Highway Engineer

Dane County Highway and Transportation in Madison, WI has a full-time (1.0 FTE) vacancy for a Highway Engineer.

The Eligibility List created may be used to fill future vacancies over the next six (6) months.

This position is an on-site, fully in-person position (not remote). The hours for this position are 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday from April through October and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday from November through March.

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways.

Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities, are especially encouraged to apply.

Under direction of the Highway Commissioner or Deputy Highway Commissioner - Engineering, performs professional highway engineering functions in field and office including major design of construction projects; supervision and quality control of all work performed by field construction crews; and other related work as required.

Lead the development of comprehensive construction plans, geometric layouts, and technical specifications for highway projects. Establish optimized route locations, determine appropriate design standards, set vertical and horizontal alignments (laying grades), and accurately calculate bid quantities. Determine precise ROW requirements and draft formal legal descriptions for property acquisition. Partner with Highway and Transportation personnel to communicate technical engineering requirements to property owners, ensuring all acquisition documents are properly and legally executed.

Assign, supervise, and review the work of survey crews, design technicians, and junior engineering staff to ensure project accuracy and alignment with timelines. Calculate detailed engineering estimates for diverse highway assets, incorporating pavement design and structural requirements. Provide technical counsel and cost estimations for local municipal projects. Serve as the primary liaison for Federal-aid projects, collaborating closely with State engineering staff and external consultants to ensure strict adherence to state and federal specifications.

Oversee the comprehensive lifecycle of highway construction projects, including initial planning, bid preparation, scheduling, and contract administration. Verify contract quantities and approve contractor payments. Manage on-site operations to interpret complex plans, technical specifications, and design standards. Oversee and execute rigorous material testing and quality inspection procedures to ensure structural and regulatory compliance. Coordinate closely with the Highway Maintenance Supervisor to strategically allocate personnel, survey crews, and heavy equipment for department-led construction projects.

Direct the activities of field survey crews, actively participating in surveying tasks on construction sites as required to maintain project schedule. Conduct structural condition inspections of highway bridges in strict accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines.

Conduct annual road rating inventory and comprehensive bridge inspections in strict compliance with federal mandates.…