Assistant County Engineer

Under general supervision of the County Engineer, the Assistant County Engineer performs professional engineering duties in the planning, designing, drafting, inspecting and managing departmental construction and maintenance projects. Provides direction, engineering judgement and supervision for maintenance staff and engineering department personnel. Performs administrative and management tasks as required.

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Represents Dubuque County and performs duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
• Uses CAD program to prepare plans, cross sections and other related project related documents.
• Maintains a positive working relationship with Secondary Road staff, other county staff and the public.
• Assures policies are being upheld with the direction and support of the County Engineer.
• Provides customer service that is courteous and responsive to both public and with County employees by email, phone or in person.
• Prepare documents as directed by the County Engineer.
• Handles confidential personnel information and reports.
• Ability to work within deadlines and remain positive and professional to both those within the office and others outside the County Engineer’s office.
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Responsible for ordering, issuing and maintaining inventory of equipment.
• Provides guidance to office staff including training, answering questions, distribution and checking daily work assignments.
• Provide direction, leadership, and engineering expertise to engineering staff and maintenance crew staff on all projects as necessary.
• Read and disseminate training manuals, IDOT standards and specifications, and other pertinent documents to engineering department staff.
• Prepare and complete documentation of inspection procedures for construction projects to ensure compliance with Federal, State and local requirements.
• Prepare pay estimates, resolve disputes and monitor the progress of contracted work to ensure timely completion and compliance with Federal, State and local requirements.
• Design and/or provide supervision of the design process for construction and maintenance projects including road resurfacing, bridges, drainage, paving, grading and other miscellaneous maintenance projects.
• Promptly address resident complaints, questions and concerns. Document answer or any other response provided to residents.
• Attend and/or participate in seminars, conferences, and meetings to exchange information related to professional development and seek new means and methods to benefit the county.
• Prepare bidding and letting documents for maintenance and construction projects including necessary project documentation and purchasing of required ROW.
• Maintain organized files and records of project work, survey monument information, equipment inventory, annual quote and letting information, correspondence, and other required documentation per Iowa Code.
• Assist the engineer with the preparation of the Construction Program, Budget, and Annual Report.
• Inspects construction projects in progress, supervises and assists surveying crews; prepares cost estimates on planned projects in preparation for bid letting

• Prepare necessary documents for the procurement of easements and road right-of-way.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Possess a degree in a related engineering field (Civil Engineering degree preferred) or equivalent expertise.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Registration as a professional engineer and/or surveyor or an engineer in training and/or surveyor in training by the state of Iowa is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates who currently are registered engineers.
• Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of Iowa. 
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. Dubuque County does not sponsor work visas or provide immigration sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to plan, organize, assign and supervise the work of engineering technicians and maintenance workers
• Ability to understand and implement technical instructions.
• Ability to perform complex drafting and engineering design work.
• Knowledge of construction specifications and costs
• Ability to communicate using the English language and develop a working relationship with representatives of construction firms, utility companies, the Iowa Department of Transportation, elected officials and the public
• Skilled in the use and care of drafting, surveying and inspecting equipment
• Knowledge of the principles of land surveying, legal descriptions and plats.
• Strong computer skills and CAD knowledge

In evaluating candidates for this position, Dubuque County may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Ability to climb steps, ability to squat, stoop.
• Ability to be on foot for a minimum of one hour.
• Ability to sit in same position for an extended period of time.
• Ability to reach above head.
• Ability to withstand extremes of temperature, all with reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment:

• Performance of duties may result in exposure to varied weather conditions although the majority of the duties are performed indoors.
• A high degree of mental exertion is associated with performing calculations and analysis of information.
• May be exposed to dangerous tools, equipment, and machinery.
• Could be exposed to hazards associated with traffic, extreme weather conditions, and hazardous chemicals.