CIVIL ENGINEER V - PROJECT ENGINEER - IPR#46396

Job Responsibilities

This position is responsible for supervising and coordinating the activities, both in-house and consultant, leading to the preparation of studies and plans for implementation of the District Improvement Program. The incumbent directs the preparation of Studies and Plans in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and sound engineering practice. 

Subordinate Personnel: Direct 3-5; Indirect 12-25
Program Value of Studies & Plans: $10-80 Million Annually

Number of Design Reports: 5-20
Public Hearings/Informational Meetings: 5-10 Annually

Consultant Contracts Supervised: 10-20 Annually

This position reports to the Studies and Plans Engineer. Reporting to this position are three to five Squad Leaders or Senior Squad Leaders. 

This position functions within the framework of both short- and long-range transportation facility improvement programs which are based on sufficiency and needs studies. The incumbent must be able to coordinate engineering, sociological, environmental, and economical factors which influence the design of transportation systems. The incumbent must have the ability to recognize the necessity to deviate from current procedures to resolve issues relative to a project. The incumbent must effectively apply a wide range of federal and state statutes, procedures, and policies to secure project approvals and prepare studies, plans, and contract documents within the established schedules for construction lettings. 

Typical problems include advancing viable alternatives to transportation deficiencies and presenting them in a coherent format for review by diverse groups of public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals. The incumbent must also plan and coordinate the activities necessary for completing plans and specifications accurately and completely, assuring uniformity, consistency in policy compliance, and to determine the proper design and standards created by the different construction methods to be used. The greatest challenge to this position is coordinating activities to accomplish plan completion in an accurate and timely manner to meet predetermined and often accelerated timetables. This is particularly challenging since the incumbent's permanent staff is relatively small and a large portion of the activities must be completed during winter months utilizing a seasonal work force varying in number and experience. 

The incumbent is accountable for directing the preparation of appropriate engineering studies of highway improvements to accomplish the Annual and Multi-Year Programs. This position is responsible for determining the scope, location, design, cost, and environmental impact of transportation improvements. Public hearings, as well as formal and informal meetings with the public, are coordinated by the incumbent to secure involvement for project proposals and design. The incumbent directs the reviews of consultan's work. 

(Job Responsibilities continued)

This position ensures the timely completion of plans and specifications so that projects can be placed under contract by predetermined schedules. The incumbent trains, motivates, develops, and evaluates subordinate staff and ensures compliance with the department's safety rules, practices, and procedures. The incumbent is also involved in making recommendations on manpower, equipment needs, and operating budget needs for the bureau.

The incumbent accomplishes accountabilities through the following staff: 

Senior Squad Leader or Squad Leaders - who, with staff, prepare corridor and design study reports and contract plans necessary for the District Highway Improvement Program. 

The incumbent has broad latitude to resolve problems arising within his/her area of responsibility. This position's day-to-day activities are governed by established federal, state and department regulations, policies, and procedures. Controversial matters requiring special considerations and/or deviation from standard policies are discussed with the Studies and Plans Engineer. 

Frequent contacts are made with all district bureaus, central office Bureaus, and the Office of Planning and Programming. External contacts are with state, federal, and local agencies, consultants and commercial and residential landowners. The incumbent discusses problems pertaining to planning methodology, location investigations or environmental studies on occasion with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the Bi-Monthly Coordination Meetings. This position requires districtwide travel. 

Performance can be measured by the ability of the incumbent to provide timely, accurate studies and plans containing extensive coverage of engineering, economic, and environmental aspects of proposed highway improvements ensuring contracts will be let on schedule.  

Principal Accountabilities

1.    Assures implementation of the district's Annual and Multi-Year Program through effective scheduling and monitoring of the completion and approval of studies and plans.
2.    Synthesizes engineering, sociological, and environmental factors influencing the design of transportation systems.
3.    Reviews studies and plans prepared in-house and by consultants for proper design applications of policies and procedures.
4.    Trains, directs, motivates, and evaluates subordinate staff to develop and maintain an effective staff.
5.    Arranges and conducts public hearings and informational meetings to elicit public involvement in studies.
6.    Coordinates the presentation of studies to the FHWA at district Bi-Monthly Coordination Meetings.
7.    Ensures subordinate staff performs duties in accordance with department rules, regulations, practices, policies, and procedures.
8.    Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
9.    Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Position Requirements

•    Current registration as a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Illinois
•    Five years of experience in civil engineering
•    Valid driver's license
•    Districtwide travel

Position Desirables

•    Knowledge of modern methods and techniques as applied to the design, construction and maintenance of highways
•    Ability to supervise the design of highways, streets and structures, and the preparation of complete engineering plans and specifications
•    Good organizational, leadership, and self-motivational skills
•    Ability to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with departmental staff
•    Strong oral and written communication skills.