What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Civil Engineer position at Brown County?
The Senior Civil Engineer performs advanced-level civil engineering duties under the direction of the Engineering Manager. Responsibilities include project management, AutoCAD/Civil 3D design for road and bridge construction, field inspection, surveying, stormwater management, traffic analysis, and utility coordination. The role also involves supervision of interns, collaboration with contractors and stakeholders, and administration of both in-house and consultant-led projects.
Project Design & Management
- Manage, administer, and serve as project engineer for design, construction, and maintenance projects.
- Prepare and review highway design plans, cost estimates, specifications, and contractor documentation.
- Utilize AutoCAD and Civil 3D for development of roadways, intersections, bridges, trails, and parking lot improvement plans.
- Oversee field construction grade staking, layout, and design.
Field Engineering & Inspection
- Conduct site inspections to direct and assist highway crews, contractors, and utilities.
- Verify material quantities and evaluate contractor invoices and change orders.
- Resolve field issues such as utility conflicts and implement appropriate traffic control plans.
Traffic & Safety Engineering
- Perform traffic studies, including volume counts, crash analysis, speed, and capacity evaluations.
- Recommend and design traffic control measures such as roundabouts and signals.
- Assist in road closure and detour planning and notifications.
Stormwater & Environmental Compliance
- Prepare DNR-compliant stormwater management plans and erosion control inspections.
- Coordinate permitting for wetland impacts and water runoff, and ensure field compliance.
- Support municipal stormwater permit administration with technical assistance.
Permits, Public Interface & Documentation
- Manage driveway permits, access control, building setbacks, and utility use of highways.
- Coordinate with consultants and review their plans and specifications.
- Present at public meetings and prepare visual and written exhibits for communication.
- Assist in preparing contracts for designers, suppliers, and contractors.
Materials, Testing & Asphalt Plant Oversight
- Assist in securing aggregate and asphaltic materials.
- Coordinate materials testing for density, quality, and performance with consultants.
- Submit annual/semi-annual reporting to WisDNR and DATCP related to asphalt plant operations.
Team Leadership & Internal Support
- Provide technical assistance to other County departments and Towns requiring engineering services.
- Oversee and train engineering interns during summer months.
- Support the Engineering Manager in project planning, budgeting, and funding applications.
Materials and Equipment Used
- General office equipment (printer, copier, scanner)
- Surveying equipment and field measuring tools
- Computer with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Microsoft Office Suite
Education and Experience
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering required.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in civil engineering, including design, construction, maintenance, and supervision.
- Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Licenses and Certifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) License required.
- Valid Wisconsin Class D Driver’s License required.
- Strong knowledge of modern civil engineering principles related to highway design, traffic control, and project management.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
- Understanding of WisDOT, WisDNR, and environmental regulations.
- Skilled in mathematical computations and the use of electronic drafting and surveying tools.
- Competence in reading construction plans, writing technical reports, and interpreting specifications.
- Knowledge of permitting processes, wetland and stormwater management regulations.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to work collaboratively with contractors, public officials, utilities, residents, and internal teams.
Physical Demands
- Lift up to 50 lbs occasionally; carry up to 25 lbs frequently.
- Intermittent standing, walking, sitting, and driving.
- Frequent bending, squatting, and walking over uneven surfaces; occasional climbing and reaching.
- Manual dexterity for use of surveying and drafting tools.
- Visual and auditory ability to work in diverse environmental and noise conditions.
- Tolerance for outdoor work in varied weather and potentially hazardous job sites.