Salary: $80,142.40 - $104,852.80 Annually
Location : Milaca, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 00905
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
DescriptionThe Assistant County Engineer assists in providing leadership and direction related to operations and services within the County. Plans, directs, and coordinates all County road, bridge, ditch, park, and trail engineering; construction; and maintenance projects.
This is a non-union position. Complete 2026 pay scale is $80,142.40- $104,852.80/annually. For a complete position description, click
Essential Functions This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.
1. Uses independent judgment to provide supervision and leadership to department personnelunder the span of control. Makes recommendations on matters of hiring and discipline. Conducts ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and timely formal reviews of performance for staff. Provides training and work direction, ensuring staff know and follow department and county rules, as well as sound work and safety practices, to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.
2. Responsible for communications that maintain relationships key to the function of the county; plans and carries out communications at a level that can impact the morale and performance of staff.
3. In collaboration with the Public Works Director, plans, directs, and sets short- and long-term goals and objectives for the County Public Works Department, including establishing policies to maintain and improve the County highway, ditch, park, and trail systems subject to state and federal laws and economic constraints, and consistent with County Board objectives.
4. Manages the County's bridge inspection program. Manage field inspection procedures and fieldbridge inspection reports; review bridges in field with bridge inspection personnel to determinespecific rating or maintenance problems; investigate bridge maintenance problems anddetermine repair options; compute or check new postings calculations; prepare letters andreports to local and state officials concerning the condition of specific structures.
5. Oversees and directs engineering staff in the planning, design, and documentation of federal,state, and county highway improvement projects. Coordinates project development and requiredAssistant County Engineer2reports with MnDOT, DNR, Army Corps of Engineers, local governments, and other agencies. Reviews design data, plans, estimates, and right-of-way issues; monitors staff progress; and recommends improvements to ensure project goals and compliance with current standards.
6. Makes recommendations; prepares reports for, and coordinates department plans with, the Public Works Director. Attends County Board meetings to present plans and accomplishments, and to discuss the development and implementation of programs and policies. the preparation of material for presentations concerning future or pending construction and conduct public meetings.
7. Supervises, and assists with the work of engineering staff, including associated work involved with the survey, design, construction, inspection, and project management of related activity involving County roads, ditches, parks, and trails. Ensures staff know and follow department and countyrules, as well as sound work and safety practices, in order to accomplish the job objectives andavoid injury or loss.
8. Responsible for engineering design recommendations related to maintenance of the county ditch system and the county's park and trail systems.
9. Seeks grant funding and other outside funding sources for projects and department purposes; works with administration staff to account for grant fund uses. Administers state and federalfunds for the county and political subdivisions within the county
Minimum Qualifications• Two years of post-secondary education in Civil Engineering Technology and four years' experience, which includes two years in highway design, one year in bridge safety inspection, two years in project management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess or have the ability to promptly obtain the following certifications upon request: MNDOT Certified Construction Technician, Bituminous Plant Level II, Bituminous Street Level II, Concrete Field Level II, Grading and Base Level II.
• Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.
• Class D Driver's License.
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field and two or more years directly related professional experience preferred, in addition to advanced training desirable in bridge rating, hydrology, geometric design, geology, GIS, traffic data analysis, right-of-way acquisition, computers, public relations, and management.
Selection Process Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Top candidates will be selected to participate in oral interviews.
Complete 2026 annual salary range is $80,142.40- $104,852.80.
The following is intended to be a general overview of benefits provided for full-time positions. Insurance benefits become effective the first day of the month following the month of hire. Further details and a complete copy of the applicable contract/policy language are available at the time an employment offer is extended. If you have any questions about the benefits, please contact the Administrative Services Office at
Medical Insurance
Employees have three (3) medical insurance plans to choose from, within three (3) different networks. The rates shown are effective 1/1/2026 through 12/31/2026.
Single Coverage Total Monthly PremiumSingle Coverage Monthly Employee CostSingle Coverage Monthly HSA ContributionFamily Coverage Monthly Total PremiumFamily Coverage Monthly Employee CostFamily Coverage Monthly HSA ContributionRTS Medica Passport2000-25% HSA$971.66
$0
$93.75
$2,582.30
$932.30
N/A
850-40$1,093.56
$121.90
N/A
$2,906.28
$1,256.28
N/A
400-35$1,155.78
$184.12
N/A
$3,071.64
$1,421.64
N/A
RTS Medica Elect2000-25% HSA$850.20
$0
$208.33
$2,259.52
$609.52
N/A
850-40$956.86
$0
N/A
$2,543.00
$893.00
N/A
400-35$1,011.30
$39.64
N/A
$2,687.68
$1,037.68
N/A
RTS Medica VantagePlus2000-25% HSA$825.90
$0
$229.17
$2,194.96
$544.96
N/A
850-40$929.52
$0
N/A
$2,470.34
$820.34
N/A
400-35$982.42
$10.76
N/A
$2,610.90
$960.90
N/A
Employees may choose to contribute additional funds to their HSA each year, up to the IRS limit of $4,400 for singles, and $8,750 for families. Once at age 55, employees can contribute an additional $1,000 (to either single or family) as long as they are not covered under Medicare. The IRS limit applies to the total employer and employee contributions combined. Employer contributions (if eligible) will go into a Health Savings Account.
Dental Insurance
There is no cost to the employee for single coverage. Family coverage costs the employee $76.46 per month.
Vision Insurance
Vision coverage is available and paid for by the employee at the following monthly rates:
- Employee Only - $5.85
- Employee + Spouse - $11.69
- Employee + Children - $11.31
- Family - $18.35
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's) Available
Plan options include medical and dependent care FSAs, as well as a premium only plan (pre-tax deduction of medical and dental premiums). These amounts cannot be changed during the year unless there is a qualifying life event. All funds must be used by the claims deadline.
- FSA Medical/Health max election of $3,400 per year
- Limited Purpose FSA max election of $3,400 per year (funds can only be used for vision, dental or orthodontia expenses when paired with an HSA until medical deductible has been met)
- FSA Dependent Care max election of $7,500 per year per family ($3,750 if married and filing separately)
Paid Time Off
Holidays: Full-time employees have approximately 14.5 paid holidays per year, including floating holidays, subject to the terms of the Personnel Policy or Collective Bargaining Agreement as applicable.
Vacation: Full-time employees earn 11 to 23 days per year, depending on tenure. Part-time employees earn pro- rated accruals.
Sick Time: Full-time employees accrue 12 sick days per year. Part-Time employees earn pro-rated accruals.
Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Benefits Provided
Employees fall under the General, Police & Fire, or Correctional defined benefit plan depending on their position. PERA rates and handbooks available on-line:
Contribution amounts are based on the employee's pay each pay period.
Employer Contribution Employee Contribution- Coordinated Plan 7.5% 6.5%
- Police & Fire Plan 16.2% 10.8%
- Correctional Plan 10.25% 6.83%
Deferred Compensation Program Available
Deferred Compensation Plans are available through Nationwide: https://preauth/index.html
Life Insurance
There is no cost to the employee for $15,000 in basic life insurance coverage. Rates for voluntary additional coverage for employee or spouse vary according to age category:
AgeofEmployee Or Spouse EmployeeMonthlyCost Per $1,000
Underage 35
.06
35-39
.10
40-44
.12
45-49
.17
50-54
.25
55-59
.45
60-64
.68
65-69
1.29
70-74
2.08
Dependent Life & Child Life Insurance Packages Available
Child life is available as a $10,000 policy on each child; the cost is $1.30 per month. Dependent care is available as a $2,500 policy on all tax dependents; the cost is $0.66 per month.
Long-term Disability Insurance Plan Available
Rates vary according to age and coverage amount; rates listed reflect monthly costs.
Age
Per$100Monthly Benefit
Underage 25
.26
25-29
.33
30-34
.40
35-39
.48
40-44
.65
45-49
.94
50-54
1.25
55-59
1.51
60+
1.53
Short-term Disability Insurance Plan Available
Rates vary according to age and coverage amount; rates listed reflect monthly costs.
Age
Per$100WeeklyBenefit
UnderAge 30
1.00
30-34
1.10
35-39
1.10
40-44
1.10
45-49
1.30
50-54
1.70
55-59
2.00
60-64
2.40
65+
2.80
Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Confinement Insurance Available
01
Do you have a valid driver's license?
02
Please select the highest level degree you possess in Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology
- I do not possess a degree in these fields (note: you do not meet minimum qualifications)
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
03
Do you possess or do you have the ability to promptly obtain the following certifications: MNDOT Certified Construction Technician, Bituminous Plant Level II, Bituminous Street Level II, Concrete Field Level II, Grading and Base Level II?
04
Do you have at least two years of experience in project management?
05
Do you have at least one year of experience in bridge safety inspections?
06
Do you have at least two years of experience in highway design?
07
Please choose from the below options for any applicable experience you possess advanced training:
- Bridge rating
- Hydrology
- Geometric design
- Geology
- GIS
- Traffic data analysis
- Right-of-way acquisition
- Public relations
- Management
Required Question