County Engineer

Position Summary: 

The County Engineer assists the Highway Commissioner in directing and administering Highway Department operations, construction, and maintenance. This position provides leadership in planning, budgeting, compliance, and project management; oversees highway construction and maintenance activities; and serves as a liaison with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), municipalities, contractors, and the public. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on operational management to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective highway infrastructure and services.

The Engineer will work to manage the County’s five year paving plan, the County’s Bridge Aid Program, the design and permitting for the County’s culvert replacements, the development of construction specifications and bid documents, as well as assist with managing bridges under the jurisdiction of the county and local municipalities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a senior member of the Highway Department leadership team, providing guidance and direction to improve operations and maintenance.
• Oversee highway and facility activities, including construction projects, emergency response, and occasionally assist with winter operations support.
• Manage and coordinate federal and state-funded programs, including BIA, PBM, STP, LRIP, HSIP, TAP, and similar programs.
• Prepare and administer budgets, cost estimates, contracts, and purchasing activities for materials and services.
• Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations, including MUTCD standards, stormwater management, risk management, and safety programs.
• Coordinate with municipalities and agencies on the Town Road Improvement Program, Municipal State Aid Improvement Program, and multi-jurisdictional projects.
• Participate in bridge inspections, repairs, and replacement projects; assist the Bridge Program Manager as needed.
• Support supervisors in issuing oversize/overweight, utility, municipal, and right-of-way permits.
• Assist with the development and implementation of department Standard Operating Procedures, training programs, and emergency preparedness.
• Research and prepare reports and plans, including the Highway Capital Improvement Program, Master Plan, and Strategic Plan.
• Serve as liaison with media, citizens, and officials, responding to inquiries and providing information.
• Fill in for supervisors as needed and assume the duties of the Highway Commissioner in their absence.

Minimum Training and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field; OR
• Associate’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field with significant experience; OR
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the necessary knowledge and skills.

Qualifications:

• Five or more years of progressively responsible highway operations, maintenance, or project management experience.
• Five or more years of Wisconsin DOT design and/or construction experience.
• Bridge inspection experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Proficiency with Civil 3D software.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license with a driving history that meet county standards (required).
• Wisconsin Professional Engineer license (preferred).
• Certified Bridge Inspector (preferred)
• MUTCD Traffic Control Certification (preferred).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of highway maintenance and construction principles and standards.
• Knowledge of managerial and supervisory practices.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, and regulations related to highway operations.
• Knowledge of budgeting, project management, procurement, and inventory systems.
• Knowledge of traffic control and lane closure standards (MUTCD).
• Knowledge of bridge program management and inspection practices.
• Knowledge of WisDOT service and maintenance requirements.
• Skilled in working in a team and fostering a positive work culture.
• Skilled in prioritizing and assigning work; responding effectively to emergency calls.
• Skilled in budget preparation, monitoring, and long-range financial planning.
• Skilled in developing, implementing, and enforcing policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Skilled in communicating effectively and professionally with staff, officials, media, and the public.
• Skilled in using computers, engineering software, and IT systems related to highway operations.
• Ability to become a Certified Bridge Inspector within two years of hire.

Physical Requirements:

• Work may require standing, walking, reaching, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Light Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, or negligible constant force.
• May involve outdoor work in live traffic and adverse weather conditions.

Compensation: 

Annual salary: $94,806.40 - $114,296.00 + Marathon County Benefits. 

Special Accommodations:

Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.