Design Engineer

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Design Engineer for the Office of Water Resources.  This position, which is a licensed engineer, will develop plans, specification and cost estimates for water resource projects, review shop plans and contract submittals; travel throughout the state; assist with coordination of the bidding process, analyze bids and recommend awarding of contracts; develop relationships with all contacts within and outside of the Department of Natural Resources to facilitate the development of projects and make other presentations in a manner which reflects all aspects of the public works project.  The Division of Water Resource Management is responsible for regulating activities within or adjacent to Illinois rivers, lakes and streams; administering the state floodplain/floodway mapping ; allocating and monitoring water use from Lake Michigan; coordinating the National Flood Insurance Program; and administering the nonstructural flood mitigation program.  We welcome all qualified and interested candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

• Subject to review and approval of the Design Plans Unit Manager, as a licensed engineer, designs all types of water resources projects including preparation of contract plans, specifications and cost estimates. 


• Designs and/or checks the design of water resource projects throughout the state.


• Assists in the consolidation of plan sheets and documents to assemble a set of contract plans suitable for bid letting and construction. 


• Arranges and conducts meetings with local, State and Federal officials for the presentation and review of water resource plans and reports. 


• Develops working relations with OWR employees, and other Departmental and non Departmental contacts. 


• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the work of the duties enumerated above. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with a degree in engineering. 


• Requires three years or more experience in the field of engineering. 


• Requires Professional Engineering License in the State of Illinois. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of project design review and preparation.


• Prefers two (2) years of experience working with bidding process for contracts. 


• Prefers one (1) year of experience in project coordinator with State and Federal agencies. 


• Prefers one (1) year of working experience of public works and construction projects. 

Conditions of Employment

• Requires appropriate, valid drivers license


• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Division Statement

Office of Water Resources

The Office of Water Resources (OWR) is the lead state agency for water resources planning, navigation, floodplain management, the National Flood Insurance Program, water supply, drought, and interstate organizations on water resources.  Interagency duties include the state water plan, drought response, flood emergency reports, and the comprehensive review of Illinois water use law.  OWR is responsible for construction in the shore waters of Lake Michigan, construction and operation of dams, construction in public bodies of water, and diversion of water from Lake Michigan, and withdrawal of water from three Federal lakes (Shelbyville, Carlyle, and Rend Lakes).  The primary capital activity of the office is in urban flood damage reduction. The office assists units of local government with urban flood damage reduction projects through planning, design, construction, and financial assistance. The urban program also features the acquisition of flood prone homes and businesses.