CIVIL ENGINEER TRAINEE - BUREAU OF SAFETY PROGRAMS & ENGINEERING

Job Requisition ID: 59181 - IPR# 26-01587
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/30/2026
Agency: Department of Transportation
Class Title:  CIVIL ENGINEER TRAINEE - PW110 
Salary:  Anticipated Starting Salary $4,631 monthly; Full Range: $4,631 - $6,323 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:  Full Time  
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: NR 916 Pro-Tech Teamsters Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch.
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location: 2300 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, Illinois, 62764
Work County: Sangamon

Office: Office of Highways and Intermodal Project Implementation/Bureau of Safety Programs & Engineering

Agency Contact: View email address on us.fitly.work

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview:

This position assists in evaluating state-of-the-practice research roadway safety topics, revising existing policies, developing new policies, and addressing roadway safety issues. Under immediate supervision, it provides technical assistance, administrative support, and training related to work zones, highway-railroad grade crossings, vulnerable road users, highway clear zones, and roadside treatments. The role includes reviewing crash data to identify patterns associated with roadway design and supporting the development of mitigation measures.

Essential Functions

• Assists in the evaluation of state-of-the-practice published research on state-of-the-art roadside appurtenances.
• Assists with revisions and the development of new standards, procedures, and policy recommendations relative to highway safety needs.
• Prepares technical correspondence and reports on safety issues, under immediate supervision.
• Performs on-site reviews on an as-needed basis, under immediate supervision.
• Assists with crash data analysis and roadway safety issues.
• Consults with staff in policy development units within the Bureau of Design and Environment, other central bureaus, other states, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to ensure that proposed policies are uniform.
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from an ABET accredited college (including those expecting to graduate in the next 12 months) OR a current Illinois Engineer Intern Certificate OR a current Professional Engineer license in the state of Illinois OR a current Structural Engineer License in the state of Illinois. Those applying with only a degree must have a minimum of 2.0 (out of 4.0) cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). If cumulative GPA is between 2.0 and 2.5 (out of 4.0), applicants must also possess a current Illinois Engineer Intern Certificate OR a current Professional Engineer license in the state of Illinois OR a current Structural Engineer License in the state of Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the routine practices of civil engineering.
• Coursework and training in civil engineering preferably with an emphasis on transportation and/or roadway safety.
• Basic skill in the use of engineering field and office instruments.
• Ability to make relatively difficult technical computations and estimates.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver’s license.
• Occasional travel within the state and out-of-state, which may include overnight stays.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire a Civil Engineer Trainee.

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois.

Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs. 

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. 

• As a Civil Engineer Trainee, you have the possibility of promoting to a Civil Engineer I within 7-9 months.
• A possibility of promoting to a Civil Engineer II within 12-24 months.
• A possibility of promoting to a Civil Engineer III within 18-24 months.

Civil Engineer Trainees with the Illinois Department of Transportation are trained in a variety of specializations during the program. They work with engineers from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and careers. They are exposed to both external and internal engineering professionals. This program is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and career while networking within a vast engineering network. IDOT offers an ideal program to start and expand an engineering career.

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling).
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually.
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually.
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually.
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement

• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

“ Seasonal and temporary workers should use a personal e-mail address when applying for jobs”

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• View email address on us.fitly.work
• View email address on us.fitly.work