Description

General Statement of Work

The Rend Lake Conservancy District is looking for a Civil Engineer – Project Manager to serve as a Project Manager for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. You’ll lead projects from early planning through design and construction, coordinating with District staff, consulting engineers, contractors, and regulators.

 If you enjoy solving real-world infrastructure challenges and working closely with operations teams to make infrastructure systems better and more reliable - this role is for you.

 Why Work Here

• Make a visible impact. Your projects directly improve public health, reliability, and service for the communities we serve.
• Variety and challenge. Work spans potable water distribution and treatment, wastewater collection and treatment, and other engineering challenges here at the District. 
• Collaborative team. Partner closely with operations staff and leadership who value practical solutions and clear communication.
• Stability with purpose. Public infrastructure work with a mission you can feel good about, every day.

Duties

Project leadership & delivery

• Manage capital improvement projects (often around $2 million) from concept through closeout.
• Assist in building project scopes, schedules, and budgets; track progress; and keep stakeholders informed.
• Support construction with submittal reviews, pay estimates, change orders, and field issue resolution as needed.

Engineering & technical oversight

• Develop and/or review designs, plans, specifications, permitting packages, and final construction documents for:
  
  • Water distribution systems and pumping stations
  • Sewer collection systems and lift stations
  • Stormwater systems
  • Water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Provide technical evaluations and design support for reports and planning.

Consultant, contractor, and vendor coordination

• Lead and manage outside consulting engineers and technical staff to produce:
  • Preliminary Engineering Reports (PERs)
  • Opinions of Probable Construction Cost (OPCC)
  • Supporting estimates, schedules, and project documentation
• Manage contracts and consultant/vendor relationships.

Compliance, funding, and collaboration

• Coordinate permitting and ensure projects meet local, state, and federal requirements related to water quality, public health, and environmental protection.
• Stay familiar with funding opportunities and assist with pursuing grant and funding opportunities.
• Partner with water and wastewater operations staff to identify and prioritize repair, replacement, and improvement needs.

Design tools (as needed)

• Perform CAD/design work using Autodesk Civil 3D and related software.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited university.
• 5–10+ years of experience in municipal engineering and/or water/wastewater engineering.
• Illinois Professional Engineer (PE) preferred, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Understanding of modern water treatment systems and associated technologies.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally to project sites.

Skills that help you succeed

• Clear, professional communication with internal teams, the public, consultants, and regulators.
• Strong organization and time management - comfortable juggling multiple projects.
• Experience preparing or reviewing permitting submittals and working with regulatory agencies.
• Solid computer skills (Microsoft Office) and familiarity with CAD tools (Civil 3D preferred).
• Experience utilizing GIS software and survey grade GPS data collection is a plus.