Engineering Technician I

Mille Lacs County•Milaca, MN

23d

About The Position

The Engineering Technician I performs engineering and surveying technical work involving data collection, highway project development, design, construction, and inspection of roadways and bridges. This is a non-union position. The 2026 pay scale is $29.95–$39.18 per hour, and the hiring range begins at $29.95 per hour (2027 amount: $30.85 per hour). The role designs highways and prepares plans, specifications, construction documents, and estimates under general direction. It conducts engineering research and computations, selects construction materials, and supports roadway and bridge maintenance, replacement, and construction projects. The technician performs surveys and construction staking, inspects construction work and materials, maintains project and survey records, and helps ensure compliance with applicable contract requirements and regulations. The position may serve as a survey crew chief, directing assigned employees and seasonal temporary employees, and assists the County Surveyor with public land survey system maintenance and right-of-way field work. It also coordinates with contractors and utility companies, serves as a liaison with the public, and assists with public hearings and right-of-way negotiations. Other job-related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Two years of post-secondary education, with a degree in Civil Engineering or Land Surveying Technology within six weeks of hire, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in Civil Engineering or Land Surveying Technology.
Class D driver’s license.
Obtain the MN/DOT Construction Technician certifications specified by the employer: Bituminous Plant Levels I and II, Bituminous Street Levels I and II, Concrete Field Levels I and II, Grading and Base Levels I and II, and Bridge Construction.
Ability to obtain MnDOT Team Leader Bridge Inspection Certification.
Entry-level experience with surveying principles and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD).
Successfully complete a criminal history background check.

Responsibilities

Design highways and prepare plans and specifications under general direction, applying engineering judgment and state and local standards.
Conduct preliminary engineering, research, technical computations, and compilation of engineering data and statistics.
Select materials for road construction and resurfacing projects.
Prepare public documents, construction plans, special provisions, contracts, construction documentation, and construction estimates.
Perform construction staking and inspect county highways, roads, bridges, and ditches for maintenance and replacement needs, including safety and condition; maintain inspection and survey records and assist with bridge inspections.
Oversee, observe, and inspect county contract projects; ensure compliance with contract documents and good construction practices, and coordinate construction with contractors and utility companies.
Inspect bituminous and concrete plants, bituminous sealcoat, grading, and gravel; inspect tests and review contractor reports for compliance with county, state, and federal regulations.
Conduct engineering research and support work, including researching property ownership, preparing and interpreting legal descriptions and easements, and coordinating and laying out no-passing zones for sign crews.
Perform topographic, cross-section, and other surveys using GPS, base stations, total stations, data collectors, levels, and other engineering instruments; determine survey type, prepare sketches and notes, maintain maps, and perform moderately complex engineering computations.
Serve as survey crew chief when assigned; assign work, provide direction and instruction, review work, and promote compliance with department procedures and sound work and safety practices.
Assist the County Surveyor with public land survey system maintenance and right-of-way survey field work.
Set up, maintain, and troubleshoot surveying equipment and software.
Act as a liaison between construction and utility companies and the public.
Assist with public hearings on road projects and right-of-way negotiations.
Provide assistance to trainees as needed.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.