Engineering Specialist, Principal (Construction)

POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Transportation
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $73,515 - 91,894/year
FULL SALARY RANGE: $73,515 - 114,868/year
LOCATION: Empire Transportation Shop
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026

Dakota County offers rewarding career opportunities that make a real difference in people's lives. From maintaining roads to maintaining property records, protecting the environment to protecting our children's health, finding homes for those in need to finding justice for crime victims -- the work we do touches the lives of each of our residents every day. We're proud of what we do. You can be too. Join our team of nearly 2,000 staff and launch a career where you can truly "Be More."

The Principal Engineering Specialist is an experienced lead worker in the Transportation Department responsible for the successful project management of County road, trail, and bridge projects. This position utilizes leadership, coordination, and strong communication skills to ensure that state and federal aid projects as well as locally funded projects are constructed according to plans and specifications.

Candidates must be proficient with Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) system problem solving and making independent decisions based on knowledge and expertise in CAD.

* One year of specialized or technical training beyond high school in Civil Engineering or Surveying AND 4 years of specific highway construction and/or survey related experience.
OR
* Associate degree or two-year technical certificate in Civil Engineering, Land Surveying or Civil Engineering Technology or a closely related field AND 3 years of specific highway construction and/or survey related experience.
OR
* An equivalent combination of education and experience specifically related to the highway construction and/or survey field to total 5 years.
AND
* Valid Driver License

Candidate must have the ability and interest to obtain the following within one year of hire:
* MNDOT Technical Certifications: Level I Bituminous Street Inspector, Level I Concrete Field Inspector, Level I Grading and Base Inspector

Preferred Experience, Education & Licenses Beyond Minimum Qualifications:
* MNDOT Technical Certification: Level II Concrete Field Inspector, Level II Grading and Base Inspector, Level II Bituminous Street Inspector
* Technical experience with pavement management, database management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD).
* Bridge Construction Inspector
* Bridge Safety Inspection experience
* Bachelor's Degree in Land Surveying, Civil Engineering Technology, or a closely related field.

Pursuant to Dakota County Policy and Procedures Manual Section 3102 (L), 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.

1. Serve as project manager on county road, trail and bridge construction projects.
2. Manage and oversee the progress and construction methods to ensure projects meet specifications; communicate and resolve construction contract problems.
3. Interpret construction plans and calculate necessary field notes. Work with Construction staff to resolve field issues.
4. Provide technical leadership and assistance to department staff; perform paraprofessional duties and manage processes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1-4 are essential functions.

* Extensive knowledge of Civil Engineering and Surveying practices & principles.
* Knowledge of personal computers, project management, design software, and field survey equipment.
* Knowledge of engineering nomenclature, plans, records, maps, and computer aided drafting (CAD).
* Knowledge of advanced mathematics and its application to field surveying and engineering computations.
* Ability to keep excellent records
* Strong ability to effectively communicate orally and written
* Ability to lead, manage, and mentor subordinates and coordinates the work activities of a project including mentoring interns.
* Ability to work long hours on short notice to meet the demands of construction activities.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional relationships with staff, public, contractors, agency staff and other professionals.
* MnDOT Technical Certifications: Bituminous Street Inspector, Concrete Field Inspector Level I & II, Grading and Base Inspector Level I & II, and Bridge Construction Inspector.
* Ability to work independently to complete a project in an accurate and proficient manner and see the project through to completion.
* Strong problem-solving skills, both in the field and office as they arise.
* Familiar with MnDOT Contract Administration Manual in documenting project paperwork

Work Environment
5% inside during the winter months, 95% outside from early spring till early winter. Must be able to perform the following on an occasional to continuous basis; sitting, standing, walking, balancing, bending/stooping, turning/twisting, low-level position, reaching forward/overhead/low levels, firm/simple grasping, and continuous bending/twisting of the arms. Positions 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. Exposures may include, but are not limited to; changing weather conditions, uneven/rough/sloped walking conditions, roadway traffic and construction equipment on roads or constructions 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, compressor, personal computer, printers, telephone, cellular phone, calculator, copy machine, video equipment, and personal safety equipment.

Location & Schedule

This is an in-person position at our Transportation Maintenance Facility in Empire, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular hours for the positions are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; overtime and other shift hours will be required as weather conditions and seasonal construction projects demand.

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 and one floating holiday
• 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