Highway Project Engineer

Steele County government is driven to deliver quality services in a respectful and fiscally responsible way. Our core values include: Teamwork, Positivity/Forward-Thinking, Respect, Accountability and Integrity.

Highway Project Engineer

Hiring Range: $78,686 - $100,276 annually

Full-Time, Exempt

• Benefit & Pension Eligible

Under the direction of the County Engineer, the Project Engineer is responsible for providing professional civil and engineering duties to include, but are not limited to: survey, design, staking and inspection of construction projects; assisting, training and guiding engineering technicians in highway design, engineering principles, practices and procedures, determination of data collection needs, geometrics, pavement design, hydraulic design, signing and striping design, traffic control layouts, interpreting State and Federal regulations, preparation of environmental permits or reports, determining right of way needs; assisting with highway permit reviews, and additional tasks as assigned.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Imports survey data into CADD drafting and design software and prepares base topographic drawing using survey data and field notes.
• Performs hydraulic analysis and risk assessments for culvert replacement plans.
• Performs title searches and prepares easement acquisition forms for construction projects.
• Performs construction project design using CADD drafting and design software.
• Prepares construction plan documents, project cost estimates, special provisions and contract proposals.
• Provides assistance, training and guidance to engineering technicians.
• Serves as primary contact to the public for County projects.
• Prepares projects for advertisement and bidding.
• Performs construction project inspection and maintains daily records of construction activities, as needed.
• Performs construction material testing and computations on project site.
• Manage contracts for construction contractors, design consultants, and other engineering related professional services.
• Assist County Engineer and Public Works Director with research and data evaluation for development of Highway Capital Improvement Plan.
• Assist in distribution, receipt, review and issuance of Highway Department permit applications.
• Assist with bridge scour analysis and bride load rating calculation of existing bridges.
• Assist with warrant analysis for traffic control signs and pavement markings.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with staff, contractors, suppliers, local officials and the public.

Successful candidates will have:

• Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering or closely related field - - OR - - Associate's Degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field plus two years of municipal (city, county, state) engineering experience.
• 4+ years related highway/bridge design and construction experience preferred
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to pass a standard background check

Full-Time, Exempt Opportunity that is Benefit & Pension Eligible

Steele County will contribute to HSA/VEBA $1,700 for single or $3,500 for family (if you elect to pay for our Medical insurance that is provided by Medica); other benefits that are available include dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance, deferred compensation plan, pension plan through PERA, Minnesota Paid Leave, employee assistance program, paid time off, etc. Cost of living adjustment (COLA) and pay increases per personnel policy.

This position will remain open until filled, with first review of applications on Monday, September 28th, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer