City Engineer

Salary Range: $132,909 - $182,120

Expected Starting Rate: $160,000 +/- Qualifications and Experience

The City Engineer oversees and directs engineering planning, design, and construction functions for the City, including transportation systems, capital improvement projects, and development review. This position 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 exercises professional and technical judgment to deliver high-quality infrastructure solutions while engaging with residents, agencies, and stakeholders.

Works under the guidance and direction of the Director of Public Works and Engineering or their designee. Oversees the Engineering Division staff and various contractor contracts as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages, directs, and organizes the day-to-day operations of the engineering staff. Performs administrative, supervisory, and professional engineering work; reviews and approves plans and specifications developed by engineers and architects for private developments. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

• Acts as the City’s Signatory on official documents that require a professional engineer’s seal.

• Directs and participates in the review of plans and specifications for new developments; advises developers, consulting engineers, contractors, and others of City ordinances and procedures governing development; negotiates development agreements and ensures that all legal requirements are met; provides written recommendations to and advises the City Council and Plan Commission on new developments.

• Plans, organizes, and supervises technical engineering work in the evaluation and design of public works improvements including the construction or maintenance of streets, water distribution system, sanitary and storm sewer systems, sidewalks, and drainage structures; supervises the preparation of long-range capital improvement plans.

• Directs the work of subordinates engaged in surveying, traffic studies, drafting, construction inspection, and other field and office work; controls field work in progress through on-site inspections, reviews of reports, and conferences; directs the final acceptance inspection of projects.

• Provides technical engineering advice and assistance to other divisions of the department and other City departments as requested; coordinates construction and engineering activities with other local, state, and federal agencies as necessary, administers contracts for public works improvements in which the City has financial participation.

• Must be able to work well with other governmental or regulatory agencies, such as MWRD, Cook County Highway Department, US Army Corps of Engineers, USEPA, IEPA and I.D.O.T.

• Serve as liaison between the City and other governmental agencies for coordination of joint projects. Coordinate, apply and secure outside funding with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC), State, and other Federal agencies; prepare intergovernmental agreements; prepare project budgets, manage multiple funding sources, prepare and obtain required village or outside agency signatures for approvals, permits and documentation; prepare final paperwork for Federal projects utilizing grant funding, Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funding and other funding sources; prepare final invoices for submittal to various governmental agencies for payment; provide project updates.

• Assists with the division's annual operating budget; evaluates subordinates for merit pay purposes.

• Attends meetings and public hearings related to the work of the division and makes presentations and answers inquiries.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, or a field related to the work; and seven years of professional civil engineering experience, three years of which were at a supervisory/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 preparation of plans, designs, estimates, and specifications for construction work;

• Thorough knowledge of the State and local codes and ordinances relative to public infrastructure.

• Thorough knowledge of report writing and preparation.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision and administration.

• Proficiency in engineering design software, AutoCAD, GIS and project management tools.

• Proficient in arriving at cost estimates on complex projects.

• Ability to establish effective working relations 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. This position is required to inspect public infrastructure projects, which require the use of a City vehicle and are not near local public transportation.

• Ability to obtain a Certified Floodplain Manager Certification (CFM) within 18 months.

Equipment Used:

Requires the frequent use of a personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheet, GTS, and CAD software; telephone, printer/plotters, copy machine, fax machine, and automotive vehicle

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions:

Work is predominantly performed in an office setting with some work outdoors in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites, or public works facilities.

Check out our incredible benefits package!

• Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy 15 paid vacation days, 3 personal days, and 12 sick days—plus, your vacation and personal days grow as you continue your journey with us!
• 11 Paid Holidays: Celebrate the holidays with pay while spending time with loved ones.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: We’ve got you covered with medical, dental, and optical insurance options tailored to fit your needs—offering low deductibles, low premiums, and an overall low cost to you and your family.
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance: Feel secure with $100,000 in life insurance provided at no cost to you.
• Retirement Planning: Secure your future with the Illinois Municipal Employee Retirement Fund System (IMRF) and additional perks like a Retirement Health Savings Account, Transportation Spending Account, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, Roth IRA, and optional life insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement: We're committed to your growth—take advantage of our Tuition Reimbursement Program to keep learning and advancing your career.

These benefits make working for the City of Des Plaines more than just a job—it's a pathway to a secure and thriving future!

The City may begin reviewing resumes and scheduling interviews as applications are received.

The position remains open until filled.