The Department of Transportation and Highways seeks a Bureau Chief - Construction to function as Chief Engineer of the Construction Bureau for the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways. Plans, formulates, executes and supervises the activities and operations of five (5) divisions including Construction Office; Material Testing; and three (3) Supervising Engineers' Divisions; encompassing professional, technical or paraprofessional support staff. Under the direction of the Superintendent of the Department of Transportation and Highways, formulates and implements all bureau policies and procedures; determines and develops long-range planning strategies.

Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.

WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?

In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:

• Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 7 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 10 vacation days annually; Up to 4 personal days annually; and Paid sick leave)
• Pension Plan
• Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts – Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
• Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.

Please review carefully the Employee Benefits page. For benefits questions contact Risk Management at 312-603-6385 or email risk.mgmt@cookcountyil.gov.

SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY

• Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
  • 2nd largest county in America
  • Larger than 27 states
• Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
  • Nearly 80% unionized workforce
  • 15 unions represented
  • 63 separate collective bargaining agreements
• Highway – Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
• Land – Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
• Safety – Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.

 LOCATION

Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.

ROLE SUMMARY

Functions as Chief Engineer of the Construction Bureau for the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways. Plans, formulates, executes and supervises the activities and operations of five (5) divisions including Construction Office; Material Testing; and three (3) Supervising Engineers' Divisions; encompassing professional, technical or paraprofessional support staff. Responsible for construction supervision of all projects on county and township roads and highway maintenance facilities; provides engineering and inspection services to ensure standard specifications and provisions are met. Compiles, prepares and submits the annual Construction Plan for the County. Under the direction of the Superintendent of the Department of Transportation and Highways, formulates and implements all bureau policies and procedures; determines and develops long-range planning strategies. Confers regularly and in a confidential manner with the Superintendent of the Department of Transportation and Highways in all matters pertinent to the above including problematic assignment, consultant and personnel issues which may arise. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Executes, administers and coordinates the construction of all highway improvement projects on Cook County and township roadways.
• Conducts meetings with utility companies, state and federal highway agencies, contractors and local authorities to organize relevant activities relative to ongoing construction projects.
• Oversees and handles all confidential personnel issues including performance evaluations, recommendations on promotions, and disciplinary actions. Confers with Supervisor of Employment relative to job postings for available positions; interviews job applicants and recommends candidates.
• Interviews and recommends contractors who provide construction services for highway projects; negotiates contracts, reviews and evaluates contractor's performance and approves invoices for payment. Ensures projects meet deadlines.
• Develops and recommends goals and long-range planning strategies for the Construction Bureau relative to the Department of Transportation and Highways five (5) year plan on projects and to the department's overall mission and objectives; confers and advises the Superintendent of the Department of Transportation and Highways on the implementation of policies and procedures for the Bureau. Prepares and submits budget appropriations for the Construction Bureau.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted highway engineering procedures and methods; County, State, Federal Highway policies, programs, regulations and requirements relative to highway construction. 
• Knowledge of the operations and functions of the Construction Bureau Divisions. 
• Ability to administer a variety of highly technical and managerial functions, coordinating diverse engineering efforts to assure the timely and efficient completion of projects; ability to exercise sound engineering judgment in the formulation and execution of plans in the Highway Construction area.
• Possession of advanced supervisory skills acquired through exposure to a wide variety of management problems. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form. Ability to direct, motivate and supervise subordinates through to completion of work assignments. 
• Ability to analyze, prioritize and handle a large number of projects and problems effectively under stressful conditions and time constraints.