City Engineer

City of Des Plaines•Des Plaines, IL

23h

About The Position

The City Engineer oversees and directs the City’s engineering planning, design, and construction functions, including transportation systems, capital improvement projects, and development review. The role supervises the Engineering Division, manages professional staff and consulting agreements, administers budgets, and ensures compliance with municipal and state regulations. Reporting to the Director of Public Works & Engineering, the City Engineer applies professional and technical judgment to deliver infrastructure solutions while working with residents, agencies, developers, and other stakeholders. The position works under the guidance and direction of the Director of Public Works & Engineering or their designee and oversees Engineering Division staff and assigned contractor contracts. The City Engineer manages municipal infrastructure projects and development review; directs staff and consultants; coordinates with governmental and regulatory agencies; and helps secure and administer project funding. The position also supports the division’s budget, evaluates subordinates, attends public meetings and hearings, and provides recommendations and technical advice to City officials and other departments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a field related to the work, and seven years of professional civil engineering experience, including three years at a supervisory or managerial level; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by the Director and Human Resources and the Director of Public Works & Engineering.
Exceptional knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal infrastructure engineering.
Exceptional knowledge of preparing plans, designs, estimates, and specifications for construction work.
Thorough knowledge of state and local codes and ordinances relating to public infrastructure.
Thorough knowledge of report writing and preparation.
Thorough knowledge of effective supervision and administration principles and practices.
Proficiency in engineering design software, AutoCAD, GIS, and project management tools.
Proficiency in developing cost estimates for complex projects.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, City officials, consultants, other government agencies, and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois.
Ability to obtain a State of Illinois Class D Driver’s License.
Ability to obtain Certified Floodplain Manager Certification (CFM) within 18 months.
Ability to inspect public infrastructure projects using a City vehicle; the projects are not near local public transportation.

Responsibilities

Manage, direct, and organize the day-to-day operations of Engineering Division staff.
Perform administrative, supervisory, and professional engineering work, including reviewing and approving plans and specifications for private developments.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Act as the City’s signatory on official documents requiring a professional engineer’s seal.
Direct and participate in reviews of plans and specifications for new developments; advise developers, consulting engineers, and contractors on City ordinances and procedures; negotiate development agreements; ensure legal requirements are met; and provide written recommendations and advice to the City Council and Plan Commission.
Plan, organize, and supervise engineering work evaluating and designing public works improvements, including streets, water distribution systems, sanitary and storm sewer systems, sidewalks, and drainage structures.
Supervise preparation of long-range capital improvement plans.
Direct subordinate staff performing surveying, traffic studies, drafting, construction inspection, and other field and office work; monitor work through inspections, report reviews, and conferences; and direct final project acceptance inspections.
Provide technical engineering advice and assistance to department divisions and other City departments.
Coordinate engineering and construction activities with local, state, and federal agencies, and administer contracts for public works improvements in which the City has financial participation.
Serve as liaison between the City and governmental agencies to coordinate joint projects.
Coordinate, apply for, and secure outside funding; prepare intergovernmental agreements and project budgets; manage multiple funding sources; obtain required approvals, permits, signatures, and documentation; prepare final paperwork and invoices for funded projects; and provide project updates.
Assist with the division’s annual operating budget and evaluate subordinates for merit pay purposes.
Attend meetings and public hearings related to the division’s work, make presentations, and answer inquiries.

Benefits

15 paid vacation days, 3 personal days, and 12 sick days, with vacation and personal days increasing over time.
11 paid holidays.
Medical, dental, and optical insurance options.
$100,000 employer-paid life insurance.
Illinois Municipal Employee Retirement Fund System (IMRF).
Retirement Health Savings Account.
Transportation Spending Account.
457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
Roth IRA.
Optional life insurance.
Tuition reimbursement program.