Unit Head Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

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Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$41.912

Job Posting:

JR2026-00028150 Digital Project Construction Unit Head (Professional Engineer II) (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) has established a new Digital Project Delivery Division (DPD) to develop, implement, and support digital delivery processes across the entire transportation asset lifecycle-from planning and design through letting, construction, and long-term operations.
Our mission is to establish the standards, workflows, BIM manuals, and digital tools that enable consistent delivery of contractual digital information. Our specialized technical team works across two complementary focus areas:
Pre-Letting Workflows: Focus on pre-letting design integration, data schemas, agency standards, SOP's, MALD model production workflows, MALD QA/QC of NDOT projects.
Post-Letting Workflows: Focus on construction technology, model conversion and support in field tools/workflows, field adoption, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
While our organizational chart identifies Project Delivery and Construction focus areas, these are not rigid boundaries-our team collaborates closely to connect data, technology, and people across the entire project lifecycle, and ultimately empower NDOT and our stakeholders to fully adopt and realize the benefits of Digital Delivery.
At NDOT, we provide the best possible transportation system for the movement of people and goods that promotes safety, mobility, and economic growth which enhances the quality of life for all Nebraskans. NDOT teammates enjoy a friendly and supportive work environment, healthy work/life balance, job security and stability throughout their careers, generous paid time off, comprehensive health benefits, tuition reimbursement, and a state-matched retirement contribution of 156%.
Pay range for this Professional Engineer II position is $41.913 per hour to $61.784 per hour. The pay rate is commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints, if approved.
If unable to fill at the Professional Engineer II level, will consider applicants at the Professional Engineer I level. Pay range for this classification is $36.443 - $53.722 per hour. The pay rate is commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints, if approved. Qualifications for this classification are listed below.
If unable to fill at the Professional Engineer I level, will consider applicants at the Engineer level. Pay rate for this classification is $31.968 per hour.
Qualifications for each of the above levels are outlined in the Requirements / Qualifications section below.

Job Duties:

Model Conversion & Handoff Integration:

• Bridge Design to Field: Take raw 3D design models (e.g., OpenRoads, Civil 3D) and extract, cleanse, and reconstruct data into construction-ready formats in Trimble (or other) technologies and Automated Machine Guidance (AMG) surfaces.
• Resolve Geometric Anomalies: Fix model discrepancies and align design attributes to ensure seamless, lossless data handoffs to field technology.
• Data Schema Standardization: Translate complex design metadata into standardized field asset schemas to guarantee data integrity during construction execution.

Technology Training & Hardware Deployment:

• Statewide Technical Lead: Serve as the subject matter expert and training lead for construction digital delivery technologies and established SOPs. Configure construction model and inspection technologies per NDOT and DPD requirements and workflows.
• Curriculum & Hands-On Training: Design, update, and deliver training curricula and documentation for Project Managers, Field Engineers, Inspectors, and external consultants.
• Field Tech Training: Train district personnel on the practical mechanics of DPD processes and tools; 3D models, Trimble rovers/hardware, and mobile inspection applications used on job sites.

Field Troubleshooting & In-Progress Inspection Support:

• Advanced On-Site Support: Participate in field reviews, construction meetings, and in-progress inspections to support digital workflows.
• Real-Time Issue Resolution: Troubleshoot model discrepancies and hardware/software synchronization issues encountered by field engineers using construction tech solutions.
• Feedback Loop: Gather direct feedback from contractors and inspectors to continuously optimize model-building workflows for downstream construction use.

Technical Analytics & Document Preparation:

• Pilot Emerging Tech: Evaluate and test emerging civil construction software, Trimble technologies, hardware tools, and data schemas.
• Workflow Optimization: Conduct pilot testing and provide engineering insights and recommendations to higher-level managers regarding software configurations, workflow bottlenecks, and technical roadblocks.
• Implementation Strategies: Evaluate digital data sources and technologies to prepare technical project reports and statewide implementation strategies.

NDOT UAS (Drone) Program Supervision:

• Program Oversight: Supervise the NDOT Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) team, managing operational scaling, pilot workflows, equipment procurement, and maintenance.
• Workflow Integration: Collaborate across DPD, key stakeholders, and vendors to define drone use cases and incorporate aerial deliverables (photogrammetry/LiDAR) into Digital Delivery workflows.
• SOP Development: Participate in the technical evaluation of drone deliverables and establishment of SOPs to operationalize drone workflows statewide.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Professional Engineer II:Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and one year of experience performing professional level engineering assignments. Must possess a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license at the time of application and be licensed by the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects at time of employment or be able to obtain such license within 90 days of employment.

Professional Engineer I: Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. Must possess a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license at the time of application and be licensed by the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects at the time of employment or be able to obtain such license within 90 days of employment.

Engineer: Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline. Must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) within one year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years of progressively responsible experience leading and managing engineering functions.
• Demonstrated experience using total quality management principles and decision making.

Other:

• Engineer Classification Only - Degree must be from an EAC/ABET or CEAB(Canada)-accredited engineering program OR meet the NCEES Engineering Education Standard.
• Must have a valid driver's license or ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
• Travel including limited overnight travel is required.
• Must be able to safely move, drag, and lift 35 pounds frequently (without assistance).
• Must be able to climb, bend, stoop, walk long distances, work in outdoor temperature extremes.
• Regular and reliable attendance is also required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of: civil engineering theories, principles, and practices of civil engineering and design; modern methods and techniques of highway construction, maintenance, and materials; legal responsibilities and ramifications associated with the work performed; federal and agency design standards, specifications, and procedures; federal and State laws and regulations applicable to the function performed; practices and terminology of computer operation and Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD); Geographic Information Systems (GIS); mathematics, surveying and material testing; engineering properties of materials and surfacing types; rehabilitation and maintenance techniques; pavement management; practical engineering concepts.
• Ability to: interpret, understand and implement State and federal laws and regulations, and agency standards, policies, and procedures; read interpret and evaluate engineering plans and specifications; review and approve/stamp engineering plans; understand all levels of project design; organize, analyze, and evaluate available information and draw reasonable conclusions; develop procedures and determine the logical flow of work through the work unit; plan, organize, assign and direct the work of section/unit staff; provide direction and expertise to other engineering professionals and engineering technicians; evaluate the professional and/or technical skills of assigned team members and assign work accordingly; communicate information clearly and concisely; prepare, interpret, use, and explain civil engineering plans, maps, specifications and standards and reports, communicate with the public, contractors, consultants, agency staff at all levels, and local government officials; interact with assigned worker, other agency employees, local government representatives, contractors, consultants, and the public.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.