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IDOT Blog – Thursday, August 28, 2025
Employee Spotlight: District 5 Construction Engineer Jason R. Smith
Jason R. Smith has worked for the department for 23 years. Beginning in a rotation program, where he worked stints in Design, Bridge and Hydraulics, Materials, Bridge Inspection, and Local Roads, he was then placed in Construction and became a resident engineer. He performed resident engineer duties for 10 years before he was promoted to construction field engineer, a position he held for about 8 years. In 2024, he was named District 5 construction engineer.
Here are some of his thoughts about his job and life outside of IDOT.
Tell us about your current job?
District 5 Construction is currently administering a $450 million program. I am administering about $350 million of projects in the Champaign County area as I continue my field engineer duties until that position is filled. I supervise one construction field engineer and five resident engineers, who are each assigned construction projects to manage.
Together, we ensure the contractor performs the work to the lines and grades of the plans, use quality, approved materials to construct the work, and ensure the work performed by the contractor is safely done for the traveling public as well as for the workers. I also keep the public informed of the ongoing projects through press releases, TV, radio, and newspaper interviews as well as social media.
Favorite part of the job?
I really enjoy working on and around the highways and bridges that I use on a daily basis. I am very proud of the work we do at IDOT. I enjoy pointing out each of the projects I’ve worked on to my wife and kids as we drive over them. I also love the people I work with. All the employees of District 5 are consummate professionals and a joy to work with every day. I have learned so much from all the people I have worked with throughout the years.
Anything to highlight?
I am currently administering the largest job in District 5’s history, the $251.8 million reconstruction of the Interstate 57/74 interchange. Although the project has had its ups and downs, I do think the final product will be something to behold, and we will be proud that we were a part of its construction.
Tell us about your department?
Project Implementation/Construction is the department I work in. Some members of the public are not aware that we don’t actually do the construction. The construction is put out on a letting for the lowest bidder. Our role is to ensure the lowest bidder constructs the project properly and in a safe manner.
Tell us about your background?
I spent two years at Danville Area Community College, where I played baseball. I then completed my Bachelor of Science in general engineering in 2001. I completed my master’s in business administration in 2008, while working at IDOT.
How has your previous experience prepared you for your current role?
My 20 years of experience in construction is what I point to most as to my success in the role. I have been blessed to work with so many talented individuals in this organization. I have learned so much from them.
What do you like to do outside the office?
I am an Elder at my church, I coach my son’s travel baseball team, and I love fantasy sports. I was a pitcher at DACC, so I love the game of baseball.