Engineering Specialist, Principal; Construction

General Description

POSTING TYPE:
Open competitive

DEPARTMENT:
Transportation

HOURS:

Full-time

PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $73,515 - 91,894 /year

FULL SALARY RANGE: $73, /year

LOCATION:

Empire Transportation Shop

UNION:
None

CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026

Dakota County offers rewarding career opportunities that make a real difference in people's lives. From maintaining roads to maintaining property records, protecting the environment to protecting our children's health, finding homes for those in need to finding justice for crime victims – the work we do touches the lives of each of our residents every day. We're proud of what we do.

You can be too. Join our team of nearly 2,000 staff and launch a career where you can truly "Be More".

Principal Engineering Specialist is an experienced lead worker in the Transportation Department responsible for the successful project management of County road, trail, and bridge projects. This position utilizes leadership, coordination, and strong communication skills to ensure that state and federal aid projects as well as locally funded projects are constructed according to plans and specifications.

Candidates must be proficient with Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) system problem solving and making independent decisions based on knowledge and expertise in CAD.

• One year of specialized or technical training beyond high school in Civil Engineering or Surveying AND 4 years of specific highway construction and/or survey related experience.
• Associate degree or two-year technical certificate in Civil Engineering, Land Surveying or Civil Engineering Technology or a closely related field AND 3 years of specific highway construction and/or survey related experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience specifically related to the highway construction and/or survey fieldto total 5 years.
• Valid Driver License

• MNDOT Technical
  
  Certifications:
  
  Level I Bituminous Street Inspector, Level I Concrete Field Inspector, Level I Grading and Base Inspector

• MNDOT Technical Certification:
  Level II Concrete Field Inspector, Level II Grading and Base Inspector, Level II Bituminous Street Inspector
• Technical experience with pavement management, database management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD).
• Bridge Construction Inspector
• Bridge Safety Inspection experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Land Surveying, Civil Engineering Technology, or a closely related field.

• Serve as project manager on county road, trail and bridge construction projects.
• Manage and oversee the progress and construction methods to ensure projects meet specifications; communicate and resolve construction contract problems.
• Interpret construction plans and calculate necessary field notes. Work with Construction staff to resolve field issues.
• Provide technical leadership and assistance to department staff; perform paraprofessional duties and manage processes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Duties 1-4 are essential functions.

• Extensive knowledge of Civil Engineering and Surveying practices & principles.
• Knowledge of personal computers, project management, design software, and field survey equipment.
• Knowledge of engineering nomenclature, plans, records, maps, and computer aided drafting (CAD).
• Knowledge of advanced mathematics and its application to field surveying and engineering computations.
• Ability to keep excellent records
• Strong ability to effectively communicate orally and written
• Ability to lead, manage, and mentor subordinates and coordinates the work activities of a project including mentoring interns.
• Ability to work long hours on short notice to meet the demands of construction activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional relationships with staff, public, contractors, agency staff and other professionals.
• MnDOT Technical
  
  Certifications:
  
  Bituminous Street Inspector, Concrete Field Inspector Level I & II,…