CIVIL ENGINEER TRAINEE - DISTRICT 3

Illinoiscomptroller; Ottawa (IL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Pension Plan

Hybrid scheduling

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Job summary

Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking Civil Engineer Trainee to support preparation of final plans and implementation for highway construction projects at the Ottawa, IL location. The role includes rotational training across district bureaus and requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering (ABET) or IL Engineer Intern/PE licenses.

Preferred qualifications include Civil Engineering coursework, strong communication, and ability to perform technical computations.

Qualifications

• 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 Illinois OR a current Structural Engineer License in Illinois.
• Those applying with only a degree must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0). If GPA is between 2.0 and 2.5, must also possess Illinois Engineer Intern Certificate OR IL PE license OR Structural Engineer License.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation of final plans and implementation for highway construction projects.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of assigned work.
• Provide accurate measurement, computation, and documentation of engineering items.
• Coordinate with district bureaus during rotational training.
• Adhere to safety rules and department policies.

Skills

Strong communication

Technical computations

Civil engineering basics

Education

ABET accredited engineering degree

Illinois Engineer Intern Certificate

Professional Engineer license (IL)

Structural Engineer License (IL)

Job description

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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: 59108 IPR# 26-01609

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: 12

Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 Pro-Tech Teamsters

Work Hours: 7:00 AM-3:30 PM, Monday-Friday

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

Headquarter Location: 700 E Norris Dr, Ottawa, Illinois, 61350

Work County: Office of Highways Project Implementation/Bureau of Project Implementation/Region 2/ District 3

Agency Contact: [e-mail]

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 assisting in many phases of work involved in the preparation of final plans and implementation of work for all types of highway construction projects.

Essential Functions

• Ensures accuracy and completeness of all assigned work.
• Provides accurate measurement, computation, and documentation of engineering items.
• Keeps supervisor informed of any problems encountered or deviations made.
• Ensures that the items inspected/designed are in accordance with the specifications.
• Provides accurate and timely layouts/plans.
• Rotates to other bureaus within the district as part of the rotational training program.
• 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

• 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.
• District-wide 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.

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