City Engineer at City of Highland Park, IL

About the Department

Primary Purpose: Leads the City’s engineering functions, including development and implementation of the annual Capital Improvement Program, administration of the Lake County Watershed Development Ordinance, oversight of the Stormwater Management Fee program, flood plain and new development plan reviews, and traffic engineering matters. The position assists the other Public Works Divisions and Sections, as well as other departments, in managing public infrastructure improvement projects. This role is heavily involved in working with internal and external customers, in person, over the phone, via virtual meetings, and via email. The City Engineer is a member of the Traffic Management Committee and oversees the management of the Transportation Advisory Group.

Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Director of Public Works with minimal daily oversight.

Supervision Exercised: Directly supervises the Engineering Division staff and their daily operations.

Expected Hiring Range: $130,000 - $165,000 +/- dependent on qualifications. 2026 projected max of full salary range: $187,930.

Position Duties

Supervise the Engineering Division staff. Assign and monitor complex and professional engineering work for projects involving environmental, structural, water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, street, and other facets of civil engineering. Direct office staff and participate in field work as required. Ensure compliance with codes and criteria. Attend public hearings and meetings, including City Council, Transportation Management Committee (TMC), and Transportation Advisory Group (TAG).

Manage and perform in-house design of capital improvement projects. Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates for City capital improvement projects through in-house design or consulting engineers. Prepare requests for proposals and related documents when outside engineering assistance is required. Identify, apply for, and manage grants and associated reporting.

Recommend contract awards and prepare associated documentation, including Staff Reports for City Council. Draft correspondence to residents, businesses, consulting engineers, IDOT, and other local and regional agencies.

Serve as the primary contact for City engineering issues, including ravines, bluffs, infrastructure, and transportation. Present engineering solutions at public meetings and in consultation with developers and residents. Oversee all facets of construction management, including design, design review, inspection, field survey, stake-out, payments, correspondence, as-built review, and contract close-out.

Review private development plans and specifications for projects with a scope of commercial use, multi-family, properties located in a floodplain/floodway, and properties located in ravines and bluffs requiring adherence to City Code to ensure compliance with drainage, grading, and code requirements. Determine applicable codes and requirements for assigned projects.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Minimum Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university/college in civil engineering or a closely related field required. A master’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related field is strongly preferred.

Experience: Five to seven years of professional engineering experience, preferably in municipal government, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. At least three years of supervisory experience preferred.

Certification or License: Valid Illinois driver’s license or equivalent. Illinois Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain through reciprocity within six months of hire. Lake County Enforcement Officer certification, or the ability to obtain within two years of hire.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Proficiencies:
• Comprehensive knowledge of civil engineering principles & practices in a municipal setting
• Ability to apply City policies, laws, and regulations to engineering projects.
• Proficiency in infrastructure design and cost estimation.
• Strong report writing, correspondence, and presentation skills.
• Effective communication skills with employees, consultants, agencies, officials, & public.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, maintain confidentiality, and make sound decisions.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills; ability to work independently.
• Proficiency with personal computers, office systems, and engineering-related software.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to convey information effectively and discreetly.