Assistant Public Works Director

Mt. Vernon; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Mt. Vernon is seeking a civil engineering leader to plan, direct, and evaluate water distribution and sanitary sewer operations under the Public Works Director. The role oversees design, inspections, budgeting, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

The position requires a Civil Engineering degree and preferably a P.E. license in Illinois, with readiness to obtain operator licenses within a year. Mount Vernon offers a salary range of $80k–$85k plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field preferred.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Illinois preferred, or licensure within six months of hire.
• Ability to obtain Illinois Class “D” Water Supply Operator’s License within one year.
• Ability to obtain a Wastewater Operator Certification within one year.
• Professional civil engineering experience preferred.
• Knowledge of engineering principles for public improvements.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing public infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of budgeting, procurement and personnel administration.
• Skill in interpreting engineering plans and reports.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and survey equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans, designs, prepares, and reviews engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates for public infrastructure projects.
• Reviews site development plans, subdivision plats, and stormwater reports for code compliance.
• Conducts preliminary engineering studies and directs surveys for project development.
• Develops construction bid specifications; reviews bids and maintains project files.
• Tracks quantities and reviews contractor pay applications for accuracy.
• Creates and updates City maps and related engineering documents using drafting software.
• Oversees inspections of public and private construction for compliance.
• Directs field inspections and issues corrective notices when necessary.
• Inspects completed work for standards and contract compliance.
• Organizes and supervises Public Works/Utilities operations and personnel.
• Establishes work procedures, schedules, and preventive maintenance.
• Provides training on equipment usage, safety, and work standards.
• Supervises personnel and evaluates performance.
• Assists in collective bargaining administration and personnel matters.
• Coordinates with City departments and external agencies on projects.
• Contributes to long-range infrastructure and capital plans.
• Prepares operating budgets and approves expenditures within authority.
• Prepares technical reports and presents to leadership and council.
• Responds to inquiries and initiates follow-up actions.

Skills

AutoCAD

Budgeting

Leadership

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Illinois preferred

Illinois Class “D” Water Supply Operator’s License within 1 year

Wastewater Operator Certification within 1 year

Tools

Survey equipment

Job description

Pay: $80,000 - $85,000 Annually + Benefits

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of Public Works and the City Manager. The position plans, directs, and evaluates the activities of the water distribution and sanitary sewer collection divisions, supervises construction and maintenance crews, analyzes operational needs, and makes recommendations for improvements.

The position assists with reviewing and recommending revisions to municipal code provisions affecting Public Works operations, supports the development of the annual budget, and prepares reports and recommendations for the Director of Public Works, City Manager, and City Council. Additional responsibilities include responding to citizen inquiries and maintaining records related to labor, materials, and equipment.

Responsibilities include reviewing site and subdivision plans, coordinating public improvement projects, and ensuring compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, designs, prepares, and reviews engineering plans, specifications, cost estimates, and related documents for public infrastructure projects, including water systems, sanitary and stormwater systems, and other municipal improvements.
• Reviews site development plans, subdivision plats, and stormwater management reports to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Conducts preliminary engineering studies and directs surveys and data collection necessary for project development.
• Develops construction bid specifications; reviews bids and technical proposals; and maintains engineering project files and records.
• Tracks project quantities and reviews contractor pay applications for accuracy and compliance with contract terms.
• Creates and updates City maps, exhibits, and related engineering documents using appropriate drafting and design software.
• Conducts and oversees inspections of public and private construction projects to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, and applicable regulations.
• Directs field inspection activities; reviews field reports; and issues corrective notices or stop-work orders when authorized and necessary.
• Inspects completed work to ensure adherence to established standards and contract requirements.
• Organizes, plans, and supervises assigned Public Works and Public Utilities operations and personnel.
• Establishes work procedures, schedules, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Provides training and guidance to staff regarding equipment usage, safety practices and work standards.
• Supervises and evaluates subordinate personnel engaged in construction, maintenance, and repair activities.
• Assists in the administration of collective bargaining agreements and makes recommendations regarding personnel matters, consistent with City policy.
• Coordinates with City departments, governmental agencies and private contractors in the planning and construction of public improvements.
• Assists in the development and update of long-range infrastructure and capital improvement plans.
• Serves as liaison with external agencies and organizations as assigned.
• Assists in the preparation and administration of the annual operating budget for assigned divisions.
• Reviews and approves expenditures within delegated authority.
• Prepares and presents technical reports and recommendations to City leadership and governing bodies.
• Responds to citizen inquiries and complaints and initiates appropriate follow-up actions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory and Administrative Responsibilities

• Organizes, plans, directs, and supervises the activities of professional and technical staff.
• Develops, reviews and approves engineering plans, proposals and technical designs.
• Inspects and approves public works and utility construction and improvement projects.
• Evaluates and documents employee performance and recommends corrective action when necessary.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, officials, contractors, the public and regulatory agencies.
• Applies knowledge of state and federal assistance programs related to public improvement projects.
• Prepares and presents oral and written technical reports and recommendations.
• Organizes duties efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Communicates effectively in written, verbal and public speaking contexts.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in all duties.
• Successfully passes required background, security and credit checks.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field preferred.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Illinois preferred, or the ability to obtain licensure within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to obtain an Illinois Class “D” Water Supply Operator’s License within one (1) year of hire
• Ability to obtain a Wastewater Operator Certification within one (1) year of hire

Experience

• Professional civil engineering experience preferred.
• Knowledge of engineering principles and practices related to the design, construction and maintenance of public improvements.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations governing public infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of budgeting, procurement and personnel administration practices.
• Skill in interpreting engineering plans and specifications, conducting inspections and preparing technical reports.
• Proficiency in computer-aided drafting (AutoCAD) and survey equipment is preferred.

Work Schedule

The Public Works Office operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Attendance at City Council meetings may be required in the absence of the Director of Public Works.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 25 pounds using proper body mechanics.
• Ability to stand, sit, reach, grasp, lift and carry, walk, climb, kneel, squat or bend and push or pull.
• Ability to work in inclement weather as required.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical documents and regulations.
• Ability to perform detailed work requiring visual acuity.
• Ability to use non‑verbal auditory sources of information, e.g. alarms and cell phones.

Residency Requirement

All applicants shall reside either Jefferson County or a County adjacent to Jefferson County, including the following: Marion, Wayne, Hamilton, Franklin, Perry or Washington, as their principal place of residence, within six (6) months of hire and thereafter at all times during the period of employment by the City. Any employee who fails to establish and/or maintain his or her domicile and residency as required herein shall be subject to discharge from employment with the City.

1100 Main Street
Mount Vernon IL 62864
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