ENGINEER OF LOCAL ROADS & STREETS (CIVIL ENGINEER VIII)

Essential Functions

This position reports to the Director of the Office of Highways Project Implementation.  Reporting to this position are the Local Project Implementation Engineer, Local Program Development Engineer, Local Agency Systems and Services Chief, and an Executive Secretary II.

The incumbent works in an environment that is responsible for establishing and accomplishing a broad spectrum of functions through coordination with LPAs, on a continuous and partnership basis, and to promote development of an integrated highway transportation system for the state.  The bureau administers these functions by establishing statewide policies, procedures, training, and program information, including those which will be implemented by and through the district local roads' staff. The bureau assists with advancing LPA projects from conception to completion.  The bureau provides administrative guidance, engineering expertise, interpretation of policies and interpretation of federal and state laws to districts and LPA officials.

Typical problems are developing mutually acceptable policies, procedures, and standards for central, district, and LPA staff, formulating annual programs and monitoring these programs to assure their accomplishment.  A major challenge to this position includes the comprehension of the LPA highway needs, and structuring departmental objectives, policies, procedures, and standards to those needs.

The Engineer of Local Roads and Streets is expected to exercise significant discretion for the regular and daily implementation of policy and strategy as directed by executive staff.  Subject to approval from the Director of the Office of Highways Project Implementation, the incumbent is personally responsible for developing policies, procedures, and regulations; approving all MFT programs; administering federal programs applicable to LPA's; initiating, developing, coordinating, and approving program policies, funding, and projects within the limits provided.  The incumbent personally directs the formulation of the bureau’s fiscal year operating budget and provides for the organization, training, and assignment of personnel to effectively accomplish the objectives of the bureau.

Essential Functions continued

The incumbent accomplishes accountabilities through the following staff:
Local Program Development Engineer: who is accountable for the local portion of the state Multiyear and Annual Transportation Improvement Programs; developing multifaceted policies and procedures that guide federal, state, and MFT funded LPA projects to implementation; allocating federal and state funds to LPAs; evaluating the statewide operation and efficiency of administering all LPA MFT and federal-aid programs; approving state and LPA highway jurisdictional transfers; directing the Technology Transfer Program as a means of sharing technical information with local highway authorities; providing recommendations on a wide variety of proposed legislation; testing and certifying all County Engineer appointments; all with a goal of achieving a balanced state-local highway transportation system
Local Project Implementation Engineer: who is accountable for the administration, development and execution of all projects for the local Federal-aid and MFT programs and for all portions of the federal-aid highway program applicable to LPAs; and for the management and integration of the federal disaster assistance programs involving emergency funding for restoration of highway facilities damaged by natural disaster.  This position also supports the district-wide local roads and streets activities.
Local Agency Systems and Services Chief: who is accountable for the overall direction of administrative services for the Bureau of Local Roads and Streets (BLRS).  This position is also responsible for directing the bureau's financial operations, staffing and personnel administration, various business affairs, and other staff support services.  This position serves as the bureau liaison with the Bureau of Personnel Management (BPM), Bureau of Business Services (BBS), and Bureau of Information Processing (BIP).
Executive Secretary II: who performs responsible secretarial and administrative duties functioning independently within the framework of organizational policies, exercising initiative, independent judgment on the promulgation, and interpretation of the bureau chief's policies and programs.   

This position has wide latitude in decision and policy making to accomplish responsibilities.  Only matters of a highly sensitive nature are referred to the Director of Office of Highways Project Implementation (OHPI) for resolution.  The incumbent is constrained by departmental regulations, policies, and procedures as well as federal and state laws.

Internally, the incumbent has frequent contact with staff in all OHPI bureaus, all district offices, the Office of Planning and Programming, the Office of Finance and Administration, the Office of Communications, and the Office of Chief Counsel.  External contacts are with committees representing county, township, municipal officials, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).  Occasional statewide travel with overnight stays is required to attend meetings or training.

The effectiveness of this position is measured by the successful planning, development, and management of programs and policies that assist, guide, and direct LPAs with their state and federally funded highway, street, and transportation activities.

Essential Functions continued

• Develops and implements standards and policies for providing technical and administrative assistance to local public agencies (LPAs) in planning, financing, designing, constructing, and maintaining local roads and streets.
• Plans, programs, implements, and coordinates the use of federal and state funds by and with LPAs.
• Allocates and disburses MFT funds to counties, municipalities, and road districts.  Also, administers proper use of such funds through policies and reviews.
• Coordinates bureau activities with districts and local officials to ensure professional adherence to state and federal guidelines, as well as department criteria, while accomplishing LPA transportation programs and projects.
• Applies management skills in planning for and motivating engineering and administrative staff to provide quality technical and administrative assistance to local agencies within set budgetary and manpower restraints.
• Examines and certifies County Engineer candidates for appointments and reappointments.
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules.  Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Current registration as a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Illinois.
• Twelve years of experience in civil engineering.
• Seven years supervising staff and managing engineering functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering with specialized knowledge in highway engineering improvements.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the laws and department policies controlling the activities administered.
• Ability to promote, establish, and maintain harmonious relationships with internal and external contacts.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Conditions of Employment

• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of a background screening.
• Occasional statewide travel with overnight stays.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.