Highway Engineering Manager

Outagamie County • Appleton, WI

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Highway Engineering Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and supervising the engineering functions of the County Highway Department. This position provides leadership for highway and bridge planning, design, construction support, traffic engineering, permitting, right-of-way coordination, and related engineering services. The position supervises engineering staff, coordinates with WisDOT, municipalities, consultants, and contractors, prepares and supports state and federal grant applications, and serves as a member of the Department leadership team. This position reports directly to the Highway Commissioner and may serve as the Commissioner’s designee during absences, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’sdegreeinCivilEngineering field required.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Wisconsin required, or ability to obtain within a timeframe established by the County if allowed by HR policy.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in highway engineering, transportation project development, public works engineering, or related work.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License required.
• Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices related to highway, bridge, drainage, and traffic systems.
• Thorough knowledge of WisDOT, State, and Federal design standards, permitting requirements, and transportation program requirements.
• Ability to plan, assign, supervise, train, and evaluate professional and technical staff.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects, deadlines, priorities, and external partners and project stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare and review plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and grant documents.
• Ability to interpret statutes, regulations, construction plans, technical manuals, contracts, right-of-way documents, and engineering data.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, local officials, WisDOT personnel, consultants, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and represent the department in a professional manner.
• Work is performed in both office and field environments.
• Field work may involve exposure to traffic, construction site hazards, bridges, culverts, rough terrain, and varying weather conditions.
• Frequently sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb over uneven terrain during field inspections.
• Frequently use hands and fingers to operate computers, engineering equipment/software, survey equipment, and standard office equipment.
• Safely navigate construction sites, roadways, bridges, and other public infrastructure.
• Visually inspect construction projects, roadway conditions, plans, and technical documents, including distinguishing colors and reading detailed maps, drawings, and specifications.
• Hear and communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and via radio or other communication devices.
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds, and infrequently up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.
• May require walking over uneven terrain, climbing, bending, and occasional lifting.
• Personal protective equipment, including steel-toed boots and other safety equipment, may be required for field assignments.
• Candidates selected for this position will be required to successfully complete a drug screening and audiogram, consistent with County Policy and applicable law.

Nice To Haves

• At least two years of supervisory or engineering management experience preferred.
• Experience with highway design, construction, maintenance, traffic engineering, permitting, consultant coordination, and public sector project delivery strongly preferred.
• Experience working with WisDOT standards, procedures, and funding programs strongly preferred.
• Federal Highway Administration Certified Bridge Inspector preferred.
• PTOE, RSP1, or similar transportation/safety credential preferred but not required.
• Experience in AutoCAD/Civil 3D, GIS, and related engineering software and systems.

Responsibilities

• Directs, supervises, assigns and reviews the work of the engineering division, including engineers, engineering technicians, seasonal staff, and engineering interns.
• Plans and prioritizes engineering workloads, schedules, project assignments, field reviews, inspections, and technical studies.
• Provides coaching, mentoring, technical direction, and performance feedback to engineering staff.
• Recommends hiring, discipline, advancement, and other personnel actions for assigned staff.
• Develops and maintains cross-training and continuity within engineering operations.
• Ensures staff compliance with County policies, department procedures, safety standards, and applicable State and Federal requirements.
• Assists the Highway Commissioner with short- and long-range planning for County highways, bridges, culverts, drainage facilities, traffic systems, and related transportation assets.
• Supports development of annual work plans, capital improvement planning, budget recommendations, and project priorities.
• Evaluates roadway, bridge, safety, capacity, and operational needs and develops recommendations for improvements.
• Assists with departmental policies, procedures, standards, and engineering best practices.
• Supports project programming, reimbursement documentation, and grant compliance activities.
• Oversees or assists with right-of-way research, coordination, and acquisition activities related to highway projects.
• Provides engineering oversight for construction, maintenance, bridge, culvert, traffic signal, and related transportation infrastructure projects.
• Supports bridge program administration, inspections, and recordkeeping.
• Oversees engineering databases, transportation inventory systems, GIS mapping, digital records, and project documentation.
• Promotes process improvement, standardization, and effective use of engineering technology.
• Participates as a member of the Department leadership team in operational planning, strategic initiatives, capital planning, policy discussions, and coordination across divisions.
• Advises the Highway Commissioner on engineering, capital, safety, and regulatory issues.
• Serves as acting designee for the Highway Commissioner during absences, as assigned, including representing the department in meetings and responding to operational and project issues within delegated authority.
• Maintains effective communication with department leadership, elected officials, outside agencies, and the public.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision options with an Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.
• Life Insurance
• Short term and Long term Disability
• Vacation, Comp Time, Sick Leave, Paid Holidays
• Continuing Education
• Deferred Comp (Public Sector Retirement Savings Plan)
• Wisconsin Retirement System (retirement plan which the county pays a portion and employee pays a portion)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager