CHIEF WATER ENGINEER

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

CHIEF WATER ENGINEER, X43

Chicago Department of Water Management

Bureau of Engineering Services

Number of Positions: 1

(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $129,936.00

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on July 21, 2025.

Under general direction, functions as an executive level manager, reporting directly to the Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Engineering Services. Functions as the lead Engineer and second in-charge of the bureau by directing the planning, design, implementation and administration of the water main capital improvement program, regional coordination of engineering projects, special engineering projects, and performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

* Manages and directs division units (e.g., inspections, capital projects, water main planning and operations, water main design, water main construction, reimbursable fund, special projects, or regional coordination) within the water engineering group to ensure the overall implementation of the capital improvement program and maintenance of the municipal water distribution system.

* Manage professional engineers involved in the review and preparation of designs, plans, specifications, layouts and other construction documentation.

* Reviews, approves, and stamps final design plans for water main replacement and construction projects.

* Assists in the development of the strategic direction of the division to ensure that objectives and performance measures are consistent with departmental, City and service expectations.

* Plans and directs the budgeting and program management of the water main capital improvement program and facilities capital improvement projects.

* May oversee regional coordination of engineering projects to maintain consistency.

* May oversee special projects that require engineering design and construction management.

* Compiles engineering and financial data on the existing water main system and new capital projects to assist the department in obtaining funding from various sources (e.g., bonds, loans and grants) for planned water main infrastructure improvements.

* Implements financial controls to monitor the disbursement of project funds to contractors and engineering consultants * Develops and monitors performance indicators on the capital improvement program.

* Supervises the preparation of financial and engineering reports detailing the progress of all work within the division to management.

* Provides oversight to staff engaged in contract administration activities (e.g., reviewing and evaluating contract proposals, finalizing contracts for submission to the Department of Procurement Services and monitoring contracts for compliance).

* Represents the department at various technical and civil organizations to discuss water main planning and improvement projects.

* Selects, supervises, trains and evaluates the performance of assigned unit managers, supervisors and staff.

* Attends meetings with other City departments, elected officials and outside agencies; explains and justifies Department programs, policies and activities; and negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant and controversial issues.

Additional duties may be required for this position.

Location: Chicago Department of Water Management

1000 East Ohio

Shift: Monday - Friday

Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, PLUS six (6) years of supervisory experience in the planning, design, and construction management of engineering projects, OR * Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or higher in Engineering, PLUS five (5) years of supervisory experience in the planning, design, and construction management of engineering projects. Registration as a Professional Engineer (R.P.E.).

NOTE: At the time of employment, you must have obtained Registration as a Professional Engineer (R.P.E.) in the State of Illinois.

NOTE: A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required.

NOTE: Must have the permanent use of an automobile that is properly insured, including a clause specifically insuring the City of Chicago from accident liability.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS: This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview will be selected.

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:

https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf

APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. The Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference for applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor