POSTING TYPE: Open-competitive
DEPARTMENT: Transportation
HOURS: Full-time
FULL SALARY RANGE: $92,042 - $143,815/year (111 Grade Level)LOCATION: Western Service Center, Apple Valley
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2023

The Traffic Engineer position in the Dakota County Transportation Department is the senior technical advisor in the Traffic unit. The position is responsible for the function of staff supervision, leading internal/external teams, providing guidance in dealing with complex programming, operational, capital issues, budget preparation and administration, and contributing as a member of the Transportation Department senior management team.
The Engineer position has the discretion to determine priorities, investigate issues, make decisions, take appropriate action, and report actions to County Engineer. This position is expected to employ sound judgment in the exercise of this discretion, including determination of the appropriate points at which to involve County Engineer in decision-making regarding Transportation Department activities.
Who We AreDakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.
 
Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, or closely related field AND Seven years of experience related to transportation program development and management, to include 5 years progressive experience in the supervision and management of transportation staff.
OR
• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, or closely related field AND Five year of experience related to transportation program development and management, to include 5 years progressive experience in the supervision and management of transportation staff. AND
Required license(s):
• Minnesota Professional Engineer License OR License from any state and ability to obtain MN License within six months
• Valid Driver's License
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE BEYOND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Master's degree in Engineering
• Professional Traffic Operation Engineer (PTOE) Certification

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

Traffic Engineer Specific Duties/Responsibilities

1. Knowledge of traffic engineering practices and principles including safety measures, access management, highway geometrics, highway capacities, levels of service, traffic impact assessments and traffic projections.
2. Manages the operation budget for traffic service activities.
3. Recommends and manages projects in the CIP for traffic safety and operation including aging signal system needs. 
4. Recommends other larger projects for the CIP based on evaluation including overall safety projects, operation needs and pedestrian enhancements. 
5. Directs and leads traffic engineering, permits, signal, signing and striping operations
6. Responsible for signal and signing hardware and software technologies such as signal optimization and enhanced signing
7. Develops and evaluates transportation policies related to transportation safety and traffic operations
8. Develops and implement plans for the collection and analysis of traffic engineering information such as crash records, traffic counts, speed limits, and traffic studies
9. Directs and advises maintenance, program and design functional groups on traffic control, geometrics, signing, striping, and lighting. 
10. Prepares and reviews traffic engineering studies for both the existing highway system and highway expansion needs. 
11. Responds to concerns from elected officials and the public regarding safety and mobility concerns for the roadway system.
12. Serves as a member on the Plat Commission to review impacts to the County highway system, right of way and access management requirements.

1. Supervise the operations and activities of a highway functional area (Program, Design, Construction, Traffic, Maintenance and Transit).
2. Develop and administer a strategic work program that best serves highway customers and meets the goals of the Transportation Department, Physical Development Division, and Dakota County.
3. Serve as senior technical consultant for functional work area.
4. Conduct research and analysis required for department activities and programs; and recommend appropriate actions  requested by the County Engineer.
5. Provide for effective coordination of the activities of the Highway Department with the activities of other Departments within the Physical Development Division, Minnesota Department of Transportation, and local units of government.
6. Maintain effective working relationships with department heads within the Physical Development Division, the Office of County Administrator, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners, and representatives of cities, townships, other governmental units, and the residents of Dakota County.

• In general, the person in this position will be expected to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to fulfill the core management competencies for managers and supervisors in Dakota County. The core competencies are:

• Leadership
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Team and individual management
• Organizational ability
• Technical operating ability
• Interpersonal management
• Knowledge to perform within County government
• The specific knowledge, skills, and abilities expected for this position include:
• Comprehensive knowledge of transportation and engineering principles and practices and their application in the public sector. Demonstrated ability and skill in applying this knowledge.

• Knowledge of the principles and processes of management in the public sector, including budget administration and management and personnel management. Demonstrated ability and skill in applying this knowledge.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing and coordinating the completion of complex transportation projects (e.g., capital improvements, comprehensive maintenance programs) and the ability to work independent of direct supervision to complete complex projects. Demonstrated ability in the evaluation of planning goals/programs.
• Knowledge of governmental functions and organizations (including legislative) affecting County government. The ability to develop effective cooperative working relationships with policy and technical staff of local, state, and regional authorities.
• The ability to effectively lead multi-disciplinary teams and a demonstrated ability to achieve desired results through the application of team concepts.
• The ability to communicate effectively and to develop effective working relationships with policy makers and elected officials at all levels of government.
• Communication skills, both written and oral, to clearly and concisely convey complex issues to decision-makers in order to enhance effective decision-making. A demonstrated ability to prepare successful grant requests.
• Working knowledge of computers and the use of computers for analysis.

Work Environment

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware working environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Work is primarily sedentary, although there is some walking, travel, and carrying of lightweight items such as briefcases, laptops, and work papers. The work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. Flexibility around work location is coordinated with County leadership and ability to meet the needs of the position and support staff. Will require occasional travel and field work.

Location & Schedule

This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications 
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct background and reference checks before hiring