The Hennepin County Public Works Transportation Operations department is seeking a County Traffic Engineer to lead the County in providing a safe, efficient, and reliable multi-modal transportation system for people taking transit, walking, biking, rolling and driving. The County Traffic Engineer will serve as the primary expert on the function, operation, and maintenance of traffic signals, signs, guardrails, and pavement marking assets. This position will also manage the budget, equipment, and resources for the Traffic Operations division.
Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit theemployee referral program page.
Location and hours: This position is hybrid and will be performed both on-site at the Public Works Facility at 1600 Prairie Drive, Medina, MN 55340 and remote as job duties require. There is an expectation for this position to be in-person 50% or more of the time. Typical work hours generally align with field staff schedules and will be Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. with flexibility in hours. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin.
New employees who are hired into remote or hybrid positions between January 2, 2022 to December 31, 2024, will receive $500 toward the cost of establishing consistent internet connectivity, payable upon completion of 6 months of employment.
About this position: This is a full-time benefit earning position.
This position is internally classified as an Engineer, Administrative. Click here to view the job classification specification.
In this position, you will:
Supervise, organize, plan, and review the work of professional, technical, and field staff involved in the function, operation, and maintenance of the county’s transportation system.
Provide technical leadership in the data and analysis, design, installation, maintenance, and operations of traffic control devices such as traffic signals, signs and pavement markings – developing engineering guidance for transportation staff.
Provide recommendations and make engineering and administrative decisions that impact organization engineering activities, projects, and programs.
Serve as the point of contact to receive, track, evaluate and respond to traffic concerns from county administration, elected officials, public and private groups, or residents.
Develop and maintain partnerships internally and with other agencies for projects and programs that have county and regional benefits; engage with other engineers, planners, and public works professionals in the region to develop best practices for the transportation system.
Coordinate and collaborate with colleagues in the development, formulation, implementation, and evaluation of programs, projects, policies, plans, and processes.
Participate in the development and implementation of strategic planning efforts, including county priorities such as disparity reduction, transportation safety, accessibility, climate action, and Complete and Green Streets.
Serve as a member on county-wide, regional, and state safety coalitions and participate in professional organizations, committees, and groups pertaining to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), transportation safety and operations, and maintenance to collaborate with colleagues on review and implementation of best practices, technical tips, and industry trends.
Utilize asset management strategies and systems to manage the lifecycle and provide recommendations and make data-driven decisions for traffic signals, signs, guardrails, and pavement marking projects and programs.
Need to have:
Bachelor's degree or higher in civil, mechanical or electrical engineering or other engineering field appropriate to the position and at least six years of professional engineering experience including two years or more of experience at or above the level of a Senior Professional Engineer.
Registration as a Professional Engineer with the Minnesota Board of Registration or be Minnesota license eligible within six months of hire.
Nice to have:
Licensure as a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE).
Experience:
Coordinating with others in operating safe, efficient, and reliable multi-modal transportation systems.
Overseeing traffic system functionality and safety improvements, while enhancing climate-related elements.
Supervising development and oversight of transportation and traffic related reports and studies to ensure compliance with transportation safety and level of service standards.
Engaging with others having diverse perspectives and/or expectations, including staff, residents, businesses, other agencies, and elected officials to resolve traffic and safety concerns.
Developing and implementing strategic plans, budgeting, and performance management standards.
Working with complex transportation system operations and construction projects and processes, including negotiating and managing contracts and agreements with other agencies.
Assessing and implementing changes needed to improve workflows and efficiencies internally and/or with other departments or agencies.
Knowledge of:
The principles and practices of civil engineering or other engineering fields appropriate to the position.
Safe Systems approach to prevent and minimize crashes and injuries along the county transportation system.
Supervisory principles and practices.
Ability to:
Implement the principles and practices of engineering in the management of transportation system operations, road improvements, projects, and programs.
Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the work of professional and technical staff - with strong management, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Analyze the needs for and plan long-range public improvement projects.
Develop and coordinate appropriate cross functional programs and projects.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with contractors, public officials, county employees, municipal partners, and the general public.
About the department: We envision a Transportation Department whose members are respectful of one another and the public we serve and are committed to the delivery of a safe, high-quality county highway system. We are widely trusted and recognized for innovation, collaboration and the responsible use of resources.
About the division: The Traffic Operations Division consists of 30 plus staff members that provide expertise related to the function, operation, and maintenance of the following county transportation assets:
2,200 lane miles (570 centerline miles), plus sidewalks and trails
800 traffic signals
55,000 traffic signs
9,000,000 LF of pavement markings
10,000 pavement messages
100,000 LF of guardrail
About Hennepin County: Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that reduce disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive.
Our employees receive a combination of generous benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (log in as Guest).
Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the reduction of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.
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Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates will be required to pass a background check.
Hennepin County is a vibrant blend of 45 municipalities that includes the city of Minneapolis (known as the “City of Lakes”), attractive suburbs, and peaceful small town settings. Hennepin is the largest of Minnesota’s 87 counties in budget, estimated market value, and population. With one of the highest graduation rates in the US, 92% of Hennepin’s population are high school graduates and more than 42% have a college degree. Hennepin County has a diverse population that brings unique benefits to the area. Some 100 different languages are part of this tapestry of the county. Residents are proud of the rich cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, and artistic experiences found in this diverse environment. Hennepin has a broad-based economy with sizable manufacturing, financial, governmental, trade, health care, and entertainment sectors, including the headquarters of many major corporations. Income levels tend to exceed the national average, and the county’s tax base growth continues to be strong. The county is part of the larger seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area The metro area enjoys a top-notch reputation for its booming art scene, world-class theater and music; professional football, baseball, basketball and hockey teams; and unparalleled medical services.