County Engineer

SUMMARY:

Jo Daviess County, Illinois is seeking an experienced, motivated, and collaborative individual to serve as County Engineer. This position is responsible for planning and designing County and Township highways, drainage structures, and bridges and maintaining County highways, roadways, bridges, drainage structures, and similar public works facilities. Jo Daviess County has 186 miles of county highways and 719.77 miles of township roads.

APPOINTMENT AND SUPERVISION:

This position is appointed by the Chairperson of the County Board with the advice and consent of the County Board, subject to the requirements of 605 ILCS 5/5-201. The term of appointment shall be six (6) years from the date of appointment and until a successor is appointed and qualified. The position works under the general supervision of the County Board.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Analyzes reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, tests, and aerial photographs.
• Uses computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to prepare engineering and design drawings and documents.
• Plans and formulates engineering programs and organizing project staff according to project requirements.
• Prepares or directs the preparation and modification of reports, specifications, plans, construction schedules, environmental impact studies, and designs of projects.
• Calculates cost and determining feasibility of projects based on analysis of collected data and budget limitations.
• Reviews projects for compliance with engineering principles, County standards, Illinois Department of Transportation standards, and other related specifications.
• Evaluates and approves design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
• Inspects construction sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to engineering plans, specifications, and construction and safety standards.
• Directs construction and maintenance activities at project sites.
• Prepares interim and project completion reports
• Assists 23 Township Highway Commissioners when help or advice is requested.
• Financial management, including preparation of operational and project budgets for multiple funds and programs, controlling expenditures within limitations of operation and project budgets, maintaining adequate records and books of all revenue and expenditures, and addressing all applicable questions and findings from audits of the Highway Department financial fund accounting/bookkeeping, bridge inspection program, and construction projects.
• Reviews and comments on development proposals that are subject to the jurisdiction of the Jo Daviess County Planning Commission.
• Oversees personnel and operations of the Highway Department.
• Inspects all County and township bridges.
• Perform other duties as assigned and requested.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Supervises union and non-union professional, technical, maintenance, and administrative staff involved in supporting the activities of the County Highway Department. These responsibilities include: interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of related experience in civil and highway engineering or in the construction and maintenance of streets or highways.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Completed and passed an examination administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation for certification for appointment by the County.
• Possession of a currently valid certificate of registration as a registered professional engineer issued under the provisions of the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret and follow instructions presented in a variety of forms; and to deal with abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as geometry and trigonometry, which directly correlate with this position; and to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with the public, officials, departments, offices, and staff; to make effective public presentations involving Highway Department related matters; and to prepare clearly written correspondence that may involve complex engineering, construction, and/or maintenance information.
• Ability to perform tasks with a very high level of accuracy.
• Working knowledge of, experience with, and skill in the operation of personal computers and computer programs such as word processing, electronic spreadsheets, databases, and computer aided design.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a current valid Driver’s License to operate an automobile in the State of Illinois.
• Possession of or access to an automobile to perform required work outside the office.

Pay: From $139,700.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person