City Engineer - Grand Forks

The City of Grand Forks, ND is seeking an dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the next City Engineer. · The successful individual be a visionary leader with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of a growing ...

Job description

The City of Grand Forks, ND is seeking an dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the next City Engineer.

The successful individual be a visionary leader with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of a growing community.

This individual will demonstrate a proven record of advancing innovative engineering practices, modern asset management strategies, and fiscally responsible capital improvement planning.

The ideal candidate will exemplify superior executive leadership, financial stewardship, and organizational management skills, along with extensive experience in problem solving, public presentations, and collaborative partnerships.

Hiring Salary Range:
$145,392 - $177,133

Depending on Qualifications


Full Salary Range:
$145,392 - $177,133 - $221,208

The Engineering Department is responsible for the oversight and management of city-owned infrastructure within public rights-of-way, including streets, traffic systems, stormwater systems, utilities coordination, and electrical operations.

The department has 26 full time staff and administers an annual operating budget of $4 million dollars anddepending on the year a $50 - $100 million capital budget.

This position oversees multidisciplinary engineering, state and federal funded projects, flood management, traffic, and electrical divisions.

Find out more about this position and the process by utilizing the following link: City Engineer Informational Packet

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions

Assume full management responsibility for all Engineering Department services and activities including engineering, traffic, and electrical division.

Efficiently manage the city owned infrastructure within the right of way and within the constraints of budgets, capital improvement plans, and current engineering standards.

Manage the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the Engineering Department; recommend and administer policies and procedures.

Plan, direct and coordinate the Engineering Department's work plan and budget; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems.

Select, train, motivate and evaluate personnel within the Engineering Department; determine engineering staff productivity; when needed work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.

Manage and participate in the development and administration of the Engineering Departmental budget; approve and forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.

Represent the Engineering Department to other City departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate Engineering Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.

Provide staff assistance to the Mayor and City Administrator; participate on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.

Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Direct engineering activities as required during local emergency and disaster situations.

Manage a variety of organizational and operational studies; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of engineering methods and procedures; Review and implement modifications to existing Engineering Department programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.

Serve as the City Engineer as defined by the North Dakota Century Code and Grand Forks City Code.

Perform professional civil engineering functions; review plans, plats, specifications and related documents; ensure compliance with codes, ordinances and standards; find creative solutions to complex engineering/political/financial infrastructure problems.

Explain, justify and defend Engineering Department programs, policies and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of engineering.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge:

Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive municipal civil engineering program for City owned infrastructure within right of way and easements, including an understanding of the balance between the initial construction costs, as well as long term, routine, and operational maintenance; Principles, practices, and methods of engineering design, construction, and inspection of public infrastructure projects; Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration; Principles and practices of leadership, supervision, and training; Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations; Basin wide water retention management.

Skills:

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Maintain mental capacity, which allows for effective interaction and communication with others; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Abilities:

Oversee and manage a comprehensive engineering program; Oversee, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff; Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports; Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, and techniques; Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations; Develop, review, and interpret engineering plans and specifications; Perform accurate and complex mathematical computations; write technical reports, staff reports, and specifications; Lead and direct the operation, services, and activities within the Engineering Department; Manage the development and administration of Engineering Department goals, objectives, and procedures; Delegate authority and responsibility.

Supplemental Information

Experience

Eight years of increasingly responsible engineering experience related to public infrastructure projects, including four years of supervision of technicians and engineers.

Training

Equivalent to a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in, civil engineering or a related field.

Credentials

Possess a valid registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of North Dakota or obtain valid registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of North Dakota through reciprocity.

Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid driver's license.

The City of Grand Forks offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System.

Employee Contribution of a mandatory 4% and up to 7% with an Employer Contribution of a mandatory 5.26% up to 9.26%.

For more information on our benefits click 2025 Benefit Summary 2026 Benefit Summary

If you are applying for a Part Time Temporary or Seasonal position, you are not eligible for benefits through the City of Grand Forks.