Engineering Cooperative Education Program - Co-Op

Salary: $18.00 HourlyLocation : 60515, ILJob Type: Administrative SupportJob Number: 0901-0326Department: EngineeringOpening Date: 03/01/2026Closing Date: 3/1/2026 11:59 PM CentralIs this a union role?: NoUnion Name: Salaried - 6Position Grade: N/A Position Overview The Illinois Tollway is dedicated to providing and promoting a safe and efficient system of highways while ensuring the highest possible level of service to our customers. Whether it's I-PASS, the Move Illinois Program, open road tolling or keeping you safe with our H.E.L.P. trucks, we are committed to delivering great benefits and services to customers. The Tollway is a user-fee system - no state or federal tax dollars are used to support maintenance and operations. Operations are funded by toll and concession revenues. Under the leadership of the Board of Directors and Executive Staff, the Tollway is committed to achieving the following goals: increase collaboration with regional transportation and planning agencies, promote the regional economy, maintain financial integrity, foster environmental responsibility and sustainability, maintain the safety and efficiency of the Tollway system, further transparency and accountability, enhance customer service, and maintain public trust.The Illinois Tollway 2026 Engineering Cooperative Education (Co-Op) program is designed to enhance students' academic curriculum through hands-on work experience. Under the guidance of an Illinois Tollway engineer, interns will perform engineering work arranged in the phases of construction, design and planning. Embedded within technical learning and skill application will be soft skills trainings such as presentation skills, professional communication and others provided by the Illinois Tollway's Professional Learning Department. Essential Job Functions During the Cooperative Education Program, participant's responsibilities include but are not limited to:Assist with the development and administration of programs, procedures, and guidelines which aligns the workforce with the strategic goals of the department and the TollwayIdentify opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of programs, processes, and the performance of departmental operationsCollaborate with departmental leaders to get results through influence and consensus buildingPerform research, identify relevant issues, trends, insights and gaps, and provide analysis to develop strategy and drive decision makingMonitor project efforts and measure the effectiveness of improvements through regular status reports that indicate visible improvements and successful outcomesRotational assignments with different facets of transportation engineering is expected and will require transportation to and from the project site.Work sites will vary within the Tollway's 294-mile system with some remote working involved on the occasionPresent on various topics and projects within the Tollway throughout the Co-Op programComplete other special projects and duties as assignedPROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSFieldwork experience on active construction projectsPartner with engineering mentors to guide learningIncludes job shadowing and group community service activitiesSummer or year-round internship availableFlexible scheduling for part-time hoursThe Engineering Cooperative Education (Co-Op) is offered both as a year-long program, from June 2026 to May 2027, or a summer program from June 2026 to August 2026. Summer hours will be 20-30 hours per week and fall/spring hours will be 15 hours per week.Visit for more information. Qualifications Education (Required)Currently enrolled at an accredited college or university studying civil engineering or a related program with an interest in learning about roadway engineering and construction project managementSkills and Experience (Required)Schedule commitment of 30 hours maximum per week during the summer and fall/spring terms for 15 hours per weekMust have reliable transportation to Tollway HQ and various construction sites within the Tollway's 294-mile system on a frequent basis.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, and Power PointStrong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and analytical skills Superior organizational, problem-solving and critical-thinking skillsStrong written and oral communication skillsSkills and Experience (Preferred)Strategic and creative thought partner and problem-solverMajoring in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, or related fieldAbility to effectively interact with various Tollway personnel, within and outside the Engineering and Planning Departments, and with various professionals, individuals, public bodies and agencies outside the AuthorityThe Illinois Tollway is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, disability, unfavorable discharge from military services, age, order of protection status, military status, sex or sexual orientation. At the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, we give our employees the tools to succeed both on and off the job. Our generous benefits package provides comprehensive coverage to help you protect your health and earning power and prepare for the future. In addition, we offer several programs that help you grow in your career and make the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority a great place to work!MEDICAL, Rx, DENTAL, VISION BENEFITS Aetna Select Open Access (HMO) - Premium FREE! Aetna Choice POS II (PPO) Aetna Prescription, Dental and Vision included at no additional cost. EyeMed Vision Care Voluntary CoverageFLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Pre-tax account you put money into that you use to pay for certain out-of-pocket health care costs. Dependent Care Flexible Spending (DCAP) Pre-tax account you put money into that you use to pay for dependent care costs. TERM LIFE & AD&D INSURANCE Basic Term Life & AD&D - Premium FREE! Additional coverage availableTUITION REIMBURSEMENT Annual Reimbursement - $5,250PAID TIME OFF Holidays Vacation Sick Leave Sick Leave Bank Bereavement Leave Parental LeaveEMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) No cost services for employee and family.STATE EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEMS (SERS or SRS) PROGRAMS Pension Plan Non-Occupational and Occupational Disability Deferred Compensation/After-Tax ROTH NCPERS Voluntary Life and AD&D01 It is a requirement to be currently enrolled at an accredited college, or university during the 2026 to 2027 school year.Do you meet this requirement? Yes No 02 Please inform us of the following information:1. Current Major AND2. Graduation Date 03 Due to rotational assignments with different facets of transportation engineering, it is required to have reliable transportation to and from active construction sites, consulting firms, and the Tollway's Central Administration Building. Do you have reliable transportation? Yes No 04 Please briefly explain your preference for a year-long or summer program. Include any specific details regarding your anticipated class schedule, work commitments, etc. which affect your availability to work the required hours during summer (20-30 hours) and fall/spring (15 hours). 05 Please complete a response in 150-300 words answering the following question:Why are you interested in participating in the Cooperative Education Program within the Engineering Department at the Illinois Tollway? Include details surrounding your career goals, both short and long-term.Refrain from using AI assistants to respond to this question as we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. 06 What unique skills or strengths do you bring that will help you succeed in this position? Refrain from using AI assistants to respond to this question as we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. 07 Have you also applied to the Illinois Tollway's 2026 Professional Services Internship Program? Yes No 08 Have you watched the Internship Virtual Informational Session prior to applying? Visit the recording at Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-04-02