Position Overview

The duties of this position sets it apart from other engineers in the Engineering Studies Section in that it will be responsible for managing Stream Restoration efforts including dam removals in the Engineering Studies Section. In addition this position will be responsible for the development of feasible solutions to water resource problems including flood control, drainage, water supply, low flow augmentation, and recreation analysis; completes investigation of complaints by the general public concerning drainage and other water resource problems; provides guidance on the operations of state owned dams; performs flood surveillance activities; and completion of complex engineering assignments involving the hydraulics of reservoir systems, hydraulics of channel modifications, determination of recreational demand, and economics (benefits and costs) associated with water resource projects and watershed hydrology.

Job Responsibilities

1. Oversees, operates, and maintains a statewide stream gaging program:

• Maintains database of state-owned dams including a priority list of potential dam removal or modifications.
• Coordinates with local communities interested in dam modifications or removals and addresses inquiries regarding dam removal in Illinois.
• Evaluates latest techniques in planning, hydraulic modeling, design and construction pertaining to dam removal.
• Provides technical assistant to internal staff and consultants undergoing dam removal studies and designs.

2. Oversees and schedules the completion of assigned projects, reviews to assure compliance with water resource programs, policies, economic considerations, engineering requirements, and statutory obligations while conducting Division business on a state-wide basis:

• Makes complex engineering decisions on a daily basis in the completion of Engineering Studies Section accountabilities.

3. As a registered professional engineer, develops feasible solutions to water resource problems, including flood control, drainage, water supply, low flow augmentation, stream restoration, and recreation analysis:

• Investigation of complaints by the general public concerning drainage and other water resource problems.
• Completes complex engineering assignments involving the hydraulics of reservoir systems, hydraulics of a channel modification, determination of recreational demand, economics (benefits and costs) associated with water resource projects and watershed hydrology.
• Evaluates and recommends engineering procedures to be following in the completion of assigned projects.
• Develops project plans ranging from large scale basin-wide projects to detailed hydraulic structure designed, and assures that these plans are designed and permitted in a manner which will lead to implementation.
• Prepares feasibility and project planning reports.
• Delivers written and oral presentations of engineering studies to supervisors and other interested parties in such a manner as to clearly identify all ramifications and aspects of projects.
• Arranges and conducts meetings with local, State and Federal officials for the presentation and review of water resource plans and reports.

5. Develops working relations with OWR employees and other Departmental and non-Departmental contacts to facilitate the development of projects and makes other presentations in a manner which reflects all aspects of the project:

• Compiles with all Departmental safety rules, practices and policies and helps to ensure safety compliance by other co-workers.

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with coursework in Civil Engineering; a B.S. degree in Engineering (Civil or related field) from an accredited institution is preferred.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three years of progressively responsible water resources engineering experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of extensive knowledge of public and business administration, principles and practices.
• Two (2) years of extensive knowledge of agency programs and service objectives, activities and operational systems.
• Two (2) years of extensive knowledge of staff utilization and employee motivation.
• Two (2) years of extensive knowledge of labor and employment development.
• Three (3) years experience developing and managing a supportive agency program.
• Three (3) years analyzing administrative problems and adopt an effective course of action.
• Two (2) years experience developing, installing and evaluating new and revised methods, procedures and performance standards.
• Two (2) years experience in estimating and budgeting for future needs and cost of personnel, space, equipment, supplies and services.

Employment Conditions

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position.

• Ability to pass background check.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to travel
• Possession of a certificate as a Registered Professional Engineer in Illinois is required.

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.

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.