Section Manager

Position Overview

The Illinois Departement of Natural Resources is seeking to hire a Section Manager (SPSA, Opt. 8E) for the Office of Water Resources. This position oversees all design and construction activities for the Office of Water Resources, implements department polices, procedures, safety rules and regulations, directs pre-bid and construction meetings; travels throughout the state, addressing contractors questions and work to resolve any issues, claims and disputes, serves as a supervisor developing and maintaining working relationships with providing employee goals, objectives and training to staff. We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.  

Essential Functions

• Directs the structural geotechnical and general civil design and preparation of contract plans for dams, bridges, culverts, pump stations, spillways, reservoirs and all earth steel concrete and timber structures on Water Resource projects.


• Directs the management of ongoing construction projects.


• Serves as a full-line supervisor.


• Approves signs and places Professional Engineering seal on all Division designed plans and specifications.


• Develops and implements policies and procedures and formulates applicable design specifications and criteria for all design projects.


• Directs and coordinates the soils investigation program through contracts with Consultants.


• 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 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 civil engineering.


• Requires prior experience equivalent to four years of progressively responsible engineering management experience.


• Requires Professional Engineering License in the State of Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years or more experience in the field of civil and/or structural engineering.


• Three (3) years experience of on-site management construction projects.


• Professional working knowledge of coordinating pre bid and preconstruction contract plans.


• Three (3) years of experience of on-site project experience over seeing various contractors.


• Three (3) years of experience in preparing of contract plans, including dams, bridges, culverts, pump stations, spillways, reservoirs relating to earth construction.


• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.


• Structural Engineering License in the State of Illinois.

Conditions of Employment

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


• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license. 


• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.


•  Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.


• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.)
  requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of
  Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

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

Agency and Division Statement

DNR Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois’ natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs; flexible/remote work schedules may be available in for certain positions.

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.