DESCRIPTION: The County Engineer is responsible for leadership and oversight of all county highway, traffic, bridge, dam, railroad, stormwater, and civil engineering functions. This role manages complex planning, design, construction, and maintenance programs; ensures compliance with state and federal regulations; supervises departmental personnel; and represents the County in coordination with regional and state transportation agencies. The County Engineer serves as the technical authority for public works infrastructure and provides strategic guidance to County leadership, elected officials, and the public.
NOTE: The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
- Administers countywide highway, bridge, railroad, stormwater, drainage, and transportation programs, including planning, geometric design, drainage design, traffic engineering, construction, and maintenance. May be consulted in connection with building or other infrastructure projects.
- Prepares, drafts, reviews engineering plans, specifications, contracts, cost estimates, and proposed locations for technical accuracy, safety, and legal compliance.
- Approves acceptable engineering proposals and recommends corrective actions as needed.
- Plans and manages alterations or modifications to existing streets, highways, dams, sluice gates, and freeways to improve traffic flow, safety, and long-term serviceability.
- Manages construction schedules and contracted vendors to ensure timely completion of all projects.
- Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and performance evaluation to engineering, design, clerical, survey, and inspection personnel.
- Trains and directs staff engaged in engineering research, design, inspection, and planning activities. Ensures staff compliance with state/federal statutory requirements, County Aid processes, and other state and federal grant procedures.
- Represents the County with the SJTPO and other transportation, planning, and regulatory bodies.
- Works closely with municipal, state, and federal agencies to coordinate permits, licenses, right‑of‑way acquisitions, and project approvals.
- Serves as Engineer to the Planning Board, and assists in review of proposed private development, ensuring compliance with applicable statutes, engineering standards, and subdivision requirements.
- Prepares and manages the departmental budget; monitors expenditures, deadlines, and performance benchmarks.
- Applies for, prepares, and administers state and federal grant applications.
- Ensures compliance with Federal Aid Responsible Charge requirements and maintains necessary federal certifications.
- Formulates and implements county engineering policies, procedures, and long-term infrastructure strategies.
- Researches and interprets laws, regulations, and policy trends affecting county infrastructure.
- Identifies procedural, statutory, and compliance issues and recommends effective solutions.
- Responds to resident inquiries professionally and effectively.
- Attends County Commissioner meetings and provides technical guidance and project updates.
- Maintains strong working relationships with colleagues, administrators, project partners, and elected officials.
- Directs preparation of engineering reports for state and federal officials, contractors, and relevant agencies.
- Oversees documentation of departmental activities, project progress, inspections, and compliance records.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field is required at a minimum.
- Graduate degree in Civil Engineering is preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of five years of civil engineering experience, including project management and supervisory responsibilities. Ten years or more of experience in road, bridge, traffic, stormwater, railroad, and construction project management, in a governmental setting, is preferred.
- Familiarity with Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Hydraulic/Hydrologic modeling, and related engineering technologies.
- Strong public speaking, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly in English. U.S. residency required.
- Experience preferred acting as the Professional Engineer in responsible charge of roadway, traffic, drainage, site, and bridge design projects.
- Demonstrated experience supervising clerical and professional engineering staff.
- Direct experience within county, state, or municipal government structures and processes.
LICENSES:
- Valid New Jersey Professional Engineer (PE) License.
- Certified Municipal Engineer (CME) credential is a plus.
- Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
RATE: $160,000–$180,000, commensurate with experience; salary is negotiable.
Benefits: Health, Pharmacy, and Dental Insurance, State Pension and Life Insurance, Paid Holidays, and Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
Additional Voluntary Benefits: Vision Insurance, Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, 457(b) Accounts, Credit Union Membership, and Tuition Reimbursement
EEOC
This title is unclassified and noncompetitive through Civil Service
Must be a resident of New Jersey. Preference given to Salem County Residents.
