City Engineer

The City of Lake Forest is seeking a collaborative, experienced, and forward-thinking City Engineer to join our Public Works team. This is an opportunity to lead high-impact, long-lasting initiatives in a community known for its commitment to thoughtful planning, high-quality design, and sustained infrastructure investment.

Lake Forest offers a distinctive environment for engineering professionals looking for meaningful, visible work in a well-supported and highly engaged organization.

Diverse and Engaging Projects
Lake Forest’s capital program extends beyond traditional infrastructure, encompassing a wide range of unique and technically interesting work, including bluff stabilization, ravine improvements, beach and boardwalk enhancements, streetscapes, and recreational facilities. This breadth offers the opportunity to take on complex, high-visibility projects that are not typical in many communities.

Collaborative and Well-Resourced Team
The Engineering Section operates within a comprehensive and team-oriented Public Works Department that includes a wide range of operations and services such as Water Plant, Water & Sewer, Streets, Sanitation, Fleet, Parks, Horticulture & Landscape, Forestry, and Building Maintenance. Staff work closely across these areas, creating a collaborative environment where projects benefit from strong internal partnerships and shared expertise.

Professional and Stable Governance Environment
The City operates with a volunteer, staff-supported City Council and an engaged community that prioritizes long-term infrastructure investment. This structure supports a stable, professional environment where staff are empowered to focus on long-term outcomes, sound decision-making, and effective project delivery.

Visible and Lasting Community Impact
Projects in Lake Forest are highly visible and play an important role in shaping the character, quality, and value of the community. The City Engineer is instrumental in delivering improvements that are both meaningful and lasting.

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Director of Public Works, the City Engineer performs complex professional engineering work in support of the City’s infrastructure systems and Capital Improvement Program, including water, sanitary and storm sewer systems, streets, parking facilities, bridges, and natural infrastructure such as ravines.

The City Engineer provides leadership across all phases of the Capital Improvement Program, including planning, cost estimating, project prioritization, grant coordination, and implementation. The role works closely with internal departments, consultants, and contractors to deliver projects on time, within budget, and in compliance with applicable standards.

• Lead and coordinate the planning, design, and delivery of infrastructure and capital improvement projects
• Manage projects through all phases, including design, bidding, and construction
• Develop and maintain the City’s Capital Improvement Program, including prioritization and budgeting
• Collaborate with Public Works, Finance, and Community Development on project planning and execution
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies
• Prepare and deliver presentations to City Council and committees

• Support grant applications and administration
• Supervise and support Engineering Section staff, providing leadership to a team of four employees with one direct report

• Licensed Illinois Professional Engineer (P.E.)
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineeringor a related field
• Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in municipal engineering
• Experience managing infrastructure projects from planning through construction
• Strong knowledge of civil engineering principles, construction practices, and regulatory requirements
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Full Benefits Package

• Full salary range:$136,824- $161,949 DOQ, annual progression based on merit
• Insurance: Medical (PPO/HMO), dental, vision
• Leave: 13 paid holidays, front-loaded vacation and sick time, parental leave
• Retirement: IMRF pension, plus 457(b) and Roth options
• Additional Benefits: Tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, legal and life coverage, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, longevity bonuses, and annual merit bonus opportunities based on exceptional performance

The City of Lake Forest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.