Civil Engineer – Highways
Kenosha County is a diverse, rapidly-developing Midwest community located on the shores of Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago. We are seeking an individual for a Civil Engineer role who enjoys working in a collaborative environment utilizing a servant-leadership style and continuous-improvement approach to operations, quality assurance, and customer service.
The County Civil Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and managing roadway and infrastructure projects to support the safe and efficient operation of the County’s Highway network. This role involves overseeing construction activities, conducting site inspections, coordinating with contractors and stakeholders, and ensuring projects meet regulatory, budgetary, and technical standards. The engineer also collects and analyzes survey and traffic data, reviews development proposals for compliance with engineering and environmental standards and maintains critical infrastructure databases. In addition, the position includes staff training, public engagement, and support for grant and emergency response efforts.
Join our team and help make a difference!
2025 Hiring Range: $71,530 – $85,155 annually
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Designs and plans in-house roadway projects, including roadways, intersections, drainage systems and pedestrian/multimodal infrastructure.
- Manages roadway and infrastructure projects from concept through construction, including contract negotiations, cost estimating, budgeting, payment applications, and project scheduling.
- Conducts site construction inspections to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, codes, and safety standards (including internal Highway Division).
- Develops, updates and maintains Highway Division databases, including Crash Data, Sign Inventory, Signal Timing and Asset Management systems.
- Collects and analyzes field survey data for highway projects using GPS, Total Station and other surveying tools to support project design and documentation.
- Reviews Development Traffic Impact Studies and Stormwater Management Reports to assess impacts and ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
- Aids in planning and coordinating technical training and professional development programs for engineering and field staff to ensure ongoing professional development and compliance with engineering standards.
- Provides technical guidance and oversight to interns and technicians.
- Coordinates with contractors, consultants, utility companies, and government agencies to facilitate project delivery and aid in resolving field issues.
- Prepares and reviews construction plans, specifications, cost estimates and reports.
- Responds to public inquiries and complaints related to drainage, traffic, and construction projects, providing clear communication and aiding in resolving any issues.
- Conducts traffic counts, speed studies, and field investigations to support planning and design efforts.
- Assists in the preparation and administration of grant applications and compliance documentation for federal and state funding programs.
- Supports emergency response and post event assessments for infrastructure damage due to storms or other natural disasters.
- Performs other work as required or assigned.
Success Factors
- Knowledge of engineering standards, specifications, and codes such as AASHTO, MUTCD, ADA, WisDOT, and FDM roadway design manuals.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering related to roadway design, traffic engineering, stormwater management, and municipal infrastructure.
- Knowledge of traffic analysis tools and methodologies, including level of service evaluations and signal warrant analysis.
- Knowledge of principles of database management related to transportation assets such as signage, traffic signals and crash data.
- Knowledge of public agency operations, budgeting processes, and the preparation of reports and grant applications.
- Knowledge of safety and health regulations relevant to engineering and construction sites.
- Skill in applying civil engineering principles and practices to the design, construction and maintenance of public infrastructure.
- Skill in using design software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation or similar related drafting or modeling tools.
- Familiarity with GIS systems, traffic analysis tools, and surveying equipment.
- Strong understanding of traffic engineering, stormwater design and roadway construction standards.
- Skill in inspecting construction sites for quality assurance, regulatory compliance and contractor performance.
- Skill in interpreting engineering plans, maps, specifications, and regulatory documents.
- Problem solving and decision making skills in complex and time sensitive project environments.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, including budgeting, scheduling, contract administration and field coordination.
- Ability to communicate with management and staff on a productive basis.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment in a variety of engineering situations.
- Ability to respond to public inquiries with professionalism, provide technical support during emergencies, and represent County at meetings and public forums.
- Ability to prepare technical reports, specifications, cost estimates, and grant applications with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely to contractors, developers, elected officials, and to the general public.
- Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment and remain professional and courteous at all times.
Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience
Required Education and Experience
- Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, or a closely related field, from an accredited college or university.
- 2 years of engineering experience, which can include internships.
Licenses and Certifications
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Experience with public sector projects and familiarity with state and federal transportation systems is preferred.
- Hold a WI Engineer-In-Training (EIT) license with ability to obtain a WI PE license upon successful experience.
Benefits
- Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Volunteer Time
- Twelve Paid Holidays
- Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The position involves moderate physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
Selection Process
- Application Review - Qualifying
- Oral Interview - Qualifying
- Background Check - Qualifying
- Physical Examination, including drug screen - Qualifying
If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.
For more information about the Kenosha County Public Works, please visit:
Applications will be accepted until Friday, August 15, 2025.
Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.
The full pay grade for this position is E9 (Min $71,530 – Max $98,780 annually)
To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, visit:
Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!
Kenosha County is an equal opportunity employer.