County Engineer

Coles County, Illinois is seeking an experienced, highly motivated and collaborative individual to serve as the Assistant County Engineer with advancement to the County Engineer position on January 1, 2027. This position performs all services and acts reasonably necessary to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of County Engineer as described in the Illinois Highway Code (605 ILCS 5). The Assistant County Engineer will work closely with the current County Engineer during a transition period while assisting in the management and operation of the Coles County Highway Department. Department Overview Coles County maintains 141 miles of county highways with 52 NBIS bridges, 744 miles of township roads with 164 NBIS bridges, and coordinates with 12 Township Highway Commissioners. Minimum Qualifications Candidates shall meet the minimum qualifications of 605 ILCS 5/5-201 and shall in addition: Be a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois. Have at least eight (8) years of significant practical, progressively responsible civil engineering experience in highway and bridge engineering including: Phase I & II design engineering of highways and bridges Phase III construction engineering of highways and bridges Drainage analyses and evaluations Construction and maintenance Two (2) years of supervisory or management experience Proficient computer and technology skills in word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and internet research. Familiarity with budgeting, accounting and bookkeeping. Hold a valid driver's license. Successfully pass the County Engineer examination administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Possess strong written and oral communication skills. The ability to work with a wide variety of public & private stakeholders. Desirable Qualifications Desirable candidates will in addition: Have and possess a strong business and administrative background. Have training certifications in applicable IDOT and FHWA areas. The ability to interpret laws, policies, procedures, plan documents, contract language, material designs, material testing, and other relevant documents for state and federally funded projects. Job Description a. Prepare or cause to be prepared, plans, specifications and estimates for all bridges and culverts to be built by the County, or by one or more road districts, and supervise the construction of all such bridges and culverts. b. Act for the County in all matters relating to the supervision of the construction or maintenance of any highway constructed or maintained in whole or in part at the expense of Coles County. c. Advise the Highway Commissioners of the road districts in Coles County, when requested in writing, and direct, as otherwise required by law, the Highway Commissioners of the road districts of Coles County, as to the best methods of construction, repair, or maintenance of township roads. d. Upon request of the Highway Commissioner of any road district in the county, prepare or cause to be prepared all maps, plans, specifications and estimates of cost needed to comply with the law as it pertains to the construction of township roads. e. Supervise the construction or maintenance of all county highways within Coles County. f. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law and applicable rules and regulations of the Illinois Department of Transportation and as required or directed by the Coles County Board, provided such requirements or directions of said board are not inconsistent with the law. g. Supervise all highway department employees. h. Handle or cause to be handled all purchasing and financial transactions of the highway department in accordance with applicable policies established by the County Board of Coles County, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration. Starting County Engineer's Salary - $134,000 - $140,300 DOQ How to Apply We offer an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision, paid holidays, personal days, sick days, vacation, and retirement. If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, application and copy of the current and valid Illinois P.E. License to the Coles County Board Office, 651 Jacson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920 or email at viki.beabout@co.coles.il.us.

Application Deadline:

Open Until filled. Coles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Updated timeline:

Advertise in mid-June 2026, with submittal deadline toward the middle of July 2026. Interviews in early August 2026. Hire September-November 2026 depending on background of candidate. Person to work as the Assistant County Engineer until January with guarantee that the job is theirs during this time. Taking over many of the day to day duties as time progresses. Have complete signatory and legal authority on January 1, 2027, with concurrence of the Illinois Department of Transportation and the County Board. My last day will be approximately January 15, 2027. This is all fluid, and all comments are appreciated and wanted. I just want the transition to be the best for the county board and highway office. I feel this will give an individual the best opportunity to learn the position and growth as a county engineer, in turn will give the county a better product for years to come. Coles County is an equal employment opportunity employer. Applicants will be considered without discrimination for race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or familial status, disability, or political affiliation.

Pay:

$134,000.00 - $140,300.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person