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City of Elgin, IL (pop. 115,000). The City of Elgin is seeking an experienced and collaborative engineering professional to serve as its new Assistant City Engineer. This newly created position offers an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing engineering department within one of Illinois’ largest cities. Elgin has a resilient history and strong, diverse community that continues to embody a desire for an even brighter future. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping an organization with a commitment to economic development and major infrastructure investment.
Situated along the scenic Fox River approximately 38 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Elgin is a dynamic and diverse city with convenient access to major regional transportation corridors, including Interstate 90, providing direct connectivity to Chicago and the broader metropolitan area, and U.S. Route 20 (U.S. Grant Memorial Highway). Founded in 1835, Elgin has evolved from an agricultural river town and manufacturing hub into a fast-growing city. Elgin offers a compelling mix of urban amenities, cultural and arts opportunities, and suburban livability. Residents enjoy a vibrant downtown, access to the Fox River, an extensive park and trail system, and convenient access to three Metra stations and Pace local bus services.
The City of Elgin operates under a Council–Manager form of government, with the Mayor and City Council establishing policy direction and the City Manager overseeing day-to-day operations. The Engineering Department is a core component of service delivery, ensuring safe streets, reliable utilities, effective stormwater management, and forward-looking infrastructure solutions for residents and businesses. This position reports directly to the Public Services Director. This role has supervisory responsibility, overseeing other members of the engineering team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead development review, right-of-way permitting, and acceptance of public improvements to support safe, compliant growth.
- Plan, design, and manage public works and utility projects within the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
- Oversee engineering plans, cost estimates, bid documents, consultant contracts, and construction inspection.
- Supervise and mentor Engineering Division staff and coordinate projects across departments and agencies.
- Serve as a technical expert in transportation, stormwater, water, and sanitary sewer systems.
- Engage with developers, contractors, the public, and City Council as a professional engineering representative.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or closely related field required.
- Five (5) years or more of professional civil engineering experience, preferably in municipal infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, development review, or capital project management. The City is highly open to considering candidates from the private sector who can demonstrate relevant experience and an understanding of public sector operations and regulatory requirements.
- Licensed State of Illinois Professional Engineer (P.E.), or ability to obtain through reciprocity within six (6) months of hire.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Ideal Candidate
The City seeks an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking engineering professional who:
The City seeks an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking engineering professional who:
- Possesses strong knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices in a municipal context.
- Has a proven track record of managing public infrastructure projects, including design, cost estimating, construction oversight, and grant management.
- Is a confident communicator, comfortable presenting technical information to elected officials, boards, and residents.
- Demonstrates strong leadership and supervisory skills, fostering teamwork and professional development among staff.
- Exercises sound judgment and discretion, balancing technical requirements with community needs and expectations.
- Brings innovative, sustainable approaches to stormwater management, transportation, and capital planning.
- Has familiarity with a CAD system and NaviLine, or another similar financial enterprise system.
Compensation and Benefits:
The full salary range is $122,000 – $196,000 +/- DOQ. Residency is not required. The City of Elgin offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: potential for limited remote work capabilities; paid vacation, sick, holiday time; BCBSIL PPO/HMO health insurance; dental insurance, life insurance, eight (8) weeks of paid parental leave; optional 457(b) deferred compensation plans; flex spending (FSA) options; professional development budget; fitness center; and Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension eligibility.
The full salary range is $122,000 – $196,000 +/- DOQ. Residency is not required. The City of Elgin offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: potential for limited remote work capabilities; paid vacation, sick, holiday time; BCBSIL PPO/HMO health insurance; dental insurance, life insurance, eight (8) weeks of paid parental leave; optional 457(b) deferred compensation plans; flex spending (FSA) options; professional development budget; fitness center; and Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension eligibility.
How to Apply:
Apply online with a resume and cover letter by the application deadline of May 15, 2026. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Ashley Eccles at 847-380-3240 x134.
Apply online with a resume and cover letter by the application deadline of May 15, 2026. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Ashley Eccles at 847-380-3240 x134.
The City of Elgin is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
Posted: 2026-04-13
To apply for this job please visit www.govhrusa.com.