Public Works Maintenance

City of DeKalb•DeKalb, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Works Maintenance position performs general manual work in the operation, repair, maintenance, and construction of municipal and public works equipment, systems, infrastructure, and facilities. The role responds to emergency call-outs, including storm sewer backups, flooding, and snow removal, and assists with minor facility repairs and utility work such as JULIE locates and water distribution repairs. The position is in the Streets Division of the Public Works Department and reports directly to the Street Superintendent. It is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week AFSCME-represented position classified as emergency response work. The schedule includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs as necessary. Residency within the required area is required within 15 months after completing the probationary period. The employee works routinely outdoors in all weather conditions and performs a range of street, drainage, landscaping, tree, traffic, facility, and equipment maintenance work. The position includes scheduled on-call rotations and responding to snowstorms and other weather-related emergencies. The application deadline is Sunday, November 15, 2026.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver's license.
Obtain a valid Illinois CDL Class B permit within 60 days of hire and acquire an Illinois CDL Class B license within an agreed-upon timeframe, estimated at six months from hire.
Ability to obtain a tanker endorsement as requested.
Forklift certification or ability to obtain it within an agreed-upon timeframe.
Ability to operate heavy construction equipment and trucks up to 55,000 GVW and drive to and from work sites.
Ability to respond to call-outs promptly and work extended periods for consecutive days during emergencies and weather-related situations.
Knowledge of public works facility maintenance and operations principles, practices, terminology, equipment, materials, and procedures, or ability to learn them.
Ability to work effectively with supervisors, staff, elected officials, property owners, residents, contractors, and the general public.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including computing rates, ratios, and percentages.
Knowledge of standard safety procedures and precautions, ability to recognize hazards, and ability to report them to a supervisor.
Ability and willingness to learn, expand knowledge, and take on new tasks.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team while exercising sound judgment and initiative.
Ability to operate job-related instruments, tools, and equipment.
Knowledge of the City's geographic regions or ability to learn them.
Knowledge of computer hardware and applicable public works software, or ability to become proficient.
Ability to maintain prolonged concentration while driving a truck during snow and ice control operations.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including routinely lifting, moving, or carrying objects or tools weighing up to 75 pounds.
Ability to meet the position's visual and hearing requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience in street maintenance, water or sewer maintenance, equipment maintenance, construction maintenance, snow removal, or related work.
Working knowledge of MS Office, including Word and Excel, and experience with computer software used in public works operations.

Responsibilities

Repair, replace, and patch concrete, asphalt, and other street surfaces.
Repair culverts, storm sewers, curbs, and other drainage structures.
Perform landscape maintenance, including mowing, trimming, weed whipping, seeding, fertilizing, debris removal, snow shoveling, de-icing, brick and cement work, and irrigation installation and repair.
Plant, mulch, prune, and remove trees in City parkways in accordance with safety needs and arborist instructions.
Respond to scheduled call-out rotations and emergency calls for repairs and weather-related incidents.
Operate trucks and maintenance vehicles for snow plowing and salting, leaf pickup, and hauling materials.
Perform minor traffic signal maintenance and repairs, stripe traffic lanes, and perform minor electrical repairs.
Install, repair, and erect street signs; dig post holes and set or pull posts.
Communicate with residents and business owners about repairs or installations, effects on services, and expected repair duration; complete yard repairs as needed.
Assist Utility Divisions with JULIE locates, water distribution repairs, and other tasks.
Assist with facility maintenance, repairs, and renovations, including painting, replacing light bulbs, moving equipment or furniture, and grounds maintenance.
Maintain paper and computerized records relating to inspections, maintenance activities, water supply, treatment, and consumption.
Assist with setup and cleanup of City events, including placing trash receptacles and barricades, hanging banners, and cleaning up afterward.
Serve as a flagger for crews working in traffic.
Inspect assigned equipment, perform preventative maintenance, and report equipment defects or repair needs.
Complete scheduled on-call rotations, remain available by phone, and respond to call-out notifications and weather-related events.
Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.