Project Engineer

Salary : $91,918.00 - $113,221.00 Annually
Location : Duluth, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: H26079
Department: Public Works & Utilities
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/6/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Basic
Probation Period: 12 months
Eligible List Duration: 7 months


Job Posting Information


As a Project Engineer this position will work closely with other staff engineers, regulating authorities, consultants, contractors, and residents for the water utility, with the main objectives of overseeing the design and construction of water distribution capital improvement projects, and the City wide lead water service piping replacements over the next decade. Background with planning, designing, and coordinating how utility needs are incorporated with transportation projects would be valued experience for this position, along with any background regarding water distribution maintenance and water treatment processes.


In addition to technical proficiency, we value candidates who demonstrate strong teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving, and initiative. This role requires good communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and fairly with coworkers, contractors, and the public is also important. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development and sustainability of our city's infrastructure while working on diverse and impactful projects that benefit our community.

Please note: We are establishing an eligibility list for this position. At this time we anticipate filling one position at either the Project Engineer or Senior Engineer level. If you want to be considered for either level, please apply to both postings.

SUMMARY/PURPOSE
To perform, and to supervise others who perform engineering work in the design, construction, and maintenance of street improvements, utility installations, buildings and other structures, water, gas, storm, and sanitary utility systems.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
Employees at the Project Engineer level are distinguished from the Senior Project Engineer level by the amount of guidance and instruction needed to perform duties as assigned, and are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge, proficiency, or skill level. Positions at this level exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)


1. Perform responsible, professional engineering work in the design, construction, and maintenance for a wide range of engineering projects.
2. Write project specifications per City, State, and Federal guidelines and industry standards for various street and utility jobs.
3. Estimate costs using previous bids and regional trends, for projects up to twenty million in value.
4. Perform complicated design work through the use of data collection and analysis, engineering calculations and methodologies to develop solutions for construction that meet local, state, and federal standards.
5. Operate computers to prepare, review, and edit engineering drawings, data analysis and cost estimations through spreadsheet software, prepare project memorandums and reports, and use modeling software to setup, run and analyze utility system model simulations for existing utility system networks and proposed expansion or retrofit projects.
6. Coordinate projects within the engineering division, other City departments, public and private utility owners, and state and federal regulatory agencies keeping parties informed and developing solutions to issues that arise.
7. Ensure that projects are completed timely and cost effectively following engineering standards and city specifications.
8. Negotiate, manage, and prepare compensation for contractors engaged in City contracts.
9. Prepare and review plans and check construction for conformance with standards and specifications.
10. Investigate, prepare, and present technical reports and presentations both within the City and at public meetings.
11. Prepare petitions and council resolutions on street and sewer projects.
12. Investigate and respond to citizen complaints.
13. Represent the City Public Works & Utilities Department/Engineering Division at various meetings and activities.
14. Inform, educate, and exchange ideas with other professionals, agencies, and the public regarding engineering projects and standards, and City policies and programs.
15. In collaboration with supervisor, determine work priorities both for staffing and financial resource allocation.
16. Assign work and coordinate work schedules.
17. Provide input into decisions regarding the hire and transfer of personnel.
18. Train and mentor staff in safe and proper work methods and procedures that meet engineering standards.
19. Monitor work for compliance with established methods, guidelines, standards and procedures.
20. Review work of team members for completeness and quality of work prepared, and provide mentoring through feedback and instructions as needed.
21. Provide input to management to aid in decisions related to discipline and grievance resolution.
22. Provide information and instruction to assigned team verbally and in writing as needed.

Job Requirements


Education & Experience Requirements
A. Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university followed by four (4) years of work experience in the field of engineering as an Engineer in Training (EIT) working under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer.
B. Two (2) years of professional level engineering experience as a licensed Professional Engineer.

License Requirements
A. Licensure as a Professional Engineer with the ability to become licensed in the state of Minnesota within six (6) months from the date of appointment.
B. Driver's license valid in Minnesota.

Selection Process Information

Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point): Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.


Non-Discrimination
The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Alternative Exam Process (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io, as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Work Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.

Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education & Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to .
VETERANS PREFERENCE
Does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, seasonal, temporary, or part-time non-union selections

To apply for Veterans Preference, the applicant must attach the required documents when submitting their application.

• Scan and combine all documents into one file before uploading it to the Attachments section of the application.
• Submitting this information is optional, but preference points cannot be awarded without it.
• Points are only awarded if the applicant passes all exams and submits all required documents to Human Resources.

OPEN SELECTIONS

Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge.

Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Spouse of Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must currently be married to the veteran;
• The veteran must meet the minimum qualifications for the position but be unable to use the preference because of a service-connected disability. The applicant must explain this in their response to the related question in the Agency Questions section of the application.

Spouse of Deceased Veteran

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• Death certificate;
• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must not have remarried;
• The veteran must have died during active duty or as a result of an injury received during active duty.

PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS

Points are only awarded to Disabled Veteran's score one time, on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment.

Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Please refer to for additional information about Veterans' Preference.
Eligible City of Duluth employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Benefits
• Deferred Compensation
• Training and Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Benefits are prorated for part-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan.
01


Do you have a Bachelor's Degree with a major in an engineering field from an accredited college or university followed by four (4) years of full-time equivalent work experience in the field of engineering as an Engineer-In-Training working under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer?
02


Do you have two (2) years of full-time work experience as a licensed Professional Engineer? Please explain.
03


Are you licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of Minnesota or the ability to become licensed in the state of Minnesota within six (6) months from the date of appointment?
04


Do you possess a valid Minnesota Driver's License or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

05


Describe your experience with challenging projects where you had to manage and coordinate with various stakeholders, including contractors, engineers, and agencies. Please explain how you approached communication and collaboration.
Required Question