City Engineer

The Position

Reporting directly to the City Administrator, the City Engineer directs the operations of the Engineering Department, including planning, directing, coordinating, managing public infrastructure planning, design, and construction activities.

The City Engineer plans, administers, and manages Box Elder's capital improvement plan and budget, developing and maintaining the City's infrastructure design and construction standards. This position coordinates procurement for public infrastructure and maintenance projects and oversees the contractors, engineers, and architects who plan, design, and build them by administering their contracts and tracking pay applications, schedules, change orders, and budgets. The City Engineer also directs engineering review of private development plans for compliance with federal, state, and local ordinances and standards.

As a department head, this position hires, trains, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines staff; sets departmental goals, policies, procedures, and work standards; and prepares and administers the department budget. The City Engineer also advises elected officials, city management, and staff on engineering matters, represents Box Elder with other jurisdictions, developers, and the public, and presents to the Finance, Legal, and Public Safety Committee, Planning and Zoning Committee, and City Council.

Upcoming Priority Projects

Box Elder’s capital program includes more than $55 million in identified projects, with each advancing into the annual capital improvement budget as planning and funding are secured. The City Engineer plays a central role in shaping project scope, pursuing funding opportunities, and delivering this work in partnership with Rapid City, Pennington and Meade Counties, Ellsworth AFB, and the Douglas School District.

Water Projects:

• Well 10 to Tank 7 Watermain: A $2.25 million trunk main will strengthen the water system while allowing 120°F well water to cool before distribution.
• Well 7 Development: An estimated $500,000– $750,000 investment will bring the well into service and support projected capacity needs by 2029.

Wastewater Projects:

• 1416 Trunk Sewer, Phase 2: At approximately $14 million, this is the City’s leading infrastructure priority. Completion will provide strong system capacity for continued growth, with no additional large-scale publicly funded sewer lines currently anticipated.

Stormwater Projects:

• Design Standards Overhaul: Updated stormwater design standards are expected to advance to Council for adoption in late 2026 or early 2027, providing a stronger framework for future development and infrastructure investment.

Streets Projects:

• Hwy 1416 / Radar Hill / Cheyenne Blvd: A $5 million federal design grant has been secured, positioning the corridor for phased construction. Priorities include extending Cheyenne Blvd toward Rapid City in two to three phases and improving the Hwy 1416/Radar Hill intersection.
• N Ellsworth Road: Design is complete for a $10 million construction project, which may advance in phases. Funding discussions are ongoing, including coordination with Ellsworth AFB.
• E Mall Dr / Bennett Rd: A $3.3 million bridge replacement is planned for 2026, followed by $600,000 in paving budgeted for 2027.
• Tower Road: Design is planned for 2026–27 from Liberty Blvd to 225th St, with an estimated $3 to 4 million in construction. The project improves traffic flow around the Douglas School campus.
• Liberty Blvd / Reagan Signal: Approximately $1 million, with construction planned for 2027 through County and TIF funding.
• Elk Vale Rd / E Mall Dr Signal: Design is planned for 2026 and construction for 2027. The $1 million project will be shared with Rapid City.
• Elk Vale Road Corridor: Four-jurisdiction corridor planning expected to begin late 2026, creating coordinated long-term improvements.
• Local Streets: A 2025 street study established improvement priorities. Morgan Road rehabilitation is planned for 2027 at approximately $650,000.

Additional City Projects:

• Law Enforcement Building: A $15–16 million facility investment, with design beginning in late 2026 and completion anticipated in 2027.
• Trails & Sidewalks: Planned connections include Liberty Blvd from Main to Reagan, the Douglas Schools area at 225th/Tower, and S Ellsworth from Prairie View to Hwy 1416.
• Parks: Continued investment through the City’s annual parks improvement budget.

Education & Experience

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with a bachelor’s degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Experience sufficient to understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the department in order to direct and coordinate work within the department, usually interpreted to require seven (7) to eight (8) years of related experience. Candidates with at least five (5) years of related experience are highly encouraged to apply.
• Certification as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) is required. If licensed in another state, the selected candidate must obtain a State of South Dakota PE license within one (1) year of date of employment.

Compensation & Benefits

• $118,642 - $134,232 DOQ
• Employer paid premiums for the employee for the following: medical insurance, vision and dental insurance.
• Enrollment in the South Dakota Retirement System (6% contribution from employee and matching contribution from employer).
• Generous time off and vacation: 12 Floating Holidays, Paid Personal Leave (4 hours accrued each month or 48 hours per year) and Vacation Leave (accrued at 6.15 hours per pay period or 160 years per year), and Executive Leave (32 hours of leave granted to management staff).
• Up to $5,000 in moving/relocation expenses.