CIVIL ENGINEER TRAINEE - BUREAU OF OPERATIONS

Illinois Comptroller; Springfield, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Health, Life, Vision, Dental Insurance

Pension Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Illinois Department of Transportation in Springfield is seeking a Civil Engineer Trainee to support investigation, planning, and design of engineering projects within the Bureau of Operations.

This role offers structured training, potential for rapid advancement, and a collaborative environment with hybrid scheduling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited college or current Illinois Engineer Intern Certificate or PE license in IL; GPA 2.0+ if no license
• Strong oral and written communication skills preferred
• Coursework/training in civil engineering and basic use of field/office instruments

Responsibilities

• Assist with roadway designation resolution requests under supervision
• Assist with maintenance programs and reports under supervision
• Summarize winter maintenance reports and other operations data under supervision
• Support weight enforcement activities under supervision
• Follow safety rules and perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Strong oral and written communication

Working knowledge of civil engineering

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or equivalent (ABET accredited)

Job description

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CIVIL ENGINEER TRAINEE - BUREAU OF OPERATIONS

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

do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:59182 - IPR# 26-01498
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/30/2026
Agency: Department of Transportation
Class Title: CIVIL ENGINEER TRAINEE - PW110
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,631 monthly; Full Range: $4,631 - $6,323 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: NR 916 Pro-Tech Teamsters
Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, 37.5 hours per week, 1 hour lunch per day
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location: 2300 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, Illinois, 62764
Work County: Sangamon

Office: Office of Highways and Intermodal Project Implementation/Bureau of Operations

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

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

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 a variety of tasks in connection with the investigation, review, planning, and design of engineering projects within the Bureau of Operations.

Essential Functions

• Assists with Roadway Designation Resolution requests for the traffic engineering program under direct supervision.
• Assists with various roadside maintenance efforts such as the statewide Integrated Roadside Vegetation Maintenance Plan, Operations Monarch Conservation Plan, pollinator and monarch conservation research, and the bi-weekly pollinator report under direct supervision.
• Summarizes various winter maintenance reports dealing with snow removal, roadway weather information system options, deicing technologies, living snow fence data, and other winter operations programs utilizing various Microsoft Office programs and Operations Asset Management (OAM) under direct supervision.
• Assists the Weight Enforcement Engineer with the activities of the weight enforcement program under direct supervision.
• 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

• Completion of a bachelor of science degree in engineering from an ABET accredited college (including those expecting to graduate in the next 12 months) OR a current Illinois Engineer Intern Certificate OR a current Professional Engineer license in the state of Illinois OR a current Structural Engineer License in the state of Illinois. Those applying with only a degree must have a minimum of2.0 (out of 4.0) cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). If cumulative GPA is between 2.0 and 2.5 (out of 4.0), applicants must also possess a current Illinois Engineer Intern Certificate OR a current Professional Engineer license in the state of Illinois OR a current Structural Engineer License in the state of Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the routine practices of civil engineering.
• Coursework and training in civil engineering.
• Basic skill in the use of engineering field and office instruments.
• Ability to make relatively difficult technical computations and estimates.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver’s license.
• Occasional statewide travel with overnight stays.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• 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 Civil Engineer Trainee.

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.

• As a Civil Engineer Trainee, you have the possibility of promoting to a Civil Engineer I within 7-9 months.
• A possibility of promoting to a Civil Engineer II within 12-24 months.
• A possibility of promoting to a Civil Engineer III within 18-24 months.

Civil Engineer Trainees with the Illinois Department of Transportation are trained in a variety of specializations during the program. They work with engineers from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and careers. They are exposed to both external and internal engineering professionals. This program is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and career while networking within a vast engineering network. IDOT offers an ideal program to start and expand an engineering career.

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

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

Seasonal and temporary workers should use a personal e-mail address when applying for jobs