Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Assistant Civil Engineer (#20003221)


General Statement

Under immediate supervision, performs entry-level civil engineering work in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of water reclamation plants and sewers.  May supervise sub-professional personnel.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Participates in the preparation of engineering designs, layouts and specifications for water reclamation plants and related facilities; assists in the preparation of contract documents; reviews contract submittals for compliance with quality and safety requirements.
  • Acts as resident engineer on small projects of simple complexity. Assists a superior in supervising and inspecting civil engineering construction activities, workmanship and materials and in enforcing conformity with plans and specifications; prepares construction reports and attends field meetings.
  • Supervises or participates in surveying activities.
  • Plans, schedules and supervises sludge drying and sludge hauling activities in the field.
  • Conducts engineering studies, tests and analyses; conducts research regarding alternative techniques or processes; collects, calculates, organizes and enters statistical data; prepares reports pertaining to output, progress and/or operations.
  • Assists in the compilation and computation of cost of materials and equipment pertaining to contracts and in the economic analysis of design projects.
  • Prepares internal and external correspondence regarding engineering projects and related inquiries; confers with other sections, technical consultants and contractors regarding project requirements and assists in the resolution of associated problems.

Other Job Functions

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Typical office environment.  May use standard office equipment and computer terminals.  May involve exposure to a variety of operating mechanical equipment and loud noise and/or noxious odors.  May include working in all types of weather conditions throughout the plant facility and collection system. May involve working in close proximity to or in conjunction with construction activities and heavy equipment, and may require exposure to a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Some knowledge of professional civil engineering criteria as it applies to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of sewage treatment plant facilities, sewer collection systems and flood control systems.
  • Some knowledge of engineering design principles, especially those involving hydraulics, hydrologic and soil considerations.
  • Some knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information in civil and environmental engineering.
  • Some knowledge of the biological, physical, bacteriological, microbiological, and chemical design criteria for water treatment.
  • Ability to conduct surveys and make other field computations.
  • Ability to prepare estimates for design and construction.
  • Ability to utilize word processors, spread sheets, database managers, and similar applications.
  • Ability understand and interpret detailed construction schedules prepared by the critical path method.
  • Ability to understand and interpret detailed civil engineering designs and specifications.
  • Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to apply engineering formulas to routine mathematics equations.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in chemical, civil, environmental, sanitary or structural engineering.

Promotional Requirement

  • Possession of a bachelor’s degree in chemical, civil, environmental, sanitary or structural engineering.
  • One year of service with the District as a Treatment Plant Operator I or Engineering Technician IV.
  • Civil service status as a Treatment Plant Operator I or Engineering Technician IV; or civil service status as an Engineer Trainee.

CLASS: 20003221; EST: 1/1/2014; REV: 1/1/2020;