Johnson County, Illinois is seeking an experienced, motivated, and collaborative individual to serve as County Engineer. The County Engineer is responsible for planning, design, and maintenance of County Highways and Unit Road District roadways, drainage structures, bridges, and related infrastructure.
The County Engineer is appointed by the Johnson County Board of Commissioners in accordance with the requirements of 605 ILCS 5/5-201. The term of appointment is six (6) years from the date of appointment and continues until a qualified successor is appointed. The County Engineer operates under the general direction and supervision of the Johnson County Board of Commissioners.
Department Overview
Johnson County maintains approximately 50 centerline miles of County Highways, 353 centerline miles of Unit Road District Roadways, and 71 NBIS structures.
In addition to the County Engineer, the Johnson County Highway Department is staffed by one (1) Office Administer/Bookkeeper, one (1) Department Foreman, one (1) Department Mechanic, and six (6) Full-Time Highway Maintainers.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must satisfy all qualification requirements set forth in 605 ILCS 5/5-201.
- Must successfully complete the County Engineer examination and interview process administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Following completion of the County's recruitment and selection process, the selected candidate will be submitted to IDOT by the Johnson County Board, pursuant to a County Board resolution, to complete the examination and interview process required by state law.
- Must hold a valid Professional Engineering license in the State of Illinois.
- Have at least five (5) years of significant, progressively responsible civil engineering experience in highway and bridge engineering, construction, and maintenance, including experience in the following areas: Phase I & II design engineering of highways and bridges, Phase III construction engineering of highways and bridges, Drainage analyses and evaluations, Construction and maintenance, Two (2) years of supervisory or management experience
- Must hold a valid Driver’s License.
- The ability to interpret laws, policies, procedures, plan documents, contract language, material designs, material testing, and other relevant documents for state and federally funded projects.
- Familiarity with budgeting, tax levy determination, accounting, and bookkeeping principles and practices.
- Proficient in the use of computers and common office technology.
- Possess strong written and oral communication skills.
- Have and possess a strong business and administrative background.
- The ability to work with a wide variety of public and private stakeholders.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The County Engineer is responsible for the overall management and operation of the County Highway Department. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Perform all statutory duties required of a County Engineer under the Illinois Highway Code and applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the State of Illinois and Illinois Department of Transportation.
- Prepare, or direct the preparation of, plans, specifications, cost estimates, construction schedules, and other engineering documents for County Highway and Unit Road District roadway, bridge, culvert, drainage, and transportation improvement projects.
- Direct and oversee the construction, maintenance, repair, and improvement of County Highway and Unit Road District roadways, bridges, culverts, drainage facilities, and other transportation infrastructure.
- Analyze engineering reports, maps, surveys, drawings, plans, test results, aerial imagery, and other available data to evaluate existing conditions and develop appropriate engineering solutions.
- Evaluate project feasibility, establish preliminary and final cost estimates, and develop project priorities based on engineering needs, available funding, budget limitations, and long-term transportation objectives.
- Review engineering plans, specifications, and project documents for compliance with accepted engineering principles, County standards, IDOT requirements, applicable federal requirements, and other applicable regulations.
- Inspect and oversee construction projects to monitor progress and ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, contract requirements, and applicable construction and safety standards.
- Develop and implement long-term transportation and infrastructure plans addressing current and future County needs.
- Prepare and oversee the Highway Department's annual operating budget, monitor expenditures, and manage departmental financial activities in accordance with County policies and applicable state and federal requirements.
- Handle purchasing and financial transactions for the Highway Department in accordance with applicable County policies and state and federal requirements.
- Maintain appropriate financial, project, maintenance, bridge inspection, and other departmental records and documentation, and assist with responses to audits and other financial or program reviews.
- Serve as the County's technical representative on matters involving highway and transportation infrastructure and communicate with County officials, governmental agencies, contractors, consultants, property owners, and members of the public regarding departmental activities and projects.
- Establish departmental work priorities and coordinate personnel, equipment, materials, and resources to effectively accomplish routine maintenance, construction, and emergency operations.
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with the public, County Board members, elected officials, governmental agencies, employees, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders regarding engineering, construction, maintenance, and transportation matters.
- Make public presentations and prepare clear and technically accurate correspondence, reports, recommendations, and other documents involving engineering, construction, maintenance, financial, and transportation-related matters.
- Promote a safe, efficient, and professional work environment and ensure departmental activities are conducted in accordance with applicable safety requirements.
- Supervise Highway Department personnel and oversee departmental operations, including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning and directing work, evaluating employee performance, addressing employee concerns, and administering disciplinary actions in accordance with County policies and applicable personnel procedures.
- Review and issue oversize and overweight permits for loads traveling on roadways within the Johnson County Highway and Unit Road District systems, in accordance with applicable state and local requirements.
- Review and issue right-of-way permits for proposed utility installations and other improvements within the right-of-way of roadways under the jurisdiction of the Johnson County Highway and Unit Road District systems, in accordance with applicable state and local requirements.
- Serve as the Floodplain Manager for Johnson County in accordance with the County's Floodplain Development Ordinance and perform all duties and responsibilities prescribed by the ordinance.
- Serve on the Vienna Drainage District Board and provide engineering, technical assistance, and coordination with the District and other applicable entities regarding the three (3) watershed lakes under the District’s jurisdiction.
- Perform other duties as prescribed by law, applicable rules and regulations, or as directed by the Johnson County Board, provided such duties are consistent with the statutory responsibilities of the County Engineer.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to perform management and assigned duties with frequent interruptions and time pressures.
- Ability to maintain a high level of visual attention and mental concentration for significant periods of time.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret engineering data and highly technical information, professional journals, and government regulations.
- Ability to work in a seated position for extended periods of time.
- Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and work on uneven or rough terrain.
- Frequent use of hands and arms for computer operation and other office-related tasks.
- Ability to manipulate, lift and carry items of up 75 pounds when necessary.
- Visual acuity including close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
Work Conditions
The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- This position primarily functions in an office environment but frequently requires outdoor work, including field inspections, site visits, and other duties associated with the responsibilities of the position.
- This position will occasionally be required to work in proximity to moving equipment and mechanical parts, in elevated or potentially hazardous locations, and may be exposed to wet or humid conditions as well as direct exposure to sunlight. The position may also require outdoor work in extreme weather conditions, including prolonged exposure to hot and cold temperatures, snow, ice, wind, rain and other weather conditions.
- The noise level in the office environment is generally quiet, however, it may occasionally be moderate to loud due to the operation of heavy construction and maintenance equipment.
- This position may be subject to after-hours calls, including nights, weekends, and holidays, regarding matters requiring attention within the County Highway and Unit Road District systems, including emergencies, severe weather events, flooding, roadway hazards, and other situations requiring timely response.
Salary
This position is a full-time, FLSA-exempt salaried position. Salary will be based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications. The anticipated salary range is $115,250 to $121,300 annually.
The salary range provided is intended as a general guideline and is not restrictive. The Johnson County Board reserves the right to establish a salary above or below the stated range based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and other applicable considerations.
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Sick Days
- Paid Vacation Days
- Paid Holidays
- Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Retirement
Deadline
Candidates may submit a resume to the Johnson County Engineer at 1225 US Highway 45 N., Vienna, IL 62995 or via email: [email protected].
This position will remain open until filled, and applications will be accepted and reviewed until a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified candidates must be able to pass a drug and alcohol test.
Contact the Johnson County Highway Department at (618) 658-2741 with any questions.
Johnson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to non-discrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, and other aspects of employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability status, national origin, veteran status, or ancestry. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both perspective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Pay: $115,250.00 - $121,300.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
