What are the responsibilities and job description for the Civil Engineer position at Lake County Illinois?
General Description
At the Division of Transportation (DOT) our mission is to provide a safe, efficient and innovative transportation system to enhance mobility, economic development and quality of life in Lake County. As an Civil Engineer on our team, you’ll take on meaningful projects that shape infrastructure, connect communities, and improve everyday life—while advancing your career with a team driven by innovation, collaboration, and real impact.
At the Division of Transportation, Civil Engineers can grow their careers in four rewarding areas:
- Construction: Lead road and bridge projects in the field as a Resident Engineer, seeing work come to life and making real-time decisions. Responsibilities include daily inspection of construction contracts and contractor field work to ensure compliance with plans and specifications, measuring and documenting the work for payment. Primarily field-based, Mon–Fri, 6:30am–3:00pm, with anticipated paid overtime during peak construction season (April–November).
- Capital Projects: As a project manager, oversee the Phase I and Phase II process for complex, high-impact projects within an $800M program, working with consultants and stakeholders to deliver major highway improvements. Office-based, Mon–Fri, 8:00am–4:30pm, with flexible schedules and remote options.
- In-House Design: As a Design Engineer, design and develop roadway plans, specifications, and estimates while coordinating with agencies and partners for in-house design projects. Provide technical guidance and plan review for major highway projects led by the Capital Projects team. Office-based, Mon–Fri, 8:00am–4:30pm, with flexible schedules and remote options.
- Traffic: Play a key role in improving traffic flow and safety by designing, analyzing, and optimizing signal systems and the County’s Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Work includes signal timing, capacity analysis, and reviewing intersection improvements. Primarily office-based, Mon–Fri, 8:00am–4:30pm, with occasional field work and flexible/remote options.
At this time, we have openings in the following divisions - Construction, Capital Projects, & In-House Design - and we are actively hiring for these areas. We are accepting applications for all divisions and will contact qualified candidates if a position becomes available within their selected division.
Essential Functions
- Manage or support transportation projects from planning through construction
- Review work for compliance with plans, specifications, and engineering standards
- Coordinate with internal staff, municipalities, consultants, contractors, and the public
- Perform field inspections, site visits, and data collection
- Prepare and review plans, specifications, cost estimates, and technical reports
- Monitor project progress, budgets, and schedules
- Document construction activities and maintain accurate project records
- Perform technical analysis and develop engineering solutions
- Communicate technical information to stakeholders and the public
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across office and field environments
Daily responsibilities may vary based on division assignment, project phase, and operational priorities. As needed, engineers may work across multiple functions including design, construction, traffic operations, and capital delivery, contributing to the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the County’s transportation system.
Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required
Based on education, licensure, and experience, we have Civil Engineer roles at three levels:
Position Level
2 years relevant experience
Registration as an Engineer-in-Training under the Illinois Professional Engineering Act
6 years relevant experience
Licensed Professional Engineer issued by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
All Civil Engineering roles require:
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Working knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering.
- Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
- Effective problem solving ability for complex engineering issues.
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The ability to work effectively independently and as a member of a team.
- Possession of a valid Driver's License, supplemented by a satisfactory driving record, required.
You can find our full salary ranges for these positions here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/86137/FY26-Salary-Grades
Supplemental Information
Why Join the Lake County Division of Transportation?
At the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT), you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community by helping plan, design, and deliver transportation infrastructure projects that improve mobility, safety, and quality of life for residents and visitors throughout the county.
Benefits of a Career in Local Government:
- Competitive pension and long-term retirement security
- Comprehensive benefits and government retirement programs
- Strong work-life balance with predictable schedules
- Meaningful public service through community-focused infrastructure projects
- Stable employment with opportunities for professional growth and development
To learn more about LCDOT and the work we do, visit: Lake County Division of Transportation. To view current and upcoming transportation projects, visit: Current and Upcoming Projects
Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County! Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam.
Salary : $74,411 - $94,803