Director of Public Works and Engineering

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates and evaluates all activities of the Department’s Administration, Engineering, Forestry, Street, Facility, Fleet, and Utility divisions to effectively achieve department and Village objectives. Work requires exercise of highly independent professional judgment and initiative within the framework of established regulations, standards, codes, procedures, and policies.

Requirements:

The essential job duties below are equally of importance and must be performed in order for the incumbent to be successful. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Under the general direction of the Village Administrator and in cooperation with department heads and other officials, plans and establishes objectives, both short term and long term, for the Department of Public Works and Engineering. Schedules and coordinates work to achieve these objectives.
2. Ensures effective performance and completion of all Public Works and Engineering operations. Directs and oversees the work of subordinate supervisors in the repair and maintenance of streets, forestry, storm and sanitary sewer systems, water resource recovery facility, water distribution system, public buildings, Village-wide fleet., and other related department tasks.
3. Oversees and coordinates preparation of Village-wide Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Ensures the effective performance and completion of projects related to the CIP.
4. Meets with other departments, developers, and agencies in planning and reviewing proposed Village developments or infrastructures.
5. Responds to emergency situations and oversees incident operations for Public Works and Engineering.
6. Prepares a variety of memorandums, correspondences, and reports to the Village Administrator, Board of Trustees, department heads, , or other jurisdictional agencies.
7. Reviews, and may revise, proposals, bid drafts, bid specifications, correspondences, memorandums, resolutions, contracts, etc. and all other documents relating to the department.
8. Performs required administrative budgetary functions including preparation and submittal of annual departmental and capital improvement project budgets, proposing projects and programs, recommending staffing and equipment, in addition to overseeing expenditures within approved limits.
9. Provides technical advice to department heads and Village staff regarding proposals, projects, etc.
10. Provides general and specific information and assistance to the public and outside agencies. Responds to complaints. Schedules operations to minimize disruption to the public.
11. Handles personnel functions of the department including administering collective bargaining agreement. Makes recommendations on hiring, discharging, disciplining, transferring, suspending and promotions. Provides memorandums for such functions.
12. Plans and attends a variety of meetings, including but not limited to Village Board, departmental, administrative, civic groups, contractors, residential, etc. and may present data and/or visual effects as may be appropriate.
13. Reviews and inspects projects and operations to ensure adequate public services. Conduct review of all building permit applications.
14. Keeps abreast of existing and anticipates potential problems, circumstances, activities, or events which may/will affect the department and keeps the Village Administrator apprised of same.
15. Enforces all departmental safety requirements of subordinates including, but not limited to, applicable OSHA and general Village safety regulations.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The incumbent must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities in order to successfully perform the essential job duties.

• Strong administrative, supervisory, leadership and communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of the methods, equipment, and materials involved in Public Works operations, including proper safety precautions.
• Working knowledge of the principles of engineering, including the ability to read and interpret engineering plans and technical drawings.
• Knowledge of pertinent laws, statutes, and ordinances affecting the operation of the department, specifically water and wastewater laws administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to examine alternatives and options and demonstrate that recommendations have been fully researched and are fiscally responsible.
• Honesty and complete integrity plus a high sense of personal and professional ethics.
• Ability to work effectively as part of the Village’s management team with Village officials and employees, community and business leaders, and the general public.
• Ability to organize and schedule activities in line with priorities and to supervise and motivate employees.
• Ability to create well-written, comprehensive, and thorough administrative and technical memorandums, correspondences and reports.
• Ability to speak articulately, clearly, and effectively. Ability to present to small and large groups of individuals.
• Ability to translate complicated, technical public works and engineering issues and terminology into common language and make effective oral public presentations to the Village Board, community organizations and citizens.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
• Ability to plan and manage workloads through the use of both permanent and consulting staff to meet established time schedules and to expedite assignments as needed.
• Ability to follow and enforce all job-related safety requirements including, but not limited to applicable federal, state, and Village safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Ability to successfully pass applicable medical, physical examinations, including required drug screen.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential job duties. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential job duties.

Work is performed mostly in an office environment. Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to sit; stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
2. Minimum of seven (7) years of Public Works and/or municipal engineering experience.
3. Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience.
4. Professional Engineering (PE) license required or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire. Water and/or Wastewater certifications are also desirable.
5. National Incident Management System (NIMS) training as required.
6. Any equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $151,557 to $190,255, with the starting salary dependent on qualifications.

The Village offers a generous benefits package, which includes a pension plan, personal time off, and coverage of the majority of the monthly premium for medical insurance. Additionally, dental, vision, basic life, and AD&D insurance are fully covered by the Village. Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits begin on the first day of employment. There are also other ancillary voluntary benefits available.

Applications for the Director of Public Works & Engineering vacancy are accepted until January 5, 2026.

The Village of Mundelein is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with applicable federal civil rights laws. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. The Village of Mundelein does not exclude individuals or treat them differently on these bases.