Principal Engineer

Salary: $95,846.40 - $119,912.00 Annually
Location : Cal Ruedy Public Works Facility, Hastings, MN
Job Type: Full Time, Regular
Job Number:
Department: PW - Engineering
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/ :59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NU
Description
This position is responsible for assisting the City Engineer with various technical, project management, and operational oversight tasks related to public works improvements, as well as construction management and inspection of these projects.
Examples of Duties
The duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as examples of the types of work performed by employees in this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive. 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. The City reserves the right to revise or change job duties as organizational needs and job requirements change.

• Direct staff, consultants, and contractors for the annual street and utility reconstruction program from preliminary investigation to public engagement, during engineering design, and through construction administration.
• Lead all Computer Aided Design (CAD) functions and maintain currency of CAD systems, data, and software functionality.
• Senior role in ensuring adequate construction observation of assigned public works improvements.
• Assist the City Engineer in the preparation of plans, specifications, bid advertisements, contracts, feasibility reports, and preliminary studies.
• Supervise the Engineer Technicians.
• Assist in the preparation of public informational items to ensure the public affected by City reconstruction projects are kept informed.
• Perform engineering activities such as coordinating the updating of record plans and files, and the coordination of projects between other agencies, utility companies, developers, and contractors.
• Assist with the management of and make recommendations for departmental computer needs, including CAD and GIS systems, to ensure sufficient computer support to the department.
• Procure record drawings from City infrastructure projects and link that information to the GIS asset management system.
• Oversee Engineering Technicians in the review and issuance of Right of Way permits; oversee the field inspection process to assure compliance with permit conditions.
• Prominent lead role in the construction administration of major infrastructure projects (i.e., pay estimate preparation, weekly progress updates to the public, ensure conformance to plans and specs).
• Assist and support the City Engineer and Public Works Director with the preparation of the utility systems Capital Improvement Plan.
• Prepare Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for major projects (certified plan preparer).
• Maintain and update City design standards, such as standard plates, specifications, and publications.
• Coordinate, design, and manage sanitary sewer lining program.
• Assist the City Engineer with the preparation and implementation of the departmental budget.
• Interpret City ordinances, State codes, and specifications.
• Keep accurate and timely records of public works projects.
• Provide technical advice and assistance as required, and represent the department in meetings, public forums, and work groups.
• Keep current and informed on specifications, regulations, codes, construction practices, and generally accepted engineering standards.
• Update City utility GIS maps and embedded infrastructure record data.
• Serve as City representative on the Dakota County GIS users' group.
• Perform other duties as required, assigned, apparent, or delegated.
• Regular attendance is required.

Typical Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited college or equivalent.
• Three years of municipal street and utility construction management, inspection, and plan preparation experience.
• One-year supervisory experience or project management experience.
• AutoCAD 3D design software experience.
• Engineering in Training (EIT) Certificate.
• Registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Minnesota or have the ability to obtain within one year of appointment.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineering License in the State of Minnesota.
• Experience working for a municipal government.
• GIS Software experience.

Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the development, construction, and maintenance of municipal engineering projects.
• Thorough knowledge of modern methods and techniques of civil engineering as applied to the design, construction, and maintenance of public works facilities.
• Considerable knowledge of land and engineering survey systems, methods, and techniques.
• Knowledge of the laws and regulations relating to the planning, construction, and operation of public works and utility facilities.
• Knowledge of current developments and literature in the field of civil engineering.
• Ability to make complex engineering computations, to design and supervise the construction of a variety of public works projects.
• Ability to secure adherence with construction plans, specifications, and codes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, representatives of other agencies and departments, and the general public.
• Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and coordinate the work of several people.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, correspondence, and memoranda.
• Ability to proficiently utilize the computer system to perform engineering functions; familiarity with AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
• Working knowledge of maps, assessment methods, construction procedures, materials, and equipment surveying.
• Ability to manage conflict effectively and professionally.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Health Benefits
Medical Insurance - Medica
We offer three plans: $4,500 HSA on the Passport Network or $3,400 HSA on the Elect Network
Single, Employee plus spouse, Employee plus child(ren), and Family coverage options are available.

• For single coverage, the City pays 100% of the premium
• For dependent coverage, the City pays 65% of the premium
• For family coverage, the City pays 70% of the premium

The City of Hastings provides contributions to either an employee's HSA or VEBA.
Long-Term Disability - Lincoln Financial

• The City pays for long-term disability for employees.

Supplemental Group Plans - MetLife

• Group Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness plans available.
• Employee pays for the plan premium.

Dental Insurance - MetLife

• Single, Employee + Spouse, Employee + Child(ren), and Family coverage options available.
• Employee pays for the plan premium.

Vision Insurance - VSP

• Single, Employee + Spouse, Employee + Child(ren), and Family coverage options available.
• Employee pays for the plan premium.

Life Insurance - The Standard

• The City pays for $50,000 in Basic Life insurance and AD&D.
• Supplemental Life Insurance is available for the employee, their spouse, and dependent(s).

Paid Time Off
Vacation
Sick Leave
Holidays and Floating Holidays
MN Paid Family and Medical Leave
Retirement Benefits
Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA):
Membership in PERA is automatic for non-elected public employees who meet minimum salary and position eligibility requirements set by Minnesota statute. Both the employee and the City contribute to the employee's PERA benefit.
MissionSquare:
457 Deferred Compensation
IRA
Minnesota State Retirement System:
Minnesota Deferred Compensation Plan (MNDCP)
Employee Health and Wellness
Vital WorkLife: Our employee assistance program, this plan includes:
• Unlimited phone consultation
• Face-to-face counseling
• Nurse Peer Coaching
• Educator Peer Coaching
• Legal services
• Financial Services
• Identity theft prevention & support
• Member website
Committees: Employee Advisory Committee, Safety Committee, Wellness and Recognition Committee, Tech Champs.
Medica and SCSC Wellness Programs:
Virtual Care
My Health Rewards - Personify Health
MOBE
Omada
Omada for Joint & Muscle
Ovia Health
PerkSpot
Live and Work Well
Medica CallLink
YMCA Corporate Wellness Program
01
Describe in detail your supervisory and/or project management experience that qualifies you for this position.
02
Describe your knowledge and experience with municipal infrastructure systems.
03
Please provide a narrative on your experience with computer aided design software. Provide examples of infrastructure projects you have designed, which software was used, and how you used the functionality of this software to develop your design.
04
List a minimum of two projects (identifying the total construction cost of each) for which you have provided construction observation and/or contract administration. How were you able to influence how these projects were built in compliance with standards and specifications, completed on schedule, and within budget?
Required Question