Director of Engineering and County Highway Engineer

Under the supervision of the Managing Director, directs all activities associated with Engineering, Traffic Engineering and Permit/Development, and the Signal Shop. Performs the duties of County Highway Engineer, pursuant to State of Michigan statute. Directs the development of road and bridge projects and subdivision and commercial developments and ensures that they comply with Road Department standards and goals. Develops long and short-term road and bridge improvement strategies for the Road Department and with other agencies such as townships, Tri-County Regional Planning Department and the Michigan Department of Transportation. Plans and implements traffic engineering activities to provide for the safe and efficient movement of vehicle and pedestrian traffic on the county road system. Assists the Road Department’s legal representative in matters concerning traffic safety and related legal matters. Reviews and evaluates expenditures related to construction programs and keeps the Managing Director and the Board apprised of progress towards achieving Road Department goals and objectives.

1. Directs the general work assignment of Engineering, Permit, and Signal Shop employees by coordinating work activities through the Design Engineer, Construction Project Engineer, and the Permits Engineer. Monitors work output, evaluates performance and administers discipline as warranted.
2. Works closely with the Road Department’s Design Engineer, Construction Project Engineer, and with consultants on road and bridge improvement projects. As County Highway Engineer, “makes surveys ordered by the board, prepares plans and specification for roads, bridges, and culverts. Exercises general supervision over construction to insure that the plans and specifications are strictly followed.” Makes sure that projects are designed to industry standards, built to Road Department standards and completed on schedule. Approves project documents and administers subsequent contracts.
3. Plans, organizes and directs all activities of traffic engineering including traffic studies, traffic sign and signal installation, guardrail installation and repair and maintenance and pavement marking. Manages traffic engineering studies, evaluates results and recommends appropriate actions.
4. Meets and responds to state and federal officials, township officials, the public, contractors and developers to explain reasons for projects, resolve problems, answer questions and encourage compliance on projects and developments affecting the Road Department.
5. Meets regularly with the Managing Director, other department directors and the Board to discuss activities, schedules, problems and issues pertaining to design, construction, traffic engineering, and permit activities.6. Develops short and long-term road and bridge improvement programs and cost estimates for projects included in these programs and for projects to be let to contract. Oversees the preparation of the Act 51 certification road mileage and updates road and bridge inventories.
6. Develops preliminary budget with the Managing Director. Defends budget requests in the budget review process. Monitors budget expenditures and financial management activities, identifying and ensuring correction of problem areas. Maintains records and approves payments to contractors, the Michigan Department of Transportation and other agencies.
7. Works with the Permits Engineer to review utility construction plans, subdivision plans and the construction work associated with these activities.
8. Responds to inquiries and problems associated with overweight and oversize vehicles, transportation permits and weighmaster problems in the absence of the Permits Engineer.
9. Maintains professional affiliations and standing.  Attends a variety of workshops, seminars and conferences and reads extensively to stay current on new developments, techniques and methods relating to department needs. 

Other Functions:

• None listed.

This list may not be inclusive of the total scope of job functions to be performed. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or modified at any time.Education:  Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
 
Experience:  Six years of progressively more responsible civil engineering experience.
 
Other Requirements:  Registration as a Professional Engineer in Michigan. Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license.

Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions. 

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.Physical Requirements:  [This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements]:

• Ability to travel throughout the county to various locations to inspect projects and attend meetings.
• Prolonged sitting at a computer to enter and access information.
• Ability to access office files.

 Working Conditions:

• Works in office conditions and travels throughout the county to various locations.

 MC Road 8