CIVIL ENGINEER TRAINEE - DISTRICT 1

Illinoiscomptroller; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Pension Plan

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Illinois Department of Transportation seeks a Civil Engineer Trainee for a full-time, in-office role in Schaumburg. The program rotates engineers through multiple district bureaus for a year-long assignment, building on a foundation in civil engineering and providing on-the-job training.

Ideal candidates bring an ABET-accredited engineering degree, a 2.0+ GPA (or licensure), and a valid driver's license, with opportunities to advance to higher civil engineering levels within the district.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of science degree in engineering from ABET-accredited college (including those expecting to graduate within 12 months).
• GPA minimum of 2.0; if 2.0–2.5, must hold a current Illinois Engineer Intern Certificate or PE license or Structural Engineer License in Illinois.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel districtwide.

Responsibilities

• Provides accurate measurement, computation, and documentation to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and project reports.
• Keeps supervisor informed of problems or changes; delivers accurate deliverables to meet project schedule.
• Ensures inspected items conform to specifications and maintains required records.
• Provides records and reports for project finalization.
• Suggests resolutions to problems encountered during work.
• Performs duties in compliance with safety rules and fair treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

Job Requisition ID:59070 / IPR# 2026-01617
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: 20
Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 Pro-Tech Teamsters
Work Hours: Dependent of Rotation Assignment
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 201 Center Ct, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60196
Work County: Cook
Office: Office of Highways and Intermodal Project Implementation/ Bureau of Construction/ Region 1/ District 1
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 is a full-time permanent entry level position that falls under the district's Development and Training - Engineers (DATE) rotation program and is a part of the district's continuing efforts to provide employees with quality training and education. This program provides a training and educational opportunity where engineers rotate between three of the eight district bureaus. for a year-long assignment (depending on when they start). The objectives of the DATE program are to provide engineers with a variety of assignments to improve their skills, receive on-the-job training, broaden their knowledge by working in different bureaus, and gain valuable experience in their chosen field.

Essential Functions:

• Provides accurate measurement, computation, and documentation of items to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, project reports and various other deliverables.
• Keeps supervisor informed of any problems encountered or changes made. Provides accurate and timely deliverables to meet project schedule.
• Ensures that the items inspected are in accordance with the specifications.
• Provides records and reports required for project finalization.
• Suggests resolutions to problems encountered during work.
• 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 of 2.0 (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:

• Base level knowledge of the foundations of civil engineering.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to be adaptable in a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to work well within a team setting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Conditions of Employment:

• Valid driver's license.
• Districtwide travel.
• Successful completion of a background screening.
• 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 Civil Engineer Trainees.

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.

• 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