Civil Engineer Trainee

Description:

Job Responsibilities

Under immediate supervision, this position performs technical work of a civil engineering nature in connection with the planning, design, construction and operation of transportation infrastructure. This position serves as a civil engineer trainee position for the department. Specific assignments will be made based on location (district or central office) and candidate qualifications at time of employment offer.
Number of Projects: Varies
Value of Construction Projects: Varies
This position reports to an assigned supervisor. No subordinates report to this position.
The assigned position operates in a training environment. The incumbent will gain broadened experience in civil engineering areas such as planning, design, construction and operation of transportation infrastructure. The functions of this position vary based on the assigned area within the department.
Typical problems faced by the incumbent are the interpretation of plans and specifications while inspecting and directing the contractor’s personnel in compliance with the specifications. The greatest challenge is to balance the application of civil engineering principles to field conditions.
A Civil Engineer Trainee located in a specific district may assist in preparing environmental studies, geometric analyses, hydraulic analyses, design plans, special provisions, cost estimates and time estimates on highway improvement projects in accordance with current standards, specifications, policy procedures and good engineering practice. They may assist in construction layout, inspections, materials testing, computations and documentation required on various transportation construction projects ensuring projects are completed in compliance with specifications and provisions. They may also assist in bridge inspections, documenting bridge deficiencies, and preparing field notes for bridge repair projects. When located in a specific district, the incumbent rotates to various bureaus within the district as part of the rotational training program.

A Civil Engineer Trainee located in the central office may be assigned to the Bureau of Bridges and Structures, Materials, Operations, Safety Programs and Engineering, or Aeronautics. A Civil Engineer Trainee in the central Bureau of Bridges and Structures may assist in the structural analysis and detailed design required in the production of structural contract plans utilized in the construction of bridge and traffic structures. They may assist in analyzing and designing superstructures, substructure, foundations, retaining walls, culverts and other traffic structures. They may assist in performing hydrologic and hydraulic analysis for highway stream crossings. They may assist in preparing and/or reviewing structure geotechnical reports and foundation and geotechnical aspects for structures. A Civil Engineer located in the central office Bureau of Materials may assist in conducting tests and analyses concerning materials investigations, developing and updating materials specifications, performing

(Job Responsibilities continued)

inspections of materials producers, and evaluating and administering experimental features. A Civil Engineer located in the central office Bureau Operations may assist in developing and implementing policy and procedures associated with oversize/overweight vehicle permitting, vehicle weight enforcement, winter operations, roadside maintenance, accommodating utilities. A Civil Engineer located in the central office Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering may assist in developing and administering programs for the improvement of vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian safety. A Civil Engineer located in the central office Division of Aeronautics may assist with engineering tasks for airport projects within Illinois by reviewing engineering reports, plans, specifications, engineering agreements and recommending solution methods for complex designs or assist with the initiation, scope, coordination, development, review, and financial management of various airport planning projects and project specific environmental surveys, studies, and determinations for all airport project developments.
The incumbent is governed by applicable specifications and departmental polices. S/He refers major problems or issues to their supervisor.