TECHNICAL SERVICES ENGINEER

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

This position provides support services and expertise to local agencies through the Field Engineers in the planning, engineering, and administration of Motor Fuel Tax and Federal-aid transportation projects.

This position reports to the Local Roads and Streets Engineer.  Reporting to this position is the Office Technician and a supplemental consultant staff assigned.

The District Local Roads and Streets Section serves local agencies in a twelve-county area and provides the delivery system for hundreds of transportation-related construction and maintenance projects funded in part by Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) and/or federal funds.  In addition to MFT funds, the bureau administers the following local federally-funded programs:  Surface Transportation Rural (STR), Surface Transportation Urban (STU), Surface Transportation Program – Bridge (STP-BR), Safety, Emergency Relief and Enhancement; along with state-funded programs for Township Bridge (TBP), Economic Development (EDP), and Truck Access Routes (TARP).

A typical problem for the incumbent is to assist the local agencies, municipalities and their consultants in developing and updating their Multi-Year-Program (MYP), multi-year funding plans, environmental documents, project reports, and final plan documents within the time constraints imposed by the annual program.  The greatest challenge to this position is to maintain harmonious relationships with all parties and at the same time ensure the orderly and timely development of projects from inception through Plans, Specifications & Estimates (PS&E) approval.

The incumbent will prepare and review Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) agreements and coordinate with the local agencies and central office.  This position handles the district’s development of local agency projects and provides the necessary guidance and follow-up, including funding programs, and final review for PS & E approval by the department to assure each project is completed and available for letting on schedule.  The incumbent must be thoroughly familiar with all policies and procedures required by the department and the Federal Highway Administration to process projects from planning to final PS&E approval and assure each project meets those policies in a timely manner.  The incumbent reviews and processes Project Notifications, Preliminary Bridge Design and Hydraulic Reports, Bridge Condition Reports (BCR), Environmental Survey (ESR) and National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Survey Requests, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) coordination, if required; environmental documents, Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Categorical Exclusions (CE), Project Development and Design Reports; coordinates the district’s local agency bi-monthly meetings, and distributes the minutes; provides assistance to the Field Engineers and local agencies; monitors and coordinates the flow of plans and documents; conducts field inspections with the Field Engineers; and makes final review for PS&E approval.  In addition, the incumbent coordinates the district local agency Federal Emergency Management Agency damage survey program during federally-declared disasters.  Through the Field Engineers, this position operates to inform and provide uniform guidance to local agencies in the proper and effective utilization of MFT and federal-aid funds and the interpretation and application of new information, policies, and procedures.

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

The incumbent achieves these accountabilities with the following staff:

Office Technician – who oversees the development of the annual and MYP federal funded programs, monitors and has the annual federal programs updated, does detailed review of plans, specifications, and related documents; maintains office records and documentation including coordination with the District Records Center and microfilming; reviews construction and maintenance contracts and material proposals; processes job-related final papers; coordinates local agency bridge inspections; and maintains the Structure Information System and plan review.

This position operates within the framework of the department and Federal Highway Administration policies, procedures, and standards.  In conjunction with his/her superiors, the incumbent recommends solutions to unusual or complex problems.

The most significant contacts are with the district Field Engineers to provide project-related advice to local agencies.  Frequent informational exchange contacts occur with the central Bureau of Local Roads and Streets, local agency staffs, consultants, and other district bureaus.  This position requires districtwide travel.

The end results that serve as the basis for evaluating the performance of the incumbent are the planning and letting of projects to assure timely and effective use of available funds.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Implements policies and procedures in a manner that will assure all responsibilities are carried out in an effective, efficient, and economic manner.

2. Reviews environmental documents, project development reports, plans, and specifications for conformance with established policies, standards, and procedures, and recommend for approval.

3. Coordinates projects from programming to closeout to assure complete, accurate plans and documents are prepared in a timely manner to meet letting schedules.

4. Supervises subordinate staff to insure the efficient and timely completion of assignments.

5. Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules.  Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.

6. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Position Requirements

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

•    Successful completion of a background screening

Position Desirables

•    Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering
•    Knowledge of modern methods and techniques as applied to the design, construction, and maintenance of public works
•    Ability to supervise the work of other engineers and technicians
•    Strong oral and/or written communication skills