What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineering Specialist, Lead (Construction) position at Dakota County?
POSTING TYPE: Open-competitive
DEPARTMENT: Transportation
HOURS: Full-time
FULL SALARY RANGE: $82,337 - $128,651/year (109 grade level)
LOCATION: Empire/Rosemount Transportation Facility
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: This posting will remain open until the position is filled. The first review of applications will occur on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
The Engineering Specialist Lead - Survey is an experienced lead worker in the Transportation Department responsible for the successful survey management of County roads, trails, and bridge projects. This position utilizes leadership, coordination, and strong communication skills to ensure that State and Federal aid projects are surveyed according to plans and specifications. The Lead will also work with Construction staff to resolve discrepancies in the plans and with contractors during construction as well as complete bridge inspection requirements in accordance with State and Federal guidelines.• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and 2 years of specific highway construction related experience.
OR
• Associate's Degree in civil engineering technology and 4 years of specific highway construction related experience.
OR
• Combination of education and experience to equal or exceed 6 years. Experience must be directly related to experience in specific highway construction related experience which includes at least 5-6 years' experience using AutoCAD (preferred experience in AutoCAD 3D).
AND
• Valid Driver's License
Candidate must have the ability and interest to obtain the following MnDOT Technical Certifications within two years of hire:
PREFERRED Education and Experience beyond Minimum Qualifications:
Pursuant to Dakota County Policy and Procedures Manual, this position is designated as Safety Sensitive.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.
Duties complete by all Lead Engineering Specialists, regardless of specific assignment:
1. Leads, coordinates and provides direction to survey staff members daily, prioritizing requests to ensure all necessary and requested surveys are done on time.
2. Works closely with other County departments, local agencies and consultants to provide survey information. i.e. Preliminary Surveys, Right of Way (viewing stakes), Construction staking, and other Miscellaneous surveys.
3. Provides survey crews with up-to-date technology, training, and maintenance on survey equipment, including but not limited to: Total Stations, GPS, and Auto Levels.
4. Have working knowledge of Microsoft Office, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, and SIMS (Structure Inventory Management System).
5. Schedule and lead bridge inspection team. Mentor assistant bridge inspection staff while they prepare for their field proficiency test.
6. Review and complete bridge inspection reporting requirements in accordance with State and Federal guidelines.
7. Compiles and tracks Township bridge maintenance letters.
8. Interpret construction plans and calculate necessary field notes.
9. Work with construction staff to resolve discrepancies in the plans during construction.
10. Provide technical leadership and assistance to department staff; perform paraprofessional duties and manage processes.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1-10 are essential functions.• Extensive knowledge of Civil Engineering and Surveying practices. • Proficient in the use of personal computers, and field survey equipment.
• Knowledge of engineering nomenclature, plans, records and maps.
• Ability to keep excellent records
• Strong ability to effectively communicate orally and written with staff, contractors and agencies.
• Ability to lead, manage, and mentor subordinates.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional relationships with staff, public, agency staff (including State and Federal agencies) and other professionals.
• Mentors less experienced staff with survey issues, construction questions and any bridge inspection or construction concerns.
Work Environment
25% outside during the winter months (bridge inspections), 75% outside from early spring till early winter. Inside work is primarily sedentary and at a computer. When indoors must be able to perform the following on a continuous basis, sitting, standing, keying, and walking. When outdoors must be able to perform the following on a continuous basis; walking, balancing, bending/stooping, turning/twisting, low-level position, reaching forward/overhead/low levels, firm/simple grasping, and bending/twisting of the arms. Position requires force/lifting 0 - 24 pounds on a constant basis, 25 - 34 pounds of force occasional, 35 to 50 pounds rare to occasional, anything above 50 pounds is rare and should be done as a team lift.
Outdoor work exposures may include, but are not limited to, changing weather conditions, uneven/rough/sloped walking conditions, roadway traffic and construction equipment on roads or construction projects, dust dirt, paint, solvents, cleaners, exhaust and noise. Driving is required for this position and staff must have the ability to use a variety of powered equipment including, but not limited to, light and heavy equipment including hammer/maul, machete, hammer drills, chisels, pavement grinder, post-hole digger, survey/GPS equipment, generator, compressor, personal computer, printers, telephone, cellular phone, calculator, copy machine, video equipment, and personal safety equipment.
DEPARTMENT: Transportation
HOURS: Full-time
FULL SALARY RANGE: $82,337 - $128,651/year (109 grade level)
LOCATION: Empire/Rosemount Transportation Facility
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: This posting will remain open until the position is filled. The first review of applications will occur on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
The Engineering Specialist Lead - Survey is an experienced lead worker in the Transportation Department responsible for the successful survey management of County roads, trails, and bridge projects. This position utilizes leadership, coordination, and strong communication skills to ensure that State and Federal aid projects are surveyed according to plans and specifications. The Lead will also work with Construction staff to resolve discrepancies in the plans and with contractors during construction as well as complete bridge inspection requirements in accordance with State and Federal guidelines.• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and 2 years of specific highway construction related experience.
OR
• Associate's Degree in civil engineering technology and 4 years of specific highway construction related experience.
OR
• Combination of education and experience to equal or exceed 6 years. Experience must be directly related to experience in specific highway construction related experience which includes at least 5-6 years' experience using AutoCAD (preferred experience in AutoCAD 3D).
AND
• Valid Driver's License
Candidate must have the ability and interest to obtain the following MnDOT Technical Certifications within two years of hire:
- Aggregate Production Tester
- Grading and Base Tester
- Grading and Base Inspector
- Concrete Field Tester
- Concrete Field Inspector
- Bituminous Street Inspector
PREFERRED Education and Experience beyond Minimum Qualifications:
- Experience with Trimble Survey equipment and software (Trimble Business Center)
- Bridge Construction Inspector Level I
- FHWA Bridge Safety Certification
- MnDOT Bridge Team Leader Certification
Pursuant to Dakota County Policy and Procedures Manual, this position is designated as Safety Sensitive.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.
Duties complete by all Lead Engineering Specialists, regardless of specific assignment:
1. Leads, coordinates and provides direction to survey staff members daily, prioritizing requests to ensure all necessary and requested surveys are done on time.
2. Works closely with other County departments, local agencies and consultants to provide survey information. i.e. Preliminary Surveys, Right of Way (viewing stakes), Construction staking, and other Miscellaneous surveys.
3. Provides survey crews with up-to-date technology, training, and maintenance on survey equipment, including but not limited to: Total Stations, GPS, and Auto Levels.
4. Have working knowledge of Microsoft Office, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, and SIMS (Structure Inventory Management System).
5. Schedule and lead bridge inspection team. Mentor assistant bridge inspection staff while they prepare for their field proficiency test.
6. Review and complete bridge inspection reporting requirements in accordance with State and Federal guidelines.
7. Compiles and tracks Township bridge maintenance letters.
8. Interpret construction plans and calculate necessary field notes.
9. Work with construction staff to resolve discrepancies in the plans during construction.
10. Provide technical leadership and assistance to department staff; perform paraprofessional duties and manage processes.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1-10 are essential functions.• Extensive knowledge of Civil Engineering and Surveying practices. • Proficient in the use of personal computers, and field survey equipment.
• Knowledge of engineering nomenclature, plans, records and maps.
• Ability to keep excellent records
• Strong ability to effectively communicate orally and written with staff, contractors and agencies.
• Ability to lead, manage, and mentor subordinates.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional relationships with staff, public, agency staff (including State and Federal agencies) and other professionals.
• Mentors less experienced staff with survey issues, construction questions and any bridge inspection or construction concerns.
Work Environment
25% outside during the winter months (bridge inspections), 75% outside from early spring till early winter. Inside work is primarily sedentary and at a computer. When indoors must be able to perform the following on a continuous basis, sitting, standing, keying, and walking. When outdoors must be able to perform the following on a continuous basis; walking, balancing, bending/stooping, turning/twisting, low-level position, reaching forward/overhead/low levels, firm/simple grasping, and bending/twisting of the arms. Position requires force/lifting 0 - 24 pounds on a constant basis, 25 - 34 pounds of force occasional, 35 to 50 pounds rare to occasional, anything above 50 pounds is rare and should be done as a team lift.
Outdoor work exposures may include, but are not limited to, changing weather conditions, uneven/rough/sloped walking conditions, roadway traffic and construction equipment on roads or construction projects, dust dirt, paint, solvents, cleaners, exhaust and noise. Driving is required for this position and staff must have the ability to use a variety of powered equipment including, but not limited to, light and heavy equipment including hammer/maul, machete, hammer drills, chisels, pavement grinder, post-hole digger, survey/GPS equipment, generator, compressor, personal computer, printers, telephone, cellular phone, calculator, copy machine, video equipment, and personal safety equipment.
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 and one floating holiday each year
- Pension with a generous employer contribution
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 interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
- We extend an offer and conduct background checks
Salary : $82,337 - $128,651