Decatur, IL (68,670)– The City of Decatur, Illinois is seeking a loyal, dedicated, and compassionate Assistant City Engineer that is proficient in water distribution and water treatment.

Decatur is a city with small-town warmth and big heart. Nestled in central Illinois, it’s known for its strong sense of community, affordable living, and easy pace of life—no long commutes here. Whether you’re into local parks, quiet neighborhoods, or historic charm, Decatur offers a comfortable, grounded lifestyle without the distractions and costs of a big city. Plus, it’s within driving distance to places like Springfield, Champaign, and even Chicago for a weekend getaway.

Known as the “Pride of the Prairie”, Decatur is located in Macon County and covers about 46.9 square miles. The City of Decatur is governed by a City Manager form of government. The City Manager works alongside the Mayor. The Assistant City Engineer is appointed by the City Manager.

The Assistant City Engineer plays a key role in the city’s infrastructure team, taking direct responsibility for task management, interdepartmental collaboration, minor plan reviews, and supporting both capital and operational projects. This role involves consulting with departments, coordinating across teams, and assisting the City Engineer in delivering high-quality, reliable public works services. The Assistant City Engineer is supported by the City’s annual Water Division budget of $34.5 million, ensuring effective allocation, compliance, and long-term planning.

Challenges and Opportunities
• Implement the city sustainability water utility plan
• Contribute to ongoing water treatment plant upgrades
• Quickly onboard into the city’s water utility systems and processes
• Support ongoing improvements and compliance
• Drive efforts to replace components within the water distribution system
• Support the development and implementation of drought resiliency project
• Serve as acting City Engineer during periods of absence or transition

Success: The city seeks an energetic and dedicated Assistant City Engineer—an expert in their field who hits the ground running, learns quickly, is actively present on the job and engaged in day-to-day operations.

Qualifications and Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree - Civil Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE) License
• Professional Experience – Seven (7) to Ten (10) years of experience
• Water utility background is preferred
• Minimum of four (4) to six (6) years of experience in utilities, public works, and engineering
• Must live within 50 miles of corporate limits

Ideal candidates will
• Demonstrate a genuine desire to serve the public and improve community infrastructure
• Approach work with care and compassion, understanding the real-world impact of city service
• Exhibit strong dedication to the mission, projects, and long-term success of the City of Decatur
• Value loyalty and commitment, fostering trust within the team
• Balance a task-oriented mindset with a people-first approach, ensuring both project goals and team relationships are well-managed (CS- DISC Style)
• Bring a sense of humor and positive attitude to team dynamics and public interactions

Compensation and Benefits
The beginning salary range is between $100,000-$120,000, based on experience and certification. The benefits are highly competitive and include:
• Individual and family health insurance plans - maximum bimonthly premiums: $46 employee only | $143 family
• Life insurance: Annual salary plus $5,000
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension plan
• Dedicated Health Center: Free employee and dependent care services
• Paid holidays: 12 ½
• Floating holidays: 2 days annually
• Paid sick leave: 10 days of sick leave in the bank, plus 1 day accrued per month
• Paid vacation leave: 5 days starting at 6 months, 15 days at 1 year
• Relocation reimbursement: Up to $7,500 if located in the city
• City-paid professional development
• City-issued mobile phone and laptop

Please apply electronically through the City of Decatur’s jobs portal: https://www.governmentjobs.com/jobs/5002641

Confidential inquiries should be directed to James W. Arndt, President and CEO of Arndt Municipal Support, Inc. at 217-500-0770.

This position will close on August 15th, 2025.