During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing challenges within the engineering department, particularly regarding recruitment and retention of professional engineers. The department currently has two open positions, one of which has been difficult to fill due to a competitive job market, especially as private sector opportunities often offer higher salaries.

The discussion highlighted the impact of the federal Infrastructure Act, which has significantly increased the demand for professional engineers across the country. With $1 billion allocated for infrastructure projects in the county, each project requires a licensed engineer, exacerbating the existing shortage. Officials noted that the local situation reflects a broader national trend, as the number of newly educated and certified engineers is insufficient to meet the rising demand.

Efforts to fill these positions have been ongoing, with one role recently filled internally after a previous employee transitioned to the private sector. However, the search for a professional engineer to handle a dual role involving engineering and landfill management has proven unsuccessful for nearly two years. The department is considering alternative strategies to address the workload, including potentially hiring candidates with less experience.

Officials emphasized the importance of finding solutions to prevent current staff from becoming overburdened and to ensure that essential engineering work continues without interruption. They expressed optimism about collaborating with the human resources department to explore creative approaches to staffing challenges. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address these issues proactively as the department prepares for the upcoming budget year.