Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer

Salary : $118,747.20 - $141,398.40 Annually
Location : Brainerd, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20260414
Department: Engineering
Opening Date: 04/15/2026
Closing Date: 5/6/2026 4:30 PM Central

General Definition of Work
Performs complex supervisory, administrative, and professional work in planning, organizing, directing and supervising the Engineering, Water Distribution, and Sewer Collection Utility Maintenance Divisions. Oversee environmental, water, sewer, street, stormwater, and other public works projects and programs ensuring technical competence and compliance with all current codes and criteria; performs related duties as required or apparent. The Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer shall exercise general, technical and administrative supervision over all engineering, water distribution, and sewer collection utility maintenance employees. The Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer shall report to the Public Works Director.

Please note:

2026 Hiring Range: $57.09 - $63.62 per hour depending on qualifications.
2026 Pay Range: $57.09 - $67.98 per hour.
*2026 Performance based pay opportunity: Up to $76.14 per hour.

*The City of Brainerd utilizes a performance-based pay system as noted above. Our system provides an opportunity for additional pay steps based on merit. Contact the HR Department if you would like to learn more about our system.
Qualification Requirements

Employee shall perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform their essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Plan, program, direct and evaluate the operation of the Engineering, Water Distribution, and Sewer Collection Divisions in all areas of responsibility.
• Oversee the preparation of, or develop, engineering plans and specifications; Coordinate required advertising for bids: Review construction bids and make necessary recommendations based on lowest and best bids, competency of vendors and consultants, and the selection criteria for public works projects.
• Coordinate and/or undertakes the development or update of the Comprehensive Sewer Plan, Water Distribution Plan, Street Improvement Program, Capital Improvement Program, Pavement Management System, and other plans involving the municipal infrastructure.
• Review private project development plans for compliance with codes, regulations, and standards, adequacy of applications for permits and compliance with approved plans.
• Develop annual budget proposals and control budgeted expenses for the Engineering, Water Distribution, and Sewer Collection Divisions.
• Formulate and implement the divisions policies, procedures, rules, regulations and programs.
• Provide project management for the construction of the municipal, State Aid, and Federally funded public works projects. Oversee assigned projects to ensure contractor compliance with time and budget parameters for the project.
• Perform as the Department Head in the absence of the Public Works Director.
• Prepare and review operational and administrative reports for the divisions; Supervise maintenance of records and materials associated with division activities or administration.
• Supervise all Engineering, Water Distribution, and Sewer Collection Utility Maintenance Division staff including training, inspecting, and assigning work, developing staff schedules, coaching and counseling, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Evaluate potential projects, programs, and services to determine feasibility and impact on division operations and make recommendations to the Public Works Director.
• Research and prepare technical advice and information for the City Council, Public Utilities Commission, and other boards and committees as necessary; Attends meetings as required.
• Under the direction and/or authority of the Public Works Director, oversee all Engineering, Water Distribution, and Sewer Collection personnel, oversee and/or participate in the selection of employees; evaluates employees and determines staffing and structure needs.
• Respond to concerns, issues, complaints, and questions from the public and employees; mediate disputes and resolves issues as appropriate.
• Oversee training programs to ensure proper training and certification of personnel.

• Maintain regular contact with consulting engineers, construction project engineers, City, County, State and Federal agencies, professional and technical groups and the general public regarding division activities and services.
• Serves as MS4 Permit Administrator; develops and oversees the City's Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) implementation and execution.
• Assist in evaluating transportation and traffic impacts due to development proposals, permits, rezones, and plats; prepares traffic, utility, and other studies and reports.
• Prepare requests for proposals for consulting services; assist with the evaluation of proposals and consultant qualifications; oversee consultant work to assure conformance with city standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Competencies
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices and methods as applicable to a municipal setting; Thorough knowledge of applicable City policies, laws, and regulations affecting Division activities; Substantially developed knowledge and experience with stormwater regulations and associated policy development and administration.
• Skill in operating the tools and equipment typically used in the field of Civil Engineering.
• Basic understanding of GIS/AutoCAD drafting software
• Ability to organize and delegate responsibility and to evaluate performance and conduct through administrative review and control procedures; Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with employees, consultants, other governmental agency representatives, City officials and the general public; Ability to conduct necessary engineering research and compile comprehensive reports.
• Ability to read equipment manuals, construction plans and specifications, policy manuals, letters and regulations.

Education, Experience and Special Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from accredited college or equivalent.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible engineering experience.
• Two years in Municipal Engineering, municipal infrastructure projects and coordination of land development and redevelopment activities or related.
• Two or more years of supervisory experience.
• Registered as a Professional Engineer in State of Minnesota or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License.

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a City Engineer or work in the City Engineering or Public Works Department of a similar size City.

Other Requirements and Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds and force and the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires sitting, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception and color perception; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, using of measuring devices, operating machines, pertaining motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Compensation
Compensation rates are governed by the City's Salary Administration Plan. Information regarding the City's pay program is available in the Human Resources Department.

Holidays
The 11 calendar holidays that are observed are as follows: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and Friday following, and Christmas Day. Employees also received one additional "floating" holidays of their choice.

Vacation
Vacation is earned at the rate of 10.00 hours per month (3 weeks per year) for the first year of employment. After the first year, monthly accrual rate is increased per the Employee Policy Manual. Maximum vacation balance is 240 hours. Vacation is accrued, but generally not available for use, for the first six months of employment.

Sick Leave/ESST
Sick leave/ESST is earned at a rate of 8 hours per month with a maximum sick balance of 960 hours. Payout of 100% of sick leave balance allowed as severance if immediately eligible to draw PERA pension or due to a written doctor-verified disability.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance - Blue Cross Blue Shield is our current health insurance provider. Coverage is effective the 1st of the month following the date of hire. We currently offer four High Deductible Health Insurance plans (HDHP):

• Plan 1 is a $3,300 single/$6,600 family deductible policy. The employee pays 5% of the single premium with the 2025 monthly cost being $74.25 per month. The employee pays 20% of the family premium or $501.40 per month.
• Plan 2 is a $1,650 single/$3,300 family deductible policy. The employee pays 5% of the single premium with the 2025 monthly cost being $82.85 per month. The employee pays 20% of the family premium or $559.80 per month.
• Plan 3 is a $6,300 single/$12,600 family deductible policy. The employee pays 3% of the single premium with the 2025 monthly cost being $37.56 per month. The employee pays 15% of the family premium or $317.25 per month.
• Plan 4 is a $8,300 single/$16,600 family deductible policy. The employer pays 100% of the single premium. The employee pays 10% of the family premium or $194.70 per month.

NOTE: For all four of the above HDHP, the employee also receives an additional annual employer HSA contribution based on which plan and coverage level is elected (amount will be prorated and deposited in monthly increments) into the employee's Health Savings Account.

Dental/Optical Insurance
Dental and optical insurance benefits are available.

Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability
An employer paid $100,000 life insurance and long-term disability insurance policy is provided by the City the 1st of the month following the initial-six months waiting period of eligibility.

Retirement Plan
Retirement benefits are provided through the Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA). The 2025 EMPLOYEE contribution rate is 6.5%. The 2025 EMPLOYER contribution rate is 7.5%.
01

Do you hold a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited college or an evaluated equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your engineering experience?

• 5+ years of engineering experience
• 1-5 years of engineering experience
• Less than 1 year or none

03

What types of engineering projects have you worked on (e.g., municipal, land development, utilities, transportation)? If you have not worked on any engineering projects, please type N/A.
04

How would you rate your experience in municipal engineering or related infrastructure/land-development work.

• I have 2+ years of experience
• I have some related experience, but less than 2 years
• I have no related experience

05

Select the option that reflects your supervisory experience.

• No supervisory experience
• Some supervisory experience, but under 2 years
• 2+ years supervising experience

06

Indicate your current Professional Engineer (PE) status in Minnesota.

• I am not yet registered, but can obtain Minnesota PE registration within 6 months of hire
• I am currently registered as a Professional Engineer in Minnesota

07

Do you hold a valid Driver's License?

• No
• Yes

08

How would you rate your knowledge of municipal civil engineering principles, city policies, and stormwater regulations?

• None
• Limited
• Moderate
• Advanced

09

How would you characterize your hands-on experience with civil engineering tools and field equipment?

• No use
• Occasional use
• Extensive use

10

How familiar are you with GIS or AutoCAD drafting software?

• Limited
• Developing
• Proficient
• Excellent

11

How would you rate your ability to supervise work, communicate effectively, and prepare engineering reports?

• Limited
• Developing
• Proficient
• Excellent

12

How would you describe your ability to read and interpret technical documents such as plans, manuals, and specifications?

• Needs support
• Adequately skilled
• Highly skilled

13

Why are you interested in being the Deputy Public Works/City Engineer with the City of Brainerd?
Required Question