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,