Principal Civil Engineer

and the job listing Expires on January 23, 2026

Closing Date:
January 13th, 2026 or upon the receipt of the first 50 application submissions.

Department of Facilities Management

Pay Range: $47.64 – $71.46

The Principal Civil Engineer leads and manages the Civil Engineering & Site Development Unit within Milwaukee County’s Architecture, Engineering & Environmental Services (AE&ES) Division. This position provides strategic oversight and technical leadership for civil engineering, surveying, and site development projects across Milwaukee County’s public infrastructure. The role ensures high-quality project execution, regulatory compliance, sustainability integration, and collaboration with internal departments and external agencies.

• Provide leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for the Civil Engineering & Site Development Unit.
• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented work environment that promotes innovation, accountability, and superior customer service.
• Serve as the primary representative for civil engineering services to County leadership, departments, and external stakeholders.
• Direct the planning, design, bidding, and construction administration for capital and maintenance projects.
• Ensure adherence to budget, schedule, quality standards, and sustainability objectives.
• Oversee stormwater management, regulatory compliance, and permitting for site development projects.
• Maintain strong relationships with County departments, community organizations, and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a technical advisor on site development, infrastructure planning, and public works initiatives.
• Provide guidance on engineering design standards, specifications, and best practices.
• Ensure quality control across all project phases, from concept through construction closeout.
• Promote the integration of sustainable infrastructure solutions in site development projects.
• Manage and oversee surveying functions, including the development of Certified Survey Maps (CSM), plats, utility maps, and legal descriptions.
• Ensure the accuracy and compliance of all property documentation and land development activities.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies on permits, funding opportunities, and regulatory reviews.
• Represent Milwaukee County in public meetings, technical reviews, and grant administration processes.
• Ensure projects align with all applicable codes, ordinances, and environmental requirements.
• Lead the hiring, training, and performance management of engineering and surveying staff.
• Promote professional development and technical training.
• Assist County departments with annual and five-year capital improvement planning.
• Provide cost estimates, technical recommendations, and budget justifications for site development and infrastructure projects.

• Must be a current resident of Wisconsin.
• Valid WI Driver’s License during application and maintained throughout employment.
• At least Five (5) years of experience in Project management and Civil Engineering related work.
• At least One (1) year or more supervisory experience in leading project team, or managing technical / professional staff.
• Intermediate knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Intermediate knowledge of Project Management Tools and Software.
• Basic knowledge of AutoCAD, Civil3D.

• Professional Engineer License in the State of Wisconsin preferred.
• Relevant advance degree preferred and beneficial.

• Extensive knowledge of civil engineering theories, principles, and best practices, with an emphasis on site development, utility engineering, and construction engineering.
• Proven ability to oversee and ensure quality assurance in the preparation of construction bid documents for a variety of public works projects.
• Strong analytical skills to develop comprehensive engineering reports for complex public works projects.
• Effective leadership and supervisory skills to guide and mentor staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with internal…