Position Overview

Under direction, this posistion plans, inspects, coordinates, reviews and supervises activities necessary to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the state owned lock and dam at McHenry on the Fox River. This position supervises the activities for the operation and maintenance of the facility and grounds to provide for public convenience, flood damage reduction and safeguarded recreation. This position also handles public inquiries and complains concerning boating safety, boating hazards, water levels, lock operation on the Fox Chain O Lakes, Fox River, Rock River and Kishwaukee River along with maintaining contact with the US Coast Guard, USGS and NWS.

Job Responsibilities

1. Under direction, plans, coordinates, reviews and supervises the activities of the operation of the State owned lock and dam at McHenry, twelve dams located along the Fox River, three dams located along the Rock River, and a dam on the Kishwaukee River at Belvidere:

• Plans, coordinates, reviews and supervises the activities for the operation and maintenance of State owned locks and dams to ensure a safe, efficient and well-maintained system of dams, locks and grounds associated with the State Facilities to provide for public convenience, safeguard in recreation and flood control.

2. Plans and coordinates the inspection and maintenance program for the varied work required on the lock and dam:

• Reviews and corrects operational and maintenance issues.

3. Serves as working supervisor:

• Assigns and reviews work
• Provides guidance and training to assigned staff
• Counsels staff regarding work performance
• Reassigns staff to meet day-to-day operating needs
• Establishes annual goals and objectives
• Approves time off
• Prepares and signs performance evaluations

4. Handles public inquiries and complaints concerning boating safety, boating hazards, water levels, lock operation, etc. on the Fox Chain of Lakes, Fox River, Rock River, and Kishwaukee River:

• Travels throughout assigned area.

5. Maintains contact with agencies outside the Department including U.S. Coast Guard, National Weather Service, U.S. Geological Survey and other organizations associated with the manaQement and supervision of the Fox Chain of Lakes, the Fox River and the Rock River.

6. Performs continuous monitoring of the gate structure across the Fox River at McHenry and Rock River at Rock Falls to control water levels to minimized induced flooding by structures.

7. Conducts all necessary investigations of complains associated with channel marking and obstructions to navigation including preparation of required reports.

8. Recommends and purchases of tools and equipment and manages the budget allotted to the locks and dams:

• Initiates local purchases of goods and services in accordance with established purchase regulations.

9. Develops working relations with OWR employees, and other Departmental and non-Departmental contacts:

• Complies with all Departmental safety rules, practices and policies and helps to ensure safety compliance by other co-workers.

10. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the work of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years of high school, with coursework in advanced mathematics, blueprint reading and surveying.
• Requires two years supervisory experience in marine or other related public works construction, including the operation of construction equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of equipment such as tractors, mowers, air compressors, and electric motors
• Three (3) years of experience reading construction plans, details, schematics, and specifications.
• Three (3) years of experience with procedures, techniques, and equipment required for waterway facility maintenance.
• Three (3) years of experience planning, supervising, and coordinating marine facility maintenance operations in the most efficient and economical manner.
• Three (3) years of experience maintaining records and preparing reports.
• Three (3) years of experience preparing estimates of materials, supplies, equipment, time and staff needed for marine facility operation.
• Three (3) years of experience working with the public in a calm and sure manner.
• Three (3) years of experience making simple arithmetical computations and bulk estimates of materials
• Three (3) years of experience instructing and supervising staff, outlining assignments and communicating assignments to staff.
• Three (3) years of experience in the operation and safety of small watercraft.

Employment Conditions

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position.

• Ability to pass background check.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to swim proficiently.
• Ability to use and operate construction equipment.
• Requires ability to lift, carry and transport loads up to 75 pounds, with assistance, and to carry equipment over uneven terrain and steep slopes

Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois’ natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs.

The Office of Water Resources (OWR) is the lead state agency for water resources planning, navigation, floodplain management, the National Flood Insurance Program, water supply, drought, and interstate organizations on water resources. Interagency duties include the state water plan, drought response, flood emergency reports, and the comprehensive review of Illinois water use law. OWR is responsible for construction in the shore waters of Lake Michigan, construction and operation of dams, construction in public bodies of water, and diversion of water from Lake Michigan, and withdrawal of water from three Federal lakes (Shelbyville, Carlyle, and Rend Lakes). The primary capital activity of the office is in urban flood damage reduction. The office assists units of local government with urban flood damage reduction projects through planning, design, construction, and financial assistance. The urban program also features the acquisition of flood prone homes and businesses.