Union County Public Works Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $103,563.20 - $142,043.20 Annually
Location : 7752 Highway 25 NE, Foley, MN 56329, MN
Job Type: Full-Time (Non-Union)
Job Number: 2026-14a-1
Department: Public Works / Highway
Division: Public Works Construction
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NON-UNION
Position Summary
AN EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITY AWAITS!
NOW HIRING: ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/DEPUTY COUNTY ENGINEER!
Lead Teams. Deliver Results. Strengthen Infrastructure.
Benton County is seeking a dynamic and experienced engineering professional to join our leadership team and to serve asAssistant Public Works Director/Deputy County Engineer. This leadership position provides strategic, administrative, and technical oversight for the County's Public Works Department, including engineering, design, construction, maintenance, right-of-way, permitting, and related operational functions.
Working closely with the County Engineer/Public Works Director, this position helps direct department-wide operations, develop and implement long-range infrastructure and capital improvement strategies, and ensure effective delivery of transportation and public works services. The role provides leadership in planning, budgeting, program management, and policy implementation while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and County standards.
This is a highly visible leadership role requiring strong civil engineering expertise, advanced management capabilities, and the ability to guide complex infrastructure programs that support the County's long-term goals and community needs.
We are seeking a collaborative and results-driven leader who combines strong civil engineering expertise with proven management and mentoring skills. The ideal candidate will provide effective leadership across multiple public works functions, support strategic decision-making, oversee key projects and programs, and help deliver high-quality infrastructure and public services that benefit Benton County residents and communities.
Licensure Requirement:
This position requires current registration and licensure as a Professional Civil or Highway Engineer in the State of Minnesota, or the ability to obtain licensure within six (6) months to one (1) year of hire. Licensed and non-licensed Minnesota Professional Engineers are encouraged to apply.
PLEASE NOTE:
We have two (2) active job postings listed below and are seeking to hire one (1) candidate.
Please carefully review each posting and the minimum qualifications for each position level and apply to the posting that best aligns with your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
If you are unsure which position is the best fit or have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Human Resources via email at or phone at 320-968-5004.
Each position grade level includes 11 wage steps. The minimum and maximum pay ranges for each level are listed below:

• Assistant County Engineer - Grade 17
  Step 1: $45.16/hour | Step 11: $61.94/hour
• Assistant Public Works Director/Deputy County Engineer - Grade 19
  Step 1: $49.79/hour | Step 11: $68.29/hour

Application Deadline: Open until filled.
First Review of Applications: Monday, July 20, 2026.
Interview Process: Initial interviews may be conducted by phone or in person (TBD). Please monitor your email for updates and scheduling information.
Work Location: Benton County Public Works/Highway Department
Typical Working Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with possible variations.
If you are a collaborative engineering leader who enjoys mentoring staff, assisting in leading public works operations, and delivering complex infrastructure projects that strengthen Benton County's communities, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity. Apply today!
View Full Job Description and Apply:
Position Summary
Provide leadership and managerial oversight for the operations and staff of the Benton County Public Works Department, including the engineering, design, construction, and maintenance divisions. Perform responsible administrative and professional engineering work in planning, directing, and managing departmental activities and programs.
Provide leadership that promotes effective, efficient, and professional operations responsive to public needs and interests. Exercise independent judgment, initiative, creativity, and discretion while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and County policies. Coordinate with other County departments and carry out administrative activities in accordance with County policy and legal requirements.
This is a highly visible position that includes interaction with the public, elected officials, and governing bodies as needed.
Scope of Responsibility
Work under the direction of the County Engineer/Public Works Director and within the policy and fiscal guidelines established by the County Board of Commissioners. Direct and supervise the operations of department divisions, including engineering, design, construction, right-of-way, communications, budgeting, and permits. Execute county policies and programs while supervising engineering technicians and interns. This position is responsible, directly or through designated supervisors, for assigning work, reviewing performance, evaluating staff, conducting training, making personnel recommendations, and administering disciplinary actions. Serve as a coach and mentor to key staff within the areas of supervision.
CLICK HERE to Explore Our Public Works/Highway Department!
Learn more about Benton County's Public Works/Highway team, including our Mission Statement, 5-Year Plan, and Upcoming Construction Projects.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions
A. Manage the planning, design, and construction of the County's highway projects.
A. 1. Plan, develop, coordinate, and direct engineering staff in the preliminary and detailed design of federal, state, and local county highway improvement projects.
A. 2. Coordinate the preparation of reports, letters, or other documents concerning the design or pending construction of highway improvement projects.
A. 3. Coordinate projects with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Army Corps of Engineers, State Historical Society, Cities, Townships, and other affected governmental units.
A. 4. Evaluate the progress of staff and the results obtained and recommend changes to achieve overall design and project goals.
A. 5. Manage right-of-way acquisition in accordance with federal and state statutes and coordinate property purchases as needed. Reviews design plans and potential right-of-way conflicts with the Right-of-Way Agent.
A. 6. Establish design priorities based on public input, County Board input, and current design and construction practices.
A. 7. Perform engineering computations and review design data, specifications, engineering estimates, and final plans for submittal to the County Engineer and appropriate State review agencies.
A. 8. Prepare, review, submit, and obtain permits.
B. Prepare funding agreements for improvement projects that involve other government units; research and prepare federal and state applications for funding.
C. Coordinate the preparation of material for presentations concerning future or pending construction projects and conduct public meetings.
D. Manage the County's bridge inspection program.
D. 1. Manage field inspection on procedures and field bridge inspection reports.
D. 2. Review bridges in the field with bridge inspection personnel to determine specific ratings or maintenance problems.
D. 3. Investigate bridge maintenance issues, determine appropriate repair options, and perform or verify new posting calculations.
D. 4. Prepare correspondence and reports for local and state officials regarding the condition of specific structures.
E. Supervise engineering staff, including assigning work, providing direction and scheduling, delivering training and mentoring, making hiring and termination recommendations, conducting performance evaluations, implementing performance improvement plans, and administering disciplinary actions.
F. Manage the County's construction projects.
F. 1. Review construction projects with inspectors to resolve design or construction problems with contractors, utilities, or property owners.
F. 2. Prepare change orders, supplemental agreements, and other contract documents.
F. 3. Review and coordinate the preparation of reports, correspondence, and other documents for impact related to project design and construction and the contract specifications.
F. 4. Prepare and conduct preconstruction conferences for County and County State aid projects.
F. 5. Review partial payment information for accuracy and completeness.
F. 6. Review construction and documentation procedures to ensure contract compliance.
F. 7. Inform County Engineer of major construction problems or conflicts that involve failing materials or major contract compliance problems.
F. 8. Investigate construction compliance problems and determine action to take.
G. Manage and prepare construction special provisions, contracts, and bidding proposals, and award contracts.
H. Manage and perform survey, drafting, and design work, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
I. Manage and approve county permits and the Gopher One Call System.
J. Manage MPCAs Municipal Stormwater Sewer Systems requirements.
K. Assist the County Engineer/Public Works Director in the management of the county ditch drainage system.
L. Coordinate and implement special projects.
M. Prepare and report all CSAH needs to MnDOT State Aid.
N. Assist in developing, administering, and maintaining the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the engineering department and assist with the development of the annual budget, goals, priorities, and procedures for the department.
O. Manage the pavement and asset management system for the County Road and bridge system.
O. 1. Develop, implement, and maintain a countywide pavement management system.
O. 2. Collect and analyze data on existing systems, research pavement management procedures, and develop a system to prioritize maintenance and construction projects.
O. 3. Coordinate the development of computer software programs for data organization and retrieval, coordinate consultant testing of County roadways, and recommend projects for inclusion in the County's five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
P. Attend training and education to maintain professional competence and keep abreast of new developments, trends, and technology in the engineering/public works field.
Q. Develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships.
R. Act as Department Head in the absence of the County Engineer/Public Works Director.
S. Regular and reliable attendance according to the department's work schedule.
T. Must attend a minimum of 18 hours of FHWA-approved bridge inspection refresher training, seminars, and NHI courses every 60 months to maintain the certification as a Bridge Inspection Team Leader.
T. 1. Attend and successfully complete at least three (3) MnDOT one-day bridge inspection refresher seminars every 60 months.
T. 2. Successfully complete the 18-hour NHI course (Bridge Inspection Refresher Training) during each 60-month period.
T. 3. Successfully complete a minimum of 18 hours of FHWA-approved bridge inspection refresher training during each 60-month period.
Additional Functions
A. Attend training as needed.
B. Represent the department to a variety of officials, organizations, contractors, and the general public.
C. Assist in the development and presentation of information at public meetings and hearings.
D. Serve as the County Engineer, as needed.
E. Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.
Minimum Qualifications - Training and Experience Required
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
A. Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field; and
B. This position requires registration and current licensure as a professional highway or civil engineer in the State of Minnesota and/or the ability to obtain and maintain, within six (6) months to one (1) year of hire; and
C. Possess the ability to sign in-house design plans; and
D. Five (5) years of civil engineering experience or relevant work experience, with
E. Three (3) years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role; OR
F. Equivalent combination of education/training/experience.
G. To hold a current or obtain a professional engineer's license within one (1) year of hire.
H. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.
I. Must successfully complete a background check.
J. Obtain and maintain certifications and licensures.
J. 1. Ability to obtain and maintain, upon hire or within two (2) years of hire:
J. 1. 1. Ability to secure the following necessary Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) design, construction, erosion control, and bridge safety inspection certifications for in-service bridges.
J. 2. Ability to obtain and maintain, upon hire or within three (3) years of hire:
J. 2. 1. Must possess and maintain the required Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) technical certifications necessary to obtain MnDOT Bridge Inspection Team Leader certification, including:
J. 2. 1. 1. Meeting one (1