Project Engineer

Road Commission of Kalamazoo County

Position: Project Engineer

Department: Administrative/Engineering

Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Hourly Range: $41.95 – $50.33 (Non-Exempt)

Road Commission of Kalamazoo County (RCKC) is seeking qualified applicants for the position
of Project Engineer. The Project Engineer responds to questions from contractors, developers,
engineers, road commission staff, and the public regarding road commission policies and
specifications.

HIGHLIGHTED BENEFITS INCLUDE:
 Health and dental insurance that starts on your first day
 Pension – 100% paid by RCKC
 11 paid holidays
 Paid vacation and sick leave
 Tuition Reimbursement
 Short-term disability
 Life insurance

SCHEDULE:
Winter schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM with potential for overtime.
Summer schedule: 4/10 work schedule, 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM with potential for overtime (subject
to change)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential
duties (these examples do not include all the duties which the employee may be expected to
perform)

 Reviews preliminary and final construction plans submitted by developers
for proposed to ensure compliance with road commission policies and
standards.
 Discusses deficient plans and makes recommendations for approval or denial
with County Engineer, developers, and contractors, to bring plans into
compliance. Conducts field inspections as part of the review process.
 Inspects plat development projects in progress and confers with the
developer and contractors to ensure that construction is in compliance with
approved plans.

 Inspects for compliance with the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
(SESC) Act.
 Responds to request for information from property owners, surveyors,
developers, contractors and department staff that require a search of records
and files such as the location of right-of-way, property boundaries, government
section corners and utility locations.
 Performs fieldwork as a construction inspector inspecting asphalt and concrete paving,
storm sewer construction and as a surveyor, inspects construction layout, drainage
correction projects, and the gathering of field information using survey equipment.
 Designs construction projects such as culvert replacement, bridges, storm
sewer systems and road repair projects.
 Administers construction projects using contractor payment software to
document projects and to develop payment invoices to contractors.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Possession of a Bachelor Degree in an engineering related field. Maintain a
Professional Engineer License or objective to achieve.

Preferred Experience: Minimum of two years of design, survey, traffic, road
construction, road maintenance and inspection experience.

Other Requirements: Computer skills including Microsoft Office, Outlook, AutoCAD,
ArcView GIS, FieldManager, customer service, possession of a valid driver’s license.
Strong organizational, planning, customer service and communication skills. Successful
completion of FieldManager, Soil Erosion and Stormwater training courses. Qualified as
a certified Michigan Department of Transportation inspector.

For additional qualifications and complete job description please refer to the RCKC
website at www.kalamazoocountyroads.com “About Us” tab. To apply for the Project
Engineer position please send your resume to hr@kalamazoocountyroads.com or
USPS to the RCKC 4400 S 26th St Kalamazoo, MI 49048. Candidates requiring
confidentiality should so indicate. Please no phone call position inquiries.

Position Summary:
The Project Engineer reviews preliminary and final construction plans to ensure that they comply with policies
and specifications. The Project Engineer responds to questions from contractors, developers, engineers, road
commission staff, and the general public regarding road commission policies and specifications. Other duties
include developing plans, specifications and estimates for road, culvert and bridge design projects; inspecting
construction projects in progress and upon completion to ensure compliance with approved plans; preparing
bid documents and specifications for contracted work; and performing special assignments as directed.
Assists with traffic engineering including data management, analysis and reporting as needed. Reviews
preliminary plats, construction plans, and final plats for approval.

Key Responsibilities:
Review preliminary and final construction plans submitted by developers for proposed plats
including such items as site layout, contours, dead-end streets, and cul-de-sacs, to ensure
compliance with road commission policies and standards.
Discusses deficient plans with County Engineer, developers, and contractors, in an attempt to bring
plans into compliance. Makes recommendations for approval or denial to the County Engineer.
Conducts field inspections as part of the review process.
Inspects plat development projects in progress and regularly confers with the developer and
contractors to ensure that construction is in compliance with approved plans. Inspects for compliance
with the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) Act and performs final inspection after the
project is completed.
Responds to questions from contractors, developers, engineers, road commission staff, and the
general public regarding road commission policies and specifications.
Serves as an advisor to other department staff on engineering matters related to road
design, building, and maintenance.
Responds to requests for information from property owners, surveyors, developers, contractors, and
department staff that require a search of records and files such as the location of right-of-way,
property boundaries, government section corners and utility locations.
Review plans and specifications for construction projects.
Prepare bid documents and specifications for contracted work.
Maintain project files, updating them as work progresses, and prepares pay estimates. May
inspect construction projects in progress and upon completion.
Research, compiles, and documents information required for reimbursement from Michigan
Department of Transportation (MDOT) for engineering and right-of-way costs.
Reviews legal documents that are to be filed with the road commission, such as dedication of
roads, drainage easements and letters of credit, to ensure they comply with all legal
requirements.
Performs field work as a construction inspector inspecting asphalt and concrete paving, storm sewer
construction, and as a surveyor, inspects construction layout, drainage correction projects, and the
gathering of field information using survey equipment.
Designs construction projects such as culvert replacement, bridges, storm sewer systems, and road
repair projects.
Certified office technician for project support as needed.
Administers construction projects using contractor payment software to document projects and to
develop payment invoices to contractor.
Certified in soil erosion and sedimentation control, storm water, project, and asphalt inspection.
Meets with township officials to discuss infrastructure management and suggests improvements.
Maintains positive township relations and serves in areas including; creates 5-year local road plans and
attends township joint meetings as needed.
Develops county asset management maps using ArcView software. Assists RCKC in the development of
ArcView Geographic information system (GIS) layers in collaboration with other RCKC staff and
Kalamazoo County Planning Department staff.
Prepares the Public Act 51 Annual Road Mileage Certification Report for the State Transportation
Commission by updating maps, forms, and office records to reflect changes in primary and local road
system, writing narrative justification for changes from local to primary system and vice versa, and
documenting changes such as abandonment and transfer of jurisdiction. Prepares documents for
commission action. Prepares and maintains Act 51 maps on Auto CAD or appropriate computer
software.
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
 Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering related field. Maintains a Professional Engineer (PE) license or
objective to achieve.
 Minimum of 2 years of design, survey, traffic, road construction, road maintenance, and inspection
experience. Engineering related computer programs and the operation of survey equipment.

Technical Skills:
 Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, AutoCAD, ArcView GIS and Field Manager.
 Successful completion of Soil Erosion and Stormwater training courses.
 Qualified as a certified Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) inspector.
Other Requirements:
 Valid driver’s license.
 Strong organizational, analytical, communication, planning, and customer service skills.
 Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Physical Requirements:
The Project Engineer position requires the ability to perform a variety of physical tasks necessary for both
office and field work.

Essential physical requirements include:
 Climb into and out of vehicles, trucks, and other equipment.
 Perform various project inspections, including sewer systems.
 Operate motor vehicles.
 Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally (e.g., equipment and other tools, documents or
samples).
 Access and retrieve physical records, files, maps, and documents.
 Climb up and down embankments.
 Stoop, kneel, crouch, and perform other movements required for field inspections.
 Travel frequently within the county to various projects and inspection sites.
 Ability to sit for extended periods in an office environment and use standard office equipment,
including computers, printers, and phones.
 Walk on uneven terrain and climb up and down embankments or slopes.
 Use specialized software to read and interpret maps, drawings, and technical documents.

Working Conditions:

This position involves a combination of office-based tasks and regular outdoor field visits to construction and
project sites. The work environment may include the following conditions:

 Regular exposure to outdoor elements such as weather, dust, mud, and uneven terrain.
 Work in or near active construction zones with exposure to traffic and heavy machinery.
 Potential exposure to fumes, odors, and loud noises associated with construction projects.
 Typical office conditions include extended use of computers and phones, and routine interaction with
coworkers, contractors, and the public.