BRIDGE ENGINEER INSPECTION SPECIALIST (CIVIL ENGINEER IV)

Illinois Department of Transportation; Dixon (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insur

Pension Plan

Paid leave and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Hybrid scheduling

Job summary

Illinois Department of Transportation in Dixon, IL seeks a Civil Engineer IV to lead bridge inspection efforts and ensure NBIS compliance across the district.

You will direct the Bridge Inspection Specialist Team, prepare reports, and manage data in the MMIS system while coordinating with maintenance crews. The role offers a hybrid schedule and opportunities for professional growth within IDOT.

Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois or Licensed Structural Engineer in Illinois.
• Four years of civil engineering experience.
• Six years supervisory experience (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and control the Bridge Inspection Specialist Team.
• Conduct NBIS field inspections of bridges and sign trusses.
• Prepare reports and enter data into MMIS.
• Ensure safe operation of equipment and vehicles.
• Stay current on NBIS standards and related technology.
• Mentor staff and ensure staff development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team supervision

Job description

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Date: Nov 2, 2026

Location:

Dixon, IL, US, 61021

Job Requisition ID: 59952

Job Requisition ID: 59952 IPR#26-01946

Opening Date: 11/02/2026

Closing Date: 11/18/2026

Agency: Department of Transportation

Position Title: Civil Engineer IV

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $6,281 Monthly; Full Range: $6,281-$9,792 Monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 Protech Teamsters

Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday-Friday

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

Work Location: 819 Depot Ave, Dixon, Illinois, 61021

Work Office: Office of Highways and Intermodal Project Implementation/Region 2/District 2/Bureau of Operations

Work County: Lee

Agency Contact: [e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

This position is accountable for the detailed inspection of bridges and structures throughout the district to fulfill the requirements of the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), those of the district and state maintenance policies; management of the district’s Bridge Inspection Specialist Team; preparation of necessary reports and forms; and input of required data into the Maintenance Management Information System (MMI System), repair, and maintenance of all bridge and culvert structures in the district to ensure their safe, effective, and efficient operation, and preserve their investment.

Essential Functions

• Plans, directs, and controls the district Bridge Inspection Specialist Team in the continuing detailed field inspection of bridge structures and sign trusses throughout the district to ensure compliance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).
• Conducts field inspections of nonredundant steel tension structures and pin and link assemblies, underwater bridge inspection, and scour analysis to meet the requirements of the NBIS.
• Detects and analyzes structural problems encountered during inspections and makes specific recommendations based on observations and structural expertise.
• Conducts field investigations and evaluations of damaged bridges and bridge deficiencies to include responding to emergency bridge situations like bridge strikes, critical deficiencies or other urgent structural concerns.
• Completes all necessary reports concerning bridge inspections and the accurate entry of required data into the Maintenance Management Information System (MMIS). Requests reports and analyzes information from the system.
• Ensures safe operation and maintenance of specialized equipment and vehicles used by the inspection crew.
• Remains knowledgeable of the NBIS and technological developments relating to bridge and sign truss inspection through training and other resources.
• Demonstrates techniques, evaluates, and motivates subordinate personnel to ensure staff development and competence.
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current registration as a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Illinois OR current registration as a Licensed Structural Engineer in the state of Illinois.
• Four years of experience in civil engineering

Preferred Qualifications

• Six years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to perform job duties independently and direct the work of other engineers, mechanics, equipment operators, and laborers.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering related to the design, construction, and maintenance of transportation projects.
• Ability to plan, organize and establish priorities.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to maintain harmonious relationships with employees, agency officials and the public.

Conditions of Employment

• National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) Program Manager, as defined by the Bureau of Bridges and Structures Structural Services Manual Section 3.9.2.5 and have a Bridge Element Level Inspection Certification or achieve these qualifications within twelve months of accepting the position.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work in inclement weather, traffic conditions, confined spaces and extreme heights.
• Frequent districtwide travel and occasional state-wide and out-of-state travel requiring overnight stays.
• Candidate must be available 24 hours a day and may be required to work extensive periods of overtime.
• Successful completion of a background screening.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About The Agency

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire a Bridge Engineer Inspection Specialist.

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.

Nearest Major Market: Sterling