City Engineer

Salary: $112,864.00 - $163,655.00 Annually
Location : DeKalb, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00247
Department: Public Works
Division: Administration
Opening Date: 04/07/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

Job Summary

The City Engineer is responsible for the overall leadership, management and administration of the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department including training, budget, planning, policy and procedures, special projects and technical duties. Under the general direction of the Public Works Director, the City Engineer oversees and manages staff and contractors in the administration of municipal engineering and public works projects, traffic engineering, infrastructure planning and design, utilities and streets design, construction and maintenance, capital budget planning, project management and review of new development plans. The City Engineer works with a high level of discretion, technical independence and minimal guidance while making decisions to engage long-range planning initiatives to address infrastructure needs.

POSITION CONTEXT:
The position of City Engineer is a senior-level management position who reports to the Public Works Director. The City Engineer is a full-time exempt position requiring attendance at meetings outside of regular business hours including weekends. This position routinely handles highly sensitive and/or confidential information. The City Engineer will lead and supervise Engineering division staff, provide oversight to on-site contractors and act as a liaison to public agencies, engineering consultants, public utilities, developers, residents, the City Manager, and elected officials.

The starting salary for the position is $112,864 +/- commensurate with knowledge, skills and experience, The salary range for the position is $112,864-$163,655. The City of DeKalb provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision and prescription benefits, life insurance coverage, HSA & flexible spending accounts, deferred compensation and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
Initial review of applications will begin Monday, April 21, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

Essential Functions

• Manages and coordinates the operational and personnel activities of the Engineering Division. Collaborates with the Public Works Director to identify the strategic goals and objectives of the division. Develops and implements procedures to enhance operations and service delivery.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of short- and long-term capital goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the division. Recommends and capital project priorities and is responsible for the annual street maintenance program and major civil engineering projects.
• Oversees the development and administration of the divisional budget and assists in the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) budget. Assists with the departmental budget process including compilation and analysis of data, forecasting, impact of budgetary decisions, budget narratives, and reporting. Monitors and approves Division expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Plans public improvement projects, conducts feasibility studies, prepares cost estimates and schedules projects for inclusion in the capital improvements budget. Recommends engineering firms to design and construct approved projects.
• Oversees the design and construction of public improvement projects including the collection and documentation of engineering data through field surveys and studies, the engineering design of roadway, street, bridge, storm sewer, riverway and water utility improvement projects including the preparation of detailed drawings and accurate construction plans, the preparation of specifications and contract documents, the inspection of construction methods and materials, the performance of technical tests on materials, the resolution of design and construction problems and disputes, and the gathering of engineering information for pay estimates and records.
• Directs the review of site plans including industrial, commercial and residential development plans for compliance with standards, ordinances, policies and sound engineering practices. Directs the resolution of problems and disputes associated with proposed site plans.
• Directs the administration of the City's storm water quality permit, the inventory of the City's storm water drainage system, and the construction of storm water improvement projects.
• Ensures City compliance with the Community Rating System for floodplain and storm water management.
• Leads the inspection of bridges for safety purposes, recommends if necessary the closure of bridges and streets and oversees the issuance of permits for oversize truck traffic through the City.
• Develops traffic safety studies and responds to general public requests for traffic control or safety improvements as prompted by the Director of Public Works.
• Represents the City on various DSATS technical committees and is one of three representatives on the DSATS policy committee. Provides oversight in the development of studies, reports and other assignments to conform with federal and state regulatory requirements.
• Plans, directs, coordinates and reviews the work plan for professional, technical and contractual staff. Assigns work activities, projects and programs. Reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures. Meets with staff and contractors to identify and resolve problems.
• Assesses the priority of use of Motor Fuel Tax, local gas tax and tax increment financing (TIF) funds for street, alley and sidewalk maintenance.
• Prepares and revises City ordinances and standards relating to public works construction projects, commercial and residential developments, flood plain management, storm water collection and improvement projects, and utility construction and maintenance projects.
• Researches and conducts a variety of organizational studies and recommends programs, policies and procedures as appropriate.
• Confers with elected officials, the City Manager, departmental staff, developers, consulting engineers, contractors, governmental agencies, utility representatives and the general public on public works projects and the City's infrastructure. Provides expert engineering advice and technical information.
• Acts as a staff liaison to a variety of committees, boards and commissions. Prepares and presents meeting agenda materials and all related documentation.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Attends meetings and acts of behalf of the Public Works Director as requested.
• Responds to and is available for after-hours contact for emergency management incidents as needed.
• Coordinates new project mapping with the Information Technology Department.
• Coordinates infrastructure grant applications for project viability as requested.
• Assists with the acquisition of land parcels or easements to advance project work.
• Advises homeowners regarding grading, floodplain issues, street openings and construction work in progress.
• Provides multi-year street maintenance program based on the most current street condition assessment list.
• Participates in professional meetings, seminars and workshops, with the approval of the Public Works Director, to stay abreast of new trends, legislations and innovations related to the industry.
• Coordinates or responds to special projects as assigned by the Public Works Director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of civil engineering, engineering survey and design and public works administration.
• Knowledge of City and state laws and regulatory codes applicable to design and construction projects.
• Knowledge of methods, materials and techniques used in the construction of public works projects including water and wastewater systems, stormwater, street, facilities and traffic system design.
• Ability to direct the work of others while leading and motivating a team.
• Ability to research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Must have the ability to communicate and facilitate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage projects, facilitate project teams that include a variety of stakeholders while building consensus.
• Ability to analyze financial, budgetary, administrative, legal and organizational data to recommend appropriate action.
• Ability to read and interpret complex plans and specifications.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with all levels of staff, management, agencies, elected officials and general public while maintaining a high level of social awareness for professional engagement.
• Must have the ability to maintain professional composure and take reasonable action when confronted with difficult situations.
• Ability to work independently while exercising good judgment and initiative.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure with interruptions and within short timeframes.
• Ability to handle confidential/sensitive materials in a professional manner.
• Skilled in technical engineering mechanics and procedures.
• Ability to drive to and from various worksites.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering required.
• Valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Illinois or valid certificate of registration as a P.E. from another state with the ability to obtain the State of Illinois certificate of registration within 12 months from the date of hire is required.
• Valid driver's license required.

Experience:

• A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering including the planning and directing of public works/engineering projects is required.
• Minimum of three years of direct supervisory experience required. Previous experience should include delegating and planning of tasks, training and evaluating effectiveness and providing feedback to others.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite required. Previous experience or the ability to gain proficiency with GIS software, Crystal reports, customer relations management, database management, and project management software, computer-aided design and drafting and enterprise systems required.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Duties performed in both an office setting and in the field. While working in the office, the person in this position will regularly sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear over the phone and in-person.
• This position will require travel to various municipal buildings and offsite locations to attend meetings and review capital projects in progress.
• While working outdoors, the person in this position will routinely stand for prolonged periods of time, stoop, kneel, bend, climb, crawl or crouch to reach items and maneuver/navigate all types of terrain or enter confined spaces.
• Occasionally, the required work will expose the employee to potential hazards at construction sites such as traffic, fumes, dust, adverse weather conditions and moderate noise levels.
• The employee may lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• At times, workloads can be extensive with limited time for response and/or action. Position requires prolonged periods of concentration and the ability to cope with numerous interruptions and changing priorities.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• General office equipment including computers, laptops, scanners, copier and smart phones.
• Engineering equipment including standard drafting tools, surveying equipment, traffic counting equipment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• The City Engineer will serve as a staff liaison to boards, committees and commissions as assigned.
• The position requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours including evenings, weekends and on-call as required.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• The selection process includes submission of an application, interview, and a background check. The physical examination and drug screen are completed upon conditional offer.

STATEMENT OF OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER:
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.
Please click to view the City's policy regarding the hiring of immediate family members of a current City employee, elected official, or appointed official prior to completing an application for employment.

The City of DeKalb is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of DeKalb provides a comprehensive benefits package that beings on the first day of employment and includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Plans through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund or the Fire/Police Pension Funds
• Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
• Deferred Compensation
• Employee Assistance program