Traffic Engineering Specialist, Principal

POSTING TYPE: Open-competitive
DEPARTMENT: Transportation
HOURS: Full-time
FULL SALARY RANGE: $70,518 - $110,185/year (108 grade level)
LOCATION: Western Service Center, Apple Valley
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: This posting will remain open until the position is filled. Apply early as the first review of applications will occur on Friday, April 16, 2025.

What You'll Do
The Principal Traffic Engineering Specialist is an experienced and lead worker in the Transportation Department responsible for pre-design, design, traffic engineering, traffic services, signal operations, permit, and program work areas. Work is performed independently under general supervision and is reviewed primarily in terms of results obtained. This position must be capable of performing work independently without supervision.

This position will complete investigations, make recommendations to decision makers, and support traffic area work through written and oral communication with minimal oversight.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

* Associate degree (A.S., A.A.) or two-year technical certificate in Civil Engineering Technology AND 3 years of experience in traffic safety/operations and transportation project development
OR
* Bachelor's degree in Transportation Engineering, Civil Engineering or a related field, AND One year experience in traffic safety/operation and transportation project development.
OR
* An equivalent combination of education and experience to equal or exceed 5 years. Education and experience must be directly related to traffic safety/operation and transportation project development
AND
* Valid driver's license

Pursuant to Dakota County Policy and Procedures Manual Section 3102 (L), this position is designated as Safety Sensitive.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. General:
* Provide technical leadership and assistance to department staff; perform duties and manage processes.
* Coordinate work of Transportation staff, other staff, vendors, contractors, utility companies, and parties affected by projects to maintain objectives and schedules.
* Ensure work is performed to meet applicable local, State, and Federal guidelines, standards and laws and conforms to acceptable engineering standards and department practices.
* Work with the public both in mitigating requests and through public meetings, if necessary.

2. Signal Operations:
* Program controllers to operate specific intersection control parameters as required in the traffic signal plan.
* Assist in coordinating work with signal staff, vendors, contractors, utility companies, and parties affected by projects to maintain objectives and schedules.
* Aid in creation of signal timing plans for public requests and larger scale operations.
* Respond to and mitigate signal timing requests from the public.
* Maintain local-State partnerships in signal operations areas.
* Maintain signal operations and maintenance records.

3. Design:
* Perform complex engineering calculations and designs for County infrastructure improvements, including signal design, striping, signage, detour, horizontal and vertical alignments, cross-sections, hydraulics, right of way, and plan quantities. Includes review of
* Assist preparation of construction plan documents, including layout, quantities, plan and profile, cross-sections, and special items. Process and obtain needed State Aid approvals.
* Prepare and lead project cost estimates, proposals, and special provisions. Provide documents required for project letting.

4. Traffic Engineering
* Lead and perform engineering calculations and designs for the installation and operation of traffic control devices; including determining intersection and roadway capacities, managing traffic data collection and analysis, and determining and implementing traffic signal timing and coordination plans.
* Design location and placement of pavement markings, signs, and traffic signals. Provide work zone control and detour plans for highway designs.
* Coordinates and prepares construction plans, proposals, and estimates; obtains local and State approvals as needed; prepares and coordinates traffic signal, lighting, flasher and maintenance agreements with local units and Mn/DOT.
* Aid in crash/safety analysis and review

5. Permit:
* Review and evaluate traffic control, driveway, and transportation permits as needed.

6. Program:
* Manage highway corridor studies including public involvement process, technical committees, and report preparation.
* Participate in regional transportation committees of the Transportation Advisory Board involving regional highway policies, funding, and programming.
* Serve as a liaison for Traffic to Program staff

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: All duties are essential functions.

* Knowledge of transportation and engineering principles and practices and their application in the public sector.
* Knowledge of personal computers, as well as design and traffic operations software
* Knowledge of engineering nomenclature, plans, records, and maps
* Strong ability to effectively communicate (both verbally and in writing) and problem solve.
* Ability to lead subordinates and coordinates the work activities of a project.
* Ability to analyze and interpret construction plans and specifications.
* Ability to communicate and present ideas orally and in writing.
* Ability to coordinate and address multiple priorities and issues.

Work Environment:
90% inside/10% outside. Inside work is primarily sedentary in nature performed within an office; occasional outside work in response to on-site inspections. Wrist and finger manipulation due to filing, compiling, calculating, or computer work. For outside work must be able to perform the following on an occasional to frequent basis: bending, turning/twisting, kneeling, climbing, reaching out, grasping, fingering and lifting up to 50 pounds. Exposures may include, but are not limited to, dust and dirt. Additional physical/mental requirements that occur on a rare occasional basis may not be listed above, but are inherent in performing the position's essential functions.

Location & Schedule
This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks