• Directs and manages highway development and construction administration. Reviews and approves construction design and specifications.  Approves technical reports.  Directs the preparation of environmental impact and project development reports in coordination with other county, state, and federal agencies.  Directs countywide road and building construction programs.
• Directs countywide road and bridge maintenance programs, administrative operations, maintenance shop operations, and materials and supply allocations.  Directs maintenance programs.
• Develops and approves general department rules, regulations, and administrative policies.  Reviews problems and policies and decides solution in consultation with department personnel and directs solution implementation.  Interprets state mandates, policies, and procedures regarding department operations.
• Provides technical assistance to other county departments. 
• Attends and participates in county commission and other meetings regarding department matters.  Develops agenda items and directs preparation of or prepares agenda from support/background materials.
• Establishes, reviews, and updates capital improvement plans, standards, and policies.  Manages project and department operating budgets and directs revisions when required.   Approves appropriations and purchases.   
• Identifies and obtains grant funds. May act as fiscal agent for grant administration for township and cities with population under 5,000.
• Provides information to the public regarding department activities, including but not limited to planning/facilitating public hearings and informational meetings.
• Reviews and approves bid documents and specifications. Reviews vendor/contractor bids, price quotes, and proposals.  Recommends bid awards and vendor selections to County Commissioners.
• Ensures overall department compliance with county safety requirements.
• Advises and coaches employees regarding job performance issues and job tasks.  Administers employee performance appraisals.  Assigns tasks and workloads.  Prioritizes tasks.  Implements or directs disciplinary action.  
• Provides technical assistance to township and other city personnel.
• Provides acceptance of work for all county-led construction improvements.  Establishes and reviews department goals annually.
• Analyzes, reviews and directs the introduction of new technology and methods to the department.
• Coordinates with Parks and Trails Director and assist with planning, engineering and maintenance as needed to expand and maintain the County’s parks and trails assets. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 
• May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.
• Otter Tail County leaders exhibit the core values of integrity, respect, positivity, growth, and innovation.

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
• Minnesota Professional Engineer (Civil) Registration or eligible for licensure by comity/reciprocity
• Five years experience related to the position, including supervisory/management level experience
• Valid Driver’s License in the State of Minnesota

This position is regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 p.m.  The 2025 starting salary for this position is $118,082 annually depending on qualifications, with career advancement to $177,133.

The selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire.  Semi-finalists will be invited to interview.  Prior to hire, finalists will be required to pass a background investigation.  A standard twelve-month probationary period applies.  

How To Apply

To apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link.  Online applications are stored on a secure site.  Only you and authorized employees have access to the information submitted. 

When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history.  Failure to do so may render your application incomplete.  

Veterans Preference

Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process.  A DD214 and any supporting documentation must be included with the employment application.  

Background Investigation

All employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include but are not limited to gathering information from the following sources:  Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant.

Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment.  Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought.  Making false statements or withholding information during the application or background investigation process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment. 

Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace.