Civil Engineer III

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan's leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

General Summary

$88,732- $118,883
This position is hybrid.

Are you an experienced engineer looking to lead complex infrastructure projects that directly impact public health and community operations? In this role, you'll be responsible for managing major engineering projects and critical infrastructure systems related to sewer, water, or drainage operations. You'll serve as a technical expert and departmental representative, applying advanced engineering principles to plan, coordinate, and deliver projects while ensuring the reliability of essential public systems.

What You'll Do
• Under limited supervision, manage a large engineering project, multiple smaller projects, or oversee operational and maintenance programs for sewer, water, or drainage systems. Specific work may include but is not necessarily limited to:
• Develop request for proposals (RFPs) to solicit engineering consulting firms for specific design services. Evaluate proposals and prepare contract documents for execution.
• Review consultant-prepared design drawings to verify project design criteria are met.
• Review technical specifications for engineering and construction projects.
• Evaluate engineering plans for compliance with regulatory requirements and applicable standards.
• Manage the review and submission of permits, plans, and supporting project documentation.
• Participate in the evaluation of contract bids and contractor proposals. Finalize contract documents for execution.
• Review construction inspection reports and project documentation.
• Prepare and recommend contractor payment estimates based on construction progress and inspection data.
• Review contractor claims with the engineer and develop responses.
• Navigate project issues with the project team. develop recommendations for mitigation and issue contract change documents (engineering work orders, work directives, change orders, field orders, etc.) as needed.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, engineers, community contacts, residents and other project stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Represent the department in project meetings to plan, coordinate, and monitor work
• Make recommendations to the Drainage Board and/or Water Resources Commissioner regarding contract awards, project implementation, and maintenance programs
• Apply advanced engineering techniques and software to solve complex technical challenges
• Modify and extend engineering theories to resolve difficult problems with limited assistance
• Use Countywide and department-specific software to complete engineering and project assignments
• Serve in an on-call capacity and respond to operational issues, equipment failures, storms, power outages, and other emergencies as required

Why You'll Love It
• Lead impactful infrastructure projects that protect public health and the environment
• Work on complex, high-visibility projects with real community impact
• Apply advanced engineering skills to challenging, real-world problems
• Collaborate with leadership, boards, and external partners
• Build a rewarding career in public service with meaningful responsibility and growth

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Be registered as a Professional Engineer by the Michigan State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.

Have had a minimum of six (6) years of full-time engineering or closely related work experience.

NOTE: A Master's degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an accredited college, university may be substituted for one (1) year of the experience requirement above.

NOTE: The Michigan State Board of Registration requires a Bachelor's degree and four years of engineering experience to qualify for registration.

NOTE: Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( The degree evaluation will be required for application processing.

Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license. Out of the Country driver's license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver's license before the hire date.

Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.

Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.

Must maintain registration as a Professional Engineer by the State of Michigan Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Confers with consulting engineers regarding the preparation of construction plans and specifications for proposed water, sewer and drain infrastructure including retention treatment basins, wastewater treatment plant additions, sewage lift stations, water booster stations, water storage tanks, community wells, piping, and other appurtenances. Uses sound engineering principles, including knowledge of water supply and sewage pipe material/equipment, the size needed to accommodate determined amounts of water or sewage, topography, and agronomy.


Provides estimates of cost schedules to financial consultant for transmittal to bond council. Also provides findings of population projection studies, existing customer units and other information for incorporation into State Revolving Fund project plans.

Negotiates the more difficult or complex easement acquisitions, supplying engineering information to affected property owners and/or county representatives. Testifies in easement condemnation cases when necessary.

Prepares applications for state and federal grants including providing information relative to estimated costs, schedule of progress, method of financing and a statement of status of easement acquisitions.

Assists higher level staff in reviewing construction bids and awarding of contracts by ensuring that advertisements and addendums are properly worded, answering inquiries from contractors in writing, tabulating bids and making recommendation of award to the Drainage Board or Water Resources Commissioner.

Responsible for establishing project-related agreements and contracts for contractors and engineering consultants.

Organizes and coordinates the starting of construction by reviewing progress schedules, crews assigned, and equipment needed to ensure that project can be completed within prescribed time limit.

Conducts pre-job meetings with contractors, utilities, and permit agencies such as the Road Commission for Oakland County and the Michigan Department of Transportation to identify and resolve problems.

Determines work priorities within an assigned project to ensure that order of work is made according to sound construction principles.

Supervises, trains, assigns work, and provides technical guidance to lower-level engineers, and technical and inspection personnel by giving clear instructions regarding work methods and safety procedures. May train lower-level engineers in all aspects of effective project management.

Prepares monthly payment estimates as a recommendation for payment to contractors by receiving reports from inspection personnel regarding amount of work completed in the previous month.

Reviews and approves specialty contractor and engineering consulting invoices for project-related work.

Resolves contractor claims and negotiates change orders when unanticipated factors necessitate a deviation from original plans.

Supervises the final inspection and approval of facilities as being constructed according to plans and specifications by arranging tests on newly constructed facilities such as air pressure tests on water and sewer mains and infiltration tests on sewers to determine amount of leakage.

Communicates orally or in writing with public officials, developers or organized or unorganized property owners regarding proposed or on-going projects.

Performs technical calculations regarding drainage area, storm run-off, grades, levels, size of drains, sanitary sewers, and water mains and strength of pipe insuring compliance with numerous regulatory acts including Act 288 of P.A. 1967, as amended, the Subdivision Control Act, Act 40 of P.A. 1956, as amended, the Michigan Drain Code, Part 91 of Act 451 of P.A. 1994, as amended, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, Part 307 of Act 59 of P.A. 1995, Inland Lake Levels and Part 309 of Act 59 of P.A. 1995, Inland Lake Improvements.

Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

When in the field, is alert to safety hazards.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in both a typical office environment and outdoor field conditions.

Participate in activities that require driving or being a passenger in an automobile or bus.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering.

Considerable knowledge of the provisions of the State Drain Code, Public Works Act, and building codes.

Considerable knowledge of the methods of survey, design, and construction.

Considerable knowledge of field and office procedures relating to civil engineering.

Considerable knowledge of administrative practices related to the civil engineering.

Considerable knowledge of the technical phases of estimates, contracts, specifications, and engineering reports. Considerable ability to plan, organize and supervise civil engineering work.

Considerable ability to determine compliance of structures with specifications.

Considerable ability to organize and evaluate information for special reports.

Considerable ability to make engineering cost estimates.

Considerable ability to prepare contracts and specifications.

Considerable knowledge of construction engineering and contract administration.

Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and internet software.


Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.