Public Works Director

Salary: $132,662.40 - $173,534.40 Annually
Location : Milaca, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 00893
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description
The Public Works Director serves as the department head for the Public Works Department and the County Engineer pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 163.07, providing leadership and direction related to operations and services within the county. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining the standards, controls, and policies necessary to administer and coordinate the various programs and services provided by the department.
This is a non-union position. Complete 2026 salary range is $63.78/hr-$83.43/hr. For a complete position description, click

Essential Functions
This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.
1. Uses independent judgment to provide supervision and leadership to department personnel under the span of control. Makes recommendations on matters of hiring and discipline. Conducts ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and timely formal reviews of performance for staff. Provides training and work direction, ensuring staff know and follow department and county rules, as well as sound work and safety practices, to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.
2. Responsible for communications that maintain relationships key to the function of the county. Plans and carries out communications at a level that can impact the morale and performance of staff.
3. Allocates human and fiscal resources, as authorized by the County Board, to ensure departmentgoals are achieved in a cost-effective manner. Analyzes expenditures, expected needs, future costprojections and sources of funding to develop detailed budgets and present funding requests tothe County Administrator. Reviews year-to-date spending reports and monitors performance against plan during the entire budget cycle, ensuring that the most cost-effective alternatives are identified when planning expenditures. Public Works Director.
4. Plans, develops, and implements short-term and long-term objectives, operating policies and procedures to accomplish departmental goals and objectives. Interprets policies and ordinances and ensures uniform application to the public, including the impacts of new legislation. Works with the County Administrator on the development of departmental policies, short-term and long-term goals, and the annual work plan.
5. Manage county road system providing expert planning and oversight in the areas of development, design, construction, maintenance and Right-of-Way. Manage the work involved in construction inspection, quality control, measurement of quantities, and documentation of contract progress.
6. Prepares and submits applications for funding programs consistent with delegated authority.
7. Administers state and federal funds for the county and political subdivisions within the county.
8. Collaborates with other county departments, state and local agencies, cities, townships, and the public to address service needs and recommend legislative changes. Meets with governmental units or agencies and the public to explain department programs and projects, resolve problems, and obtain necessary approvals.
9. Provides the County Administrator and County Board with comprehensive information regarding programmatic outcomes, alternatives, recommendations, and initiatives. Presents regular reports to the County Board and County Administrator on Department activities, program trends, and fiscal issues.
10. Responsible for County parks and trails. This includes directing and/or assisting with obtaining required survey information, engineering design, construction oversight, and maintenance of County parks and trails. This position is also responsible for obtaining or overseeing application for funding for parks, trails, and long-term planning activities.
11. Confers with the County Attorney and law firms on retainer to conduct enforcement actions and solicit input as required on other departmental operations.
12. Serves as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act Responsible Authority designee for theDepartment; responsible for the records and management of records, including all applicable dataretention and data privacy regulations.
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, and eight (8) years of directly related work experience, including a minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minnesota Professional Engineering License..
• Class D Driver's License.

Selection Process


Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Top candidates will be invited to participate in oral interviews.

This is a continuous posting (will remain open until filled).
The following is intended to be a general overview of benefits provided for full-time positions. Insurance benefits become effective the first day of the month following the month of hire. Further details and a complete copy of the applicable contract/policy language are available at the time an employment offer is extended. If you have any questions about the benefits, please contact the Administrative Services Office at
Medical Insurance
Employees have three (3) medical insurance plans to choose from, within three (3) different networks. The rates shown are effective 1/1/2026 through 12/31/2026.

Single Coverage Total Monthly Premium

Single Coverage Monthly Employee Cost

Single Coverage Monthly HSA Contribution

Family Coverage Monthly Total Premium

Family Coverage Monthly Employee Cost

Family Coverage Monthly HSA Contribution

RTS Medica Passport

2000-25% HSA

$971.66

$0

$93.75

$2,582.30

$932.30

N/A

850-40

$1,093.56

$121.90

N/A

$2,906.28

$1,256.28

N/A

400-35

$1,155.78

$184.12

N/A

$3,071.64

$1,421.64

N/A

RTS Medica Elect

2000-25% HSA

$850.20

$0

$208.33

$2,259.52

$609.52

N/A

850-40

$956.86

$0

N/A

$2,543.00

$893.00

N/A

400-35

$1,011.30

$39.64

N/A

$2,687.68

$1,037.68

N/A

RTS Medica VantagePlus

2000-25% HSA

$825.90

$0

$229.17

$2,194.96

$544.96

N/A

850-40

$929.52

$0

N/A

$2,470.34

$820.34

N/A

400-35

$982.42

$10.76

N/A

$2,610.90

$960.90

N/A

Employees may choose to contribute additional funds to their HSA each year, up to the IRS limit of $4,400 for singles, and $8,750 for families. Once at age 55, employees can contribute an additional $1,000 (to either single or family) as long as they are not covered under Medicare. The IRS limit applies to the total employer and employee contributions combined. Employer contributions (if eligible) will go into a Health Savings Account.
Dental Insurance
There is no cost to the employee for single coverage. Family coverage costs the employee $76.46 per month.
Vision Insurance
Vision coverage is available and paid for by the employee at the following monthly rates:

• Employee Only - $5.85
• Employee + Spouse - $11.69
• Employee + Children - $11.31
• Family - $18.35

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's) Available
Plan options include medical and dependent care FSAs, as well as a premium only plan (pre-tax deduction of medical and dental premiums). These amounts cannot be changed during the year unless there is a qualifying life event. All funds must be used by the claims deadline.

• FSA Medical/Health max election of $3,400 per year
• Limited Purpose FSA max election of $3,400 per year (funds can only be used for vision, dental or orthodontia expenses when paired with an HSA until medical deductible has been met)
• FSA Dependent Care max election of $7,500 per year per family ($3,750 if married and filing separately)

Paid Time Off
Holidays: Full-time employees have approximately 14.5 paid holidays per year, including floating holidays, subject to the terms of the Personnel Policy or Collective Bargaining Agreement as applicable.

Vacation: Full-time employees earn 11 to 23 days per year, depending on tenure. Part-time employees earn pro- rated accruals.

Sick Time: Full-time employees accrue 12 sick days per year. Part-Time employees earn pro-rated accruals.
Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Benefits Provided
Employees fall under the General, Police & Fire, or Correctional defined benefit plan depending on their position. PERA rates and handbooks available on-line:


Contribution amounts are based on the employee's pay each pay period.

Employer Contribution Employee Contribution

• Coordinated Plan 7.5% 6.5%
• Police & Fire Plan 16.2% 10.8%
• Correctional Plan 10.25% 6.83%

Deferred Compensation Program Available
Deferred Compensation Plans are available through Nationwide:
Life Insurance
There is no cost to the employee for $15,000 in basic life insurance coverage. Rates for voluntary additional coverage for employee or spouse vary according to age category:

AgeofEmployee Or Spouse EmployeeMonthlyCost Per $1,000

Underage 35

.06

35-39

.10

40-44

.12

45-49

.17

50-54

.25

55-59

.45

60-64

.68

65-69

1.29

70-74

2.08
Dependent Life & Child Life Insurance Packages Available
Child life is available as a $10,000 policy on each child; the cost is $1.30 per month. Dependent care is available as a $2,500 policy on all tax dependents; the cost is $0.66 per month.
Long-term Disability Insurance Plan Available
Rates vary according to age and coverage amount; rates listed reflect monthly costs.

Age

Per$100Monthly Benefit

Underage 25

.26

25-29

.33

30-34

.40

35-39

.48

40-44

.65

45-49

.94
50-54

1.25

55-59

1.51

60+

1.53
Short-term Disability Insurance Plan Available
Rates vary according to age and coverage amount; rates listed reflect monthly costs.

Age

Per$100WeeklyBenefit

UnderAge 30

1.00

30-34

1.10

35-39

1.10

40-44

1.10

45-49

1.30

50-54

1.70

55-59

2.00

60-64

2.40

65+

2.80
Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Confinement Insurance Available
01


Do you have a valid Class D driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02


Please select your highest level of education COMPLETED by the close date of this posting.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Completed coursework, but no degree
• Certificate equivalent to 1 year of full-time post-secondary education
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

03


Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have a current Minnesota Professional Engineering License?

• Yes
• No

05


If no, are you eligible to take the written exam for the Minnesota Professional Engineering License?

• Yes
• No

06


Please select the option which best describes your full-time work experience in public works, contract management, inspection, engineering, construction, maintenance, or any other related field.

• No experience
• Less than four years
• More than four years, less than eight
• More than eight years, less than ten
• More than ten years

07


Please describe where you obtained this work experience, including name of employer, dates of employment, and duties/responsibilities.
08


How many years of experience do you have directly supervising others in a paid work setting (e.g. subordinates, clients, etc.)?

• None
• 1 - less than 2 years
• 2 - less than 4 years
• 4 - less than 6 years
• 6 years or more

09


Please describe your experience as indicated in the previous question, including experience directing, training, evaluating, hiring, and disciplining staff. Include the number of staff you supervised, the types of positions and job duties under your supervision, your level of responsibility within the organization, and whether the experience was with a public or private sector employer. If you have no experience, type "None."
Required Question