Permit Engineer - Road Department

Description General Summary:

Under the supervision of the Director of Engineering or designee, performs a variety of professional engineering tasks related to permitting, right-of-way management, and traffic control review. Work assignments involve all phases of the permitting process, including application review, site evaluation, coordination with internal and external stakeholders, and project inspection. Serves as the primary review and approval authority for permitted activities within the public right-of-way. Coordinates permit-related activities with design, construction, and traffic engineering staff to ensure consistency with Road Department projects and standards. Oversees and coordinates the activities of assigned personnel and has direct supervisory responsibility for permit processing staff, including the Permit Clerk. Works with contractors, developers, utilities, and governmental agencies to ensure permitted work meets Road Department standards and accommodates field conditions. Assists with policy development and maintains permit-related documentation in accordance with applicable standards.

Essential Functions Essential Functions:

Oversees and administers the permit program, including providing final technical review and approval of permit applications such as driveways, utilities, telecommunications, and land divisions for conformance with Road Department standards and accepted engineering practices while ensuring permit processing functions are carried out by assigned staff. Reviews and evaluates site plans and development proposals, coordinating with townships, developers, consultants, and other agencies to ensure alignment with roadway standards, access management, and planned Road Department improvements. Reviews and approves traffic control plans for permitted work in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD), MDOT Maintaining Traffic Typicals, and other accepted standards, evaluating safety, constructability, and impacts to roadway operations. Supervises assigned personnel, including the Permit Clerk, by assigning and prioritizing work, providing training and guidance, monitoring output, and evaluating performance. Participates in and/or makes recommendations regarding disciplinary action in coordination with Director of Engineering and in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements. Coordinates with contractors, developers, utilities, governmental agencies, and the public to review proposed work, resolve conflicts, negotiate solutions, and ensure compliance with Road Department requirements and specifications. Schedules and oversees field inspections of existing conditions and permitted work within the public right-of-way, providing direction on complex site conditions and determining compliance with permit requirements and standards. Applies professional engineering judgment to evaluate right-of-way and permitting issues such as drainage, access management, traffic operations, and utility conflicts, and determines appropriate permit conditions or modifications. Coordinates and oversees data collection and reporting efforts, including traffic counts, asset inventory, and annual road mileage certification submitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation in accordance with Act 51 requirements. Ensures that bargaining unit work is performed in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and does not routinely perform duties assigned to bargaining unit classifications expect in limited or emergency circumstances. Maintains and updates permit-related policies, standards, and procedures, including documents related to driveways, banners, and parades, and recommends revisions to ensure compliance with current federal, state, and local requirements in collaboration with leadership. Represents the Road Department at meetings and public engagements related to permitting and development activities and assists in carrying out responsibilities of the Director of Engineering when assigned.

Other Functions:

Performs other duties as assigned. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or modified at any time. Ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner, change focus on projects as needed, and be able to multitask. Dependable and regular attendance required. Ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment.

Employment Qualifications Education:

Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or closely related field.

Experience:

Registration as a Professional Engineer in Michigan is preferred. A minimum of progressively more responsible experience per the following: MC Road Grade 5: A minimum of (2) two years' experience. MC Road Grade 6: A minimum of (5) five years' experience, including a minimum of one year in prior grade 5 or equivalent experience. MC Road Grade 7: A minimum of (7) seven years' experience, including a minimum of one year in prior grade 6 or equivalent experience.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid Michigan Driver's License. Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions. (The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.) Requirements and Working Conditions This position works in office conditions and travels throughout the county to various locations.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, twist, bend, stoop/crouch, squat, kneel, lift, carry, push, pull, reach, grasp, handle, pinch, type, endure repetitive movements of the wrists, hands or fingers. This position performs medium work requiring the ability to exert between 20-50 pounds of force in the physical requirements above. This position primarily requires close visual acuity to perform tasks within arm's reach such as: viewing a computer screen, using measurement devices, inspecting and assembling parts, etc. This position requires the ability to operate a PC/laptop and to enter & retrieve information from a computer. This position requires the ability to handle varying and often high levels of stress. (This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the requirements listed above. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements. MC Road Grade 5/6/7 April 2026