Engineering Technician I

Job Summary

Join the City of Decatur as an Engineering 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 $30.51 per hour after after six months.

Enjoy a Generous Package Of Perks Including

• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays (including 2 personal days), 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
  
  

Key Responsibilities

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, recording and reporting 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
  
  

Qualifications And Preferred Skills

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
  
  

Sponsorship for Employment

The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.

More Details

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 Applicants who pass the Excel test will be required to take a written examination tailored to this position. Applicants are required to score at least 70.00%.
• Oral Interview Applicants passing the written test must pass an oral interview with a minimum score of 70.00%.
• Veteran Points Applicants passing the written test and oral interview may be eligible to receive 5.00 veteran preference points added to their final examination score.
• Seniority Points Applicable 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 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.

SICK LEAVE: 1 day per month granted, accumulative to 240 days.

VACATION: 10 days after 1 year of service; 15 days after 7 years of service; 20 days after 14 years of service; 25 days after 20 years of service; 1 additional duty day per year after 25 years of service (to a maximum of 30 duty days)

HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King's Birthday Veterans Day

Presidents' Day Thanksgiving Day

Good Friday Day After Thanksgiving

Juneteenth Christmas Eve (half day)

Memorial Day Christmas Day

Independence Day Two Unscheduled Holidays

PENSION: Employees of the City of Decatur contribute to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) at the rate of 4.5% per pay. The City of Decatur also contributes a percentage for the employee each pay. Employee contributions are refundable if employment ends before retirement.

OTHER: The City offers a three-tier health insurance plan for employees and their dependents. Employees contribute toward the monthly premium for single coverage and/or family coverage through payroll deduction. The City provides group life insurance in the amount of $20,000 for each employee at no cost to the employee. Dependent coverage is offered. Employees may purchase additional term life on a voluntary basis.

Employees may also purchase additional term life insurance sponsored by IMRF. Employees may participate in a voluntary group dental and vision insurance plan. Deferred compensation is also available.

To learn more details click here to view AFSCME Local 268 collective bargaining agreement.