Y
Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer - $118,747.20 - $141,398.40 Annually
Engineering and Architecture
Civil-Engineerin-Urban-planning
Engineer
Full Time
Permanent
Full Time
0-1
DOE
Direct Employer
2026 Hiring Range: $57.09 - $63.62 per hour depending on qualifications.
2026 Pay Range: $57.09 - $67.98 per hour.
*2026 Performance based pay opportunity: Up to $76.14 per hour.

Performs complex supervisory, administrative, and professional work in planning, organizing, directing and supervising the Engineering, Water Distribution, and Sewer Collection Utility Maintenance Divisions. Oversee environmental, water, sewer, street, stormwater, and other public works projects and programs ensuring technical competence and compliance with all current codes and criteria; performs related duties as required or apparent. The Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer shall exercise general, technical and administrative supervision over all engineering, water distribution, and sewer collection utility maintenance employees. The Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer shall report to the Public Works Director.

Essential Functions:
Plan, program, direct and evaluate the operation of the Engineering, Water Distribution, and Sewer Collection Divisions in all areas of responsibility.
Oversee the preparation of, or develop, engineering plans and specifications; Coordinate required advertising for bids: Review construction bids and make necessary recommendations based on lowest and best bids, competency of vendors and consultants, and the selection criteria for public works projects.
Coordinate and/or undertakes the development or update of the Comprehensive Sewer Plan, Water Distribution Plan, Street Improvement Program, Capital Improvement Program, Pavement Management System, and other plans involving the municipal infrastructure.
Review private project development plans for compliance with codes, regulations, and standards, adequacy of applications for permits and compliance with approved plans.
Develop annual budget proposals and control budgeted expenses for the Engineering, Water Distribution, and Sewer Collection Divisions.
Formulate and implement the divisions policies, procedures, rules, regulations and programs.
Provide project management for the construction of the municipal, State Aid, and Federally funded public works projects. Oversee assigned projects to ensure contractor compliance with time and budget parameters for the project.
Perform as the Department Head in the absence of the Public Works Director.
Prepare and review operational and administrative reports for the divisions; Supervise maintenance of records and materials associated with division activities or administration.
Supervise all Engineering, Water Distribution, and Sewer Collection Utility Maintenance Division staff including training, inspecting, and assigning work, developing staff schedules, coaching and counseling, and conducting performance evaluations.
Evaluate potential projects, programs, and services to determine feasibility and impact on division operations and make recommendations to the Public Works Director.
Research and prepare technical advice and information for the City Council, Public Utilities Commission, and other boards and committees as necessary; Attends meetings as required.
Under the direction and/or authority of the Public Works Director, oversee all Engineering, Water Distribution, and Sewer Collection personnel, oversee and/or participate in the selection of employees; evaluates employees and determines staffing and structure needs.
Respond to concerns, issues, complaints, and questions from the public and employees; mediate disputes and resolves issues as appropriate.
Oversee training programs to ensure proper training and certification of personnel.
Maintain regular contact with consulting engineers, construction project engineers, City, County, State and Federal agencies, professional and technical groups and the general public regarding division activities and services.
Serves as MS4 Permit Administrator; develops and oversees the City’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) implementation and execution.
Assist in evaluating transportation and traffic impacts due to development proposals, permits, rezones, and plats; prepares traffic, utility, and other studies and reports.
Prepare requests for proposals for consulting services; assist with the evaluation of proposals and consultant qualifications; oversee consultant work to assure conformance with city standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Competencies
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices and methods as applicable to a municipal setting; Thorough knowledge of applicable City policies, laws, and regulations affecting Division activities; Substantially developed knowledge and experience with stormwater regulations and associated policy development and administration.
Skill in operating the tools and equipment typically used in the field of Civil Engineering.
Basic understanding of GIS/AutoCAD drafting software.
Ability to organize and delegate responsibility and to evaluate performance and conduct through administrative review and control procedures; Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with employees, consultants, other governmental agency representatives, City officials and the general public; Ability to conduct necessary engineering research and compile comprehensive reports.
Ability to read equipment manuals, construction plans and specifications, policy manuals, letters and regulations.

Education, Experience and Special Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from accredited college or equivalent.
Five or more years of progressively responsible engineering experience.
Two years in Municipal Engineering, municipal infrastructure projects and coordination of land development and redevelopment activities or related.
Two or more years of supervisory experience.
Registered as a Professional Engineer in State of Minnesota or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
Possession of a valid Driver’s License.

Desired Qualifications:
Previous experience as a City Engineer or work in the City Engineering or Public Works Department of a similar size City.

To apply, go to www.ci.brainerd.mn.us (or click on the ''apply'' button) to complete the application process. Please direct questions to the HR Department.

*The City of Brainerd utilizes a performance-based pay system that provides an opportunity for additional steps based on merit.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
ainerdmn.gov/499/Employment
N
Brainerd
MN
56401
United States
MN: Brainerd