Engineering Technician I

City of Decatur, IL; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the City of Decatur as an Engineering Technician I, where you'll improve roads and water systems while gaining valuable hands-on experience. This role involves surveying, data collection, and engineering support, perfect for those interested in technology and problem-solving. Enjoy competitive benefits and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

12.5 paid holidays

Paid vacation and sick leave

Excellent health insurance

Strong retirement pension plan

Free check-ups and chronic care

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of math and civil engineering principles.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Excel and CAD software.

Responsibilities

• Observe and document city infrastructure projects.
• Assist in preparing engineering plans and maps.
• Conduct inventories of public infrastructure.

Skills

Math

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vocational or college-level courses in project management, surveying, construction

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Computer-aided drafting (CAD)

Job description

Join the City of Decatur as anEngineering Technician I and help improve roads, water systems, and other important city projects. You’ll work both outside and in the office—helping with surveys, checking construction work, collecting data, and using computers to prepare maps and plans. This is a great first step if you like hands-on work, solving problems, and using technology. If you’re comfortable with math, familiar with Excel, and interested in learning more about engineering, this role could be a great fit for you.

Salary will increase to $29.34 per hour after successfully completing six-month probationary period.

Enjoy a generous package of perks including:
•Competitive Benefits: 12.5 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, excellent health insurance, and a strong retirement pension plan
•Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic care, bloodwork, immunizations, and many free prescriptions for employees and their dependents

Construction Observation & Compliance

• Observe and document city infrastructure projects to ensure they meet city standards
• Inspect water and sewer connections for compliance
• Inspect private development projects to ensure they follow approved plans and city requirements
• Review engineering plans and specifications for compliance with city standards

Surveying & Field Work

• Participate in survey crews for project design and construction layout
• Provide field locates for city water and sewer utilities
• Collect material samples and operate basic testing equipment; record and report results

Engineering Support & Plan Preparation

• Assist in preparing engineering plans, maps, estimates, and reports
• Prepare drawings using survey data for designs and studies
• Update engineering records, maps, and files to reflect changes

Infrastructure Inventory & Data Collection

• Conduct inventories of public infrastructure such as streets, sewers, and water systems
• Compile and organize collected data for engineering use

Research & Public Interaction

• Perform preliminary research on property ownership and legal descriptions
• Respond to questions and complaints from the public, contractors, consultants, and agencies regarding engineering-related matters

Education & Basic Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Vocational or college-level courses in project management, surveying, construction, or related training/experience is preferred
• Valid State of Illinois driver’s license

Math, Engineering & Construction Knowledge

• Basic understanding of math
• Introductory knowledge of civil engineering principles
• Introductory knowledge of surveying is preferred
• Understanding of basic construction methods and equipment

Computer & Technical Skills

• Comfortable using Microsoft Excel
• Able to learn and use software for spreadsheets, word processing, and computer-aided drafting (CAD)
• Able to read and understand engineering drawings
• Can do simple hand-drawing (manual drafting) when given clear instructions

Workplace Skills & Communication

• Able to plan, prioritize, and manage tasks effectively to meet deadlines
• Able to follow written and spoken instructions
• Physically able to work outdoors in different weather and on construction sites
• Comfortable talking with the public, contractors, coworkers, and supervisors
• Willingness to learn and try new things when presented

Examination Process

Excel Proficiency Test All applicants must take a basic hands-on Excel proficiency test and pass with a minimum score of 70.00%.

Written Examination All applicants must take a written examination. The passing criterion for the written examination is 70.00%.

Oral InterviewApplicants passing the written test must pass an oral interview with a minimum score of 70.00%.

Veteran PointsApplicants passing the written test and oral interview may be eligible to receive 5.00 veteran preference points added to their final examination score.

Seniority PointsApplicable persons passing the written test and oral interview will receive 0.50 seniority preference points for each full year of continuous City of Decatur AFSCME service. A maximum of 10.0 points may be added to the final examination score.

The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana. Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, and background check post offer.

Residency
The Engineering Technician I position is covered under the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) collective bargaining agreement. AFSCME employees shall reside within 50 miles of the corporate limits of City of Decatur. An appointee may reside outside said limits but must comply no later than 90 days after the completion of the six-month probationary period.

To Apply
Ready to start a hands-on career in public service? Apply today to become an Engineering Technician I with the City of Decatur and build valuable skills while contributing to important community projects. This full-time position offers long-term stability, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to grow in the field of engineering. Complete your application using the link below, making sure to include all requested information. Incomplete applications will be rejected. You may upload a resume to prefill sections, but it does not replace the required application.