Description
The Senior Civil Engineer performs advanced professional engineering work in the planning, design, construction, and inspection of public infrastructure including streets, utilities, stormwater systems, wastewater collection systems, and related capital improvement projects. As the City of West Chicago continues to shift from new subdivision growth toward redevelopment, infrastructure reinvestment, and modernization of public systems, this position plays an important role in coordinating engineering review, managing public works construction projects, and supporting development-related infrastructure improvements. The position supervises and participates in the work of engineering staff, manages assigned capital and development projects, and provides technical assistance to the City Engineer and Public Works leadership.
Essential Functions of this Position (Generally up to 60% of the time annually)
Assist with the coordination of construction work with contractors, property owners, developers and other city departments; schedule work activities and review requirements with contractors; assist in resolving disputes between inspectors and contractors.
Provide engineering support services to the City Engineer or Assistant Public Works Director or Director of Public Works; provide assistance to public works staff in the interpretation of plans and specifications; resolve problems during all phases of construction.
Oversee design and preparation of plans and specifications for construction projects; including surveying, design, right-of-way/easement requirements; overseeing the work of contractors, consultants and preparing cost estimates.
Inspect the installation of water main improvements, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and street improvement projects for compliance with plans and specifications; prepare and maintain inspection records for all inspections performed.
Report and document any deviations and/or discrepancies in plans; see that materials and equipment delivered to work site meet requirements and specifications; reject unsatisfactory work below city contract requirements.
Oversee the performance of field activities, measurements, elevations and surveys; review and check adequacy and accuracy of computations, preliminary layout and design work from field and survey data. Perform construction documentation for compliance. Compile and compute date for contractors’ progress pay estimates.
Oversee the review of as-built construction drawings and the timely completion and closeout of private development projects in accordance with City’s closeout procedures.
Coordinate inter-departmental meetings to discuss, plan, and address matters related to open public and private development projects.
Confer with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters for private developments as well as for public improvements related to private developments.
Provide information and answer questions regarding maps, subdivisions, streets, and water and sewer locations.
Design and prepare plans, specifications, and cost estimates for public works construction projects; coordinate all phases of projects to include surveying, design, right-of-way/easement requirements and construction; oversee the work of contractors and developers.
Provide professional engineering support services to the City Engineer; provide assistance to Engineering staff in the interpretation of plans and specifications; resolve problems during all phases of construction.
Inspect public works construction projects during various stages of construction to ensure compliance by contractors with plans, specifications, and contract provisions for project; construction documentation; field coordination with contractors, consultants, and private property owners; and review and approve on-site changes during construction.
Assist with the development of master plans for streets, storm water, wastewater, and water supply projects.
Assist with the development and implementation of short-and long-term capital improvement plans for the City water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, roadways, and other public infrastructure.
Oversee permit reviews for private utility installations for adherence with City requirements and applicable standards within public rights-of-way. Communicates with applicants regarding conflicts, deficiencies, submittal, and approval process. Tracks progress of permit during review and construction.
Perform a variety of related office or field tasks to gather, analyze, and record data in preparation of bid specifications or construction design specifications.
**The full job description and qualifications are available on the City of West Chicago careers page. Take the next step and apply! All applicants must apply through the applicant portal using the link provided.
Requirements
Typical Qualifications
Experience:
Minimum of three years, preferably five years, of increasingly responsible professional civil engineering experience. One year of administrative and supervisory experience is preferred.
Education:
Completion of a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field from an ABET-accredited four-year college or university.
Special Requirements and/or Training:
Possession of an appropriate valid driver's license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of civil, transportation, and structural engineering and administration, including street construction, water supply and distribution, wastewater treatment and collection, and stormwater management.
Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding civil, transportation, and structural engineering.
Modern and complex principles and practices of engineering program development and administration.
Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in technical civil engineering reports and project estimate preparation.
Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques of drafting and computer aided design.
Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques of Geographic Information System (GIS).
Operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive engineering program.
Methods, materials and techniques used in public works construction projects.
Materials testing equipment, methods, practices and procedures.
Basic principles and practices of surveying.
Principles and practices of project management and construction inspection.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
Pertinent Federal, State, County, and local laws, codes and regulations governing the construction of city projects.
Ability to:
Develop, implement and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient engineering services.
Monitor and manage all phases of multiple public works construction projects, private developments and prepare progress reports.
Write specifications for public works construction projects.
Perform technical research and solve multi-disciplinary engineering problems.
Detect and locate faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stages of construction during which such defects are most readily found and remedied.
Ensure project compliance with appropriate Federal, State and local rules, laws and regulations.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Develop, review, modify, and understand civil engineering plans, designs, and specifications.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
Prepare and maintain accurate engineering records.
Deal firmly and tactfully with contractors, engineers, and property owners.
Exercise professional engineering judgment to achieve results consistent with objectives.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including city and other government officials, members of the development and engineering communities, community groups, and the general public.
Demonstrate involvement in safety inspections.
Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
Promote and maintain responsive community relations.
Interpret and apply Federal, State, County, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations governing public works construction projects.
Identify problems, use good judgement, and effectively solve problems.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and commute between City facilities and other work-related locations.
