Assistant County Engineer CLASSIFICATION: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Public Works POSITION REPORTING: County Engineer
LAST REVIEWED: 7/2026
SUMMARY Reporting to the County Engineer, the Assistant County Engineer oversees code enforcement issues and manages various capital projects associated with wastewater systems, roads, bridges, drainage, stormwater management, special projects, and grant management. This position also requires an understanding of local, state, and federal laws associated with securing permits and funding and approving permits issued by Talbot County.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Understands and possibly performs drafting and surveying requirements of the department.
- Act as project manager for Capital Improvement Program.
- Secures grant funding and prepares Capital Improvement Programs requests.
- Completes design activities, engineering computation and engineering cost estimates for various assigned projects.
- Inspects construction of Capital Improvement Program projects for compliance with contract documents.
- Coordinate various legislated programs charged to Public Works.
- Supervises and manages Department of Public Works staff, as necessary.
- Act as Interim County Engineer, as necessary.
- Other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Completion of an Engineering Bachelor’s Degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in civil, environmental, sanitary, hydraulic, or structural. Engineering experience, and a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Maryland, OR the ability to become a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Maryland in twelve (12) months: Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and instruments used in drafting technical plans, surveying, engineering design and construction management. Knowledge of engineering theory, principles and practices as applied to the preparation of plans, specifications, and designs. Ability to make engineering field surveys to secure complete and accurate data. Skilled in drafting accurate drawings from notes, survey data and rough sketches. Ability to prepare technical forms, reports, change notices and other correspondence. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, officials, and the general public. Thorough command of the English language and proficient communication and writing skills. Capable of driving a motor vehicle and possession of a valid, current driver’s license. Ability to operate a personal computer for word processing, AutoCAD, GIS software and spreadsheet applications to complete daily tasks. This position also requires an understanding of local, state, and federal laws associated with securing permits and funding and approving permits issued by Talbot County.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to lift or move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
- Ability to position self to install equipment in, around and under desks
- Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 8 hours
- Ability to move throughout the building to access files and meet with staff
- Ability to move to other buildings and offices to attend meetings The position requires inspection of sites and buildings to determine needed improvements for updating buildings addressing safety concerns
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Department of Public Works is responsible for debris management during disasters, the position requires being outdoors on various occasions where the weather conditions can include rain, snow and/or ice. In addition, inspections and/or investigations can take place during very hot and humid days, periods of heavy pollen, and during very cold and windy days, but exposure is limited. As part of the work environment, investigations can take place on construction sites, at County-owned wastewater treatment plants, on and along roads, on bridges, along embankments and possibly in wet confined areas that are not confined spaces. Entry into permitted confined spaces may be required from time to time.