and rights-of-way; scheduling projects such as resurfacing, patching, reconstruction, modification, replacement, and repair.

• Removal of snow from county roads; scheduling plowing, sanding, and removal equipment; authorizing call-in of employees to assist with emergency equipment operations.

• Developing specifications for and recommending the purchase of equipment and materials; ensuring that purchases such as parts, equipment repairs, and materials are in the county's best interest.

• Erecting, replacing, and repairing road signs.

Knowledge of engineering practices, methods, materials and equipment.

Knowledge of applicable county, state and federal laws, policies and regulations which impact departmental activities.

Knowledge of and the ability to apply personnel management techniques and skills including but not limited to planning, assigning, supervising and appraising the work of subordinates.

Knowledge of safety procedures and applicable state and federal standards concerning occupational hazards, employee safety and other safety precautions.

Ability to plan and implement comprehensive departmental work programs.

Ability to interpret and utilize a variety of advisory and design data and information such as budgets, project plans and drawings, inspection reports, DOT directives, long-range construction program, policy and instructional manuals, Iowa Code, etc.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing with the Board of Supervisors, DOT, attorneys, engineers, general public, contractors, consultants and vendor representatives.

Ability to apply algebraic and trigonometric formulas. Ability to interpret inferential statistical reports and/or formulation and equation data.

Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the direction, control and planning of an entire program or multiple programs

Must possess a valid driver's license at the time of hire and maintain it throughout the course of employment.

Must possess a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited college or university.

Must be licensed as a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Iowa. Registration as a land surveyor in Iowa is preferred, however, not required.