Job Openings County Engineer

About the job County Engineer

Lyon County, Kansas is seeking a County Engineer. This is an FSLA exempt position. The County Engineer manages the Highway Department for Lyon County. In doing so, The Engineer plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the activities of the Highway Department. The County Engineer is also responsible for developing the specifications and cost estimates for all road and bridge programs and projects and providing responsive, courteous, efficient service to Lyon County residents.


This position requires a valid Class C Drivers License. Must have a Professional Engineer License in Kansas. Successful candidates will have at least five years of experience as a professional engineer with at least two years experience in design and construction and the ability to show progressive leadership experience. Candidates with a Kansas Surveyors license are highly desirable, but not required. Candidates must pass a modified background investigation and be available to respond to off-hours situations, work occasional nights and weekends, holidays, and during times of emergency and disasters. This is an FLSA-exempt position with salary range from $110,000 to negotiable, depending on experience, and benefits including paid time off (accounts credited at 10 hours vacation and 8 hours sick per month worked), vendor discounts, health, dental, and vision insurance and much more!

E.O.E. LYON COUNTY strongly encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our position openings.

Disclaimer: The above information on this announcement has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employee assigned to this job.

Job Description:

  1. JOB SUMMARY: This is an FSLA-exempt position*. Primary duty is the performance of work requiring advanced knowledge, defined as work which is predominantly intellectual in character related to Engineering projects of the County. Includes work requiring the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment. Responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of the department. Supervise all employees of the department.

The roles, responsibilities, job functions, knowledge, skills, and abilities set forth herein may be revised from time-to-time in order to comply with federal and state laws, departmental needs and the changing requirements for this position.

  1. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. a. Learn and follow safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
  1. b. Develop, plan, design, and write specifications for road and bridge projects, road standards, project standards, subdivision standards, and building and machinery needs.
  1. c. Prepare operating reports and assigned studies. Submit report annually to the Kansas Department of Transportation and to the Board of County Commissioners.
  1. d. Direct and supervise the planning and design of public works, highways, bridges, and related civil engineering projects.
  1. e. Direct the preparation of plans, specifications and the inspection of construction projects.
  1. f. Assure preparation of purchase orders in accordance with County policies and procedures.
  1. g. Direct the acquisition of property for highway right-of-way and/or easements for County projects or other situations as needed.
  1. h. Direct and supervise the purchasing of materials, supplies, and equipment for the highway department.
  1. i. Prepare annual operating and capital outlay budgets and establish controls for the expenditure of funds within approved limits.
  1. j. Adhere to financial accounting procedures as dictated by statutes including reporting for income/expenditures related to budgets, grants and other financial authorities/agencies.
  1. k. Prepare cost estimates and bid proposals for road and bridge projects.
  1. l. Answer concerns and complaints both internally and from the public.
  1. m. Inspect existing roads, bridges and projects underway as needed. Develop maintenance plans and assess future needs accordingly.
  1. n. Supervise contract construction and major maintenance work
  1. o. Maintain required records and files for all projects, bridges, equipment, buildings, roads, etc.
  1. p. Supervise personnel including: interviewing, hiring, evaluation, training, directing, and disciplining department personnel as needed.
  1. q. Enforce and maintain compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
  1. r. Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, citizens, coworkers, and management.
  1. s. Be pleasant with others on the job and display a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  1. t. Maintain composure, keep emotions in check, control anger, and avoid aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
  1. u. Be reliable, responsible, dependable, and fulfill obligations.
  1. v. Show up for work on a regular and predictable basis as scheduled.
    1. a. Perform related duties as assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.
    1. b. Attend relevant seminars and training sessions.
      1. a. Must be bondable.
      1. b. Must possess current Kansas Class C driver's license.
      1. c. Must possess current Professional Engineer License in Kansas (K.S.A. 68-501).
      1. d. Must obtain any license or certification applicable to this position established by federal, state or local law or regulation.
      1. e. Experience: At least five years of experience as a professional engineer with at least two years experience in design and construction required. Experience in surveying and use of applicable statutes desirable. Three years of leadership/supervisory experience is preferred.
      1. f. Education: A Civil Engineering degree from a four-year accredited college or university required.
      1. g. Knowledge: Must have ability to receive, interpret, and follow verbal and written instructions. Must have knowledge of applicable laws and regulations relevant to public works operations. Must have a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of Civil engineering, survey systems, construction and maintenance methods, and materials and equipment utilized in county public works programs. Must be comfortable in the use of computers and computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite products and other software related to the field including GIS, AutoCAD, and GPS.
      1. h. Skills: Operate motor vehicles, computers, calculator, drafting and surveying equipment, and other equipment common to this position.
      1. i. Problem Solving: Frequent problems arise in this position requiring the application of knowledge or investigating proper sources for solutions.
      1. j. Decision Making: Frequent situations occur that are outside established policies or procedures and require astute judgment.
      1. k. Supervisory: Requires high level of management skills. Three years of leadership experience desired. Has ultimate supervisory responsibilities for the entire department.
      1. l. Financial/Budgetary: Involves considerable fund transactions and primary responsibility for department's budget.
      1. m. Interpersonal: Frequent, almost continuous contact with department and County employees, government agencies, and the public. This position is often the liaison between their department and other departments/elected officials and may act as a mediator when situations require it.
      1. n. Working Conditions: No adverse working conditions in office. Subject to working in all kinds of weather. May be required to respond to emergency situations.
      1. o. Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
      1. p. Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
      1. q. Deductive Reasoning: The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
      1. r. Selective Attention: The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
      1. s. Oral Comprehension: The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
      1. t. Oral Expression: The ability to communicate spoken information and ideas in a way that others will understand. Required to read, write, and speak English fluently, with the ability to speak a foreign language helpful.
      1. u. Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
      1. v. Management of Personnel Resources: Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work; identifying the best people for the job.
      1. w. Physical Requirements: Lift up to 50 pounds to a height of 48 inches and brief periods of intense physical effort. Requires sufficient visual acuity to read and write and operate equipment. Requires sufficient hearing level to be able to deal with the public and communicate with others directly or by telephone.

      Employees hired after August 2018: Lyon County (Company) understands that a job analysis is being completed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). One of the outcomes of the job analysis is the determination of one or more job specific tests that will either qualify or disqualify the post-offer or post-employment (fit for duty) candidate for the position. For the Classification Series of LYON COUNTY: OFFICE PERSONNEL: The Company representative hereby acknowledges the following as valid physical requirements:

      1. Employee lifts/carries 50 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the time or 1-100 times per day).
      1. Employee lifts/carries 25 pounds frequently (34%-66% of the time or 100-500 times per day).
      1. Employee lifts/carries 10 pounds constantly (67%-100% of the time or over 500 times per day).
      1. Employees position requires pushing a maximum force of 5 pounds.
      1. Employees position requires pulling a maximum force of 5 pounds.
      1. Employees position requires successful completion of pre-employment background, physical, drug screen, and work screen examinations and participates in the random drug and alcohol screening program.
      1. SAFE LIFTING CRITERIA:
      1. Floor to knuckle: 45 lbs.
      1. 12 to knuckle: 45lbs.
      1. Knuckle to shoulder: 22.5 lbs.
      1. Shoulder to overhead: 22.5 lbs.
      1. Carry: 45 lbs.
      1. Push: N/A
      1. Pull: N/A

      PHYSICAL DEMANDS: LIFT/CARRY:

      Stand: O 10 lbs. or less: C

      Walk: O 11-20 lbs.: F

      Sit: N 21-50 lbs.: F

      Handling: N 51-100: N

      Reach Outward: O Over 100 lbs.: N

      Reach above shoulder: O Push/Pull;

      Climb: O 12 lbs. or less: C

      Crawl: O 13-25 lbs.: F

      Squat or kneel: O 26-40 lbs.: O

      Bend: O 41-100 lbs.: N

      N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation.

      O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0-2.5+hrs/day

      F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5-5.5+hrs/day)

      C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs. per day)

      This job description has been examined for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). *The federal overtime provisions are contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Unless exempt, employees covered by the Act must receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek at a rate not less than time and one-half their regular rates of pay.

      Subject to criminal record history checks, physical examination, and drug/alcohol screening prior to employment.

      Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

      Please note that this position is not eligible for remote work or telecommuting and must be performed on-site at our physical location.

      REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.