SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

Cook County Government; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 87,152 - 117,977; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Plan

Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Forest Preserve District of Cook County is seeking a Senior Civil Engineer to lead planning, design, and construction of infrastructure and site improvements. Responsibilities include preparing plans, specifications, bid documents, and coordinating with agencies, residents, and consultants.

Mentorship of junior staff and guidance on technical issues are expected. The role requires PE licensure in Illinois, a valid driver's license, and the ability to obtain registration as a Professional

Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer with eligibility or reciprocity in Illinois
• Experience planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects
• Ability to supervise junior staff and coordinate with stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections to inform scopes of work
• Prepare bid documents, collect bids, and assist in award decisions
• Oversee construction observation to ensure conformance with designs
• Prepare permit submittals for projects
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders on trail planning and pavement assessments
• Support in budgeting and reporting for projects
• Review invoices and assist in grant-related exhibits

Skills

Civil engineering principles

AutoCAD or similar

Microsoft Office

Effective communication

Education

Professional Engineer license

Tools

AutoCAD

Survey equipment

MS Office

Job description

Job Description - SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER (00139251)

Job Description

SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

Requisition ID

00139251

Work Locations

536 N. Harlem

Job Posting

Jul 20, 2026, 2:32:21 PM

Closing Date

Aug 19, 2026, 4:59:00 AM

Posting Salary : $102,589.00 / Annually

Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Civil Engineer, performs professional engineering work in the planning, design and construction of various infrastructure and site improvements. Serve as program manager for the preparation of engineering plans, specifications, and bid documents to support the implementation of the District’s Capital Improvement Plan. Coordinates with program team, government agencies, residents, businesses, and consultants to achieve program goals. Oversees the work of and provides technical assistance and direction to junior engineering staff. Performs other duties as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts field inspections to collect information about site conditions including, but not limited to, topography, drainage, soils, vegetation, and existing infrastructure, and uses the information to propose scopes of work for improvement projects.
• Prepares bid documentation, assembles bid packages, obtains bids, serves on panels to evaluate bids, and recommends award of contract to a specific bidder.
• Conducts construction observation and inspections to monitor progress and ensures conformance to design specifications, including measurement and documentation of pay items for payments to contractors.
• Prepares permit submittals required for project implementation.
• Assists the work of District staff in various departments by clarifying technical issues, policies, procedures, or standards related to trail planning, pavement conditions assessments, pavement patching and crack-sealing, trail user data and other alternative transportation topics.
• Supports and assists in prioritizing work of in-house Landscape Maintenance pavement patching crews.
• Prepares annual budget projections and reports.
• Reviews and approves invoices for payment to consultants and contractors.
• Prepares exhibits and budgets to support grant applications.
• Oversees the work of junior engineering staff and provides constructive feedback and technical knowledge.
• Represents the District at various intergovernmental and technical committees related to trail planning, pavement reduction and related issues.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends in the field by reading appropriate journals, books and other literature and attending related seminars, and the like, and informs and advises other staff as to new developments.

Must be registered as a Professional Engineer.

Must be willing to obtain registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois prior to date of hire with the District.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possess at least 1 year of full-time work experience using AutoCAD or similar computer-aided drafting and design software, OR at least 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC), OR at least 1 season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member, OR at least 1 season of work experience on FPCC property with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago, OR at least 1 season of work experience with other partners such as Friends of the Forest Preserves or the Student Conservation Association.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of civil engineering as applied to the inspection, planning, design, construction, and rehabilitation of site infrastructure.
• Knowledge of and experience dealing with standard sources of engineering information, including Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) specification, OSHA laws and their application.
• Skill and proficiency in the use and operation of computers, AutoCAD or similar software, Microsoft Office or similar software, and survey equipment.
• Ability to read interpret contracts, engineering plans, specifications, estimates, and schedules.
• Knowledge of the operations of the District.
• Ability to communicate with diverse groups.
• Skill in developing site plans and specification for construction and rehabilitation projects.
• Knowledge and ability to direct and coordinate plans with various internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to take charge of multi-site, multi-year engineering programs requiring the application of established engineering standards.

Benefits

• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You May Qualify forthe Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify him/herself as a Veteran on his/her employment application by answering “Yes” to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Veteran must provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment based on a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.