Description

About the Forest Preserves

The Forest Preserves of Cook County, with nearly 70,000 acres, is one of the oldest and largest forest preserve districts in the United States. It receives an estimated 62 million visits each year, providing an escape into a world teeming with wildlife and rich with outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities. Within its boundaries are rare habitats that offer plant and animal diversity on par with the rainforests of the world.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Chief Building Architect and/or Director of Planning and Development, utilizes professional mechanical engineering knowledge and expertise in order to evaluate, plan, design and manage  a variety of building or related utility construction, renovation and other projects at District facilities. Works with other professional staff and manages consultants to ensure compliance with all specifications, designs and standards on various projects. Prepares bid specifications and contracts; recommends changes or revisions; conducts field inspections; provides guidance and direction to other staff, as necessary. Applies modern principles, methods, and techniques to the practice and application of mechanical engineering.

Typical Duties

• Project management: prepare project scopes, manage the project schedule, budget, and coordination for assigned projects.
•  Manages and directs outside consultants in connection with project designs, development of bid specifications and drawings and/or construction administration.
•  Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) plans and prepare letters and memoranda
•  Prepares plans, specifications and cost estimates related to mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), and related facility needs.
•  Design and manage smaller in-house projects
•  Maintains records, reports, drawings and other project-related documents.
• Collaborates with District staff and other parties to understand project needs.
• Monitors and manages construction work in progress to ensure contract and specification compliance.
• Recommends any necessary changes; discusses and helps to resolve disputes with contractors over materials and methods related to mechanical design, time delays or cost over-runs.
• Advises on regular preventive maintenance and inspections.
• Recommends project priorities for the Annual Capital Improvement Plan update.
• Ability to travel to various Cook County Forest Preserve work sites.

Please go to Forest Preserves of Cook County job posting for full benefits package and general requirements.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering from an accredited college or university and at least 4 years of full-time work experience as a mechanical engineer. 

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

Possess a Professional Engineer (P.E.) License in the State of Illinois.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of mechanical engineering, current trends and developments relating to energy efficiency and the ability to apply such knowledge and skills to the needs and operations of the District.
• Knowledge of and the ability to prepare detailed drawings, designs and plans using computer-assisted design software.
• Considerable knowledge of standard sources of architectural and related engineering information and fire and building, safety and accessibility requirements and their application.
• MEP design and consulting experience.
• Working knowledge of energy modeling.
• Knowledge and skills relating to LEED building certification
• Experience with HVAC load calculations and duct sizing.
• Ability to provide direction, recommendations and/or technical assistance to others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with other professionals and staff, consultants, bidders and other outside parties.
• Skill in the performance of a wide array of technical, analytical and advisory duties.
• Skill in the development and review of working drawings, contract specifications and facility development plans.
• Skill in the performance of field inspections and surveys and ability to supervise others so engaged.
• Ability to effectively coordinate multiple projects simultaneously and shift priorities as necessary.
• Skill in ensuring that projects are carried out and completed in an accurate, timely and cost-efficient manner.
• Ability to operate a car for purposes of traveling to various sites and locations.
• The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work.  They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.