To meet the demand for projects with complex infrastructure needs, the town of Windham has hired a town engineer – a new position.

Jon Earle, a Windham resident with more than 15 years of engineering experience at public and private firms, started the job on Monday.

“I am excited about working in the community I live in and to be a part of some of the exciting projects that are on the horizon,” he said.

Earle earned his bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering in 1999 from the University of Maine. He worked for two private firms before working as an engineer for the city of Auburn and then the town of Falmouth. Most recently he was the water distribution system manager for the Portland Water District, where he managed the operation and maintenance of piping, valves and hydrants.

From these positions, Earle said, he has gained experience in the design and construction of public works projects, and is well-versed in current stormwater management regulations for new developments.

He’s also a former member of the Windham Planning Board, having served from 2010-2013. He has lived on Rosewood Avenue in Windham for seven years.

“To have someone with public and private experience is great. Someone familiar with the town and a Windham resident is that much better,” said Town Manager Tony Plante. “I think Jon is a really good fit for the town.”

Earle’s salary is $71,000 a year, Plante said.

As town engineer, Earle is a member of the Planning Department, although he will consult with other departments on projects, according to Town Planner Ben Smith.

Smith said the town engineer will take over some services that were previously hired out to contractors. He said bringing engineering expertise in house “will be very useful, and a good thing for the community.”

One of the first projects he is working on, Earle said, is a feasibility study for bringing a public sewer to North Windham. The study is led by Wright-Pierce, an environmental engineering firm based in Portland and Brunswick.

Engineering expertise is needed for subdivision and site plan reviews, among other projects, according to Smith. He said the town engineer is also responsible for ensuring projects are built the way they are approved.

Earle will also provide an engineering perspective for town projects, such as the North Windham 21st-century downtown plan, Smith said. This plan to build sidewalks, install new light-fixtures and streetscaping involves working on large areas of infrastructure, and would benefit from in-house engineering expertise, he said.

Public works projects such as road paving, as well as designs for new parks and playgrounds by the Parks and Recreation Department will also come under Earle’s scrutiny.

Having an in-house engineer is very common for a town, according to Plante. He said it’s a topic the town has discussed for several years, but other things took priority.

The position was adopted in the town’s 2015 strategic plan, and the salary was included in this year’s budget to start in October, he said.

Jon Earle