Public Works Maintenance

City of DeKalb•DeKalb, IL

2d•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, physical and support systems, and all other public infrastructure, and facilities as assigned. The Public Works Maintenance position will respond to call outs for emergency situations such as storm sewer backups, flooding from rain events, snow removal, etc. The Public Works Maintenance position will assist with completing minor facility maintenance and repair and assist the Water Department with JULIE locates, water distribution repairs, and other tasks as needed. The position of Public Works Maintenance is under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director of Public Works. This is a full-time position represented under AFSCME and will work 40 hours per week. This position will include evenings, weekends, holidays and emergency call outs as necessary. This position is classified as an emergency response position. The position will require residency within fifteen (15) months from the completion of the probationary period. Initial review of applications will be Monday, July 27, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Valid driver's license.
Possession of a valid CDL Class B State of Illinois permit within 60 days of hire.
Ability to acquire a CDL Class B State of Illinois license within an agreed upon timeframe (estimated at 6 months from hire).
Ability to obtain tanker endorsement as requested.
Forklift certification or the ability to obtain in an agreed upon timeframe.
Experience in street maintenance, water/sewer maintenance, equipment maintenance, construction maintenance, snow removal or related experience preferred.
Working knowledge of MS Office (Word and Excel) and experience with computer software used in public works operations or the ability to obtain proficiency.
Knowledge of principles, practices, terminology, equipment, materials and operating procedures for the maintenance and operation of modern public works facilities.
Ability to work effectively with supervisors, staff members, elected officials, property owners, residents, contractors, and the general public.
Must have effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and compute rates, ratios, and percentages.
Knowledge of standard safety procedures and precautions and the ability to recognize hazards and report to immediate supervisor.
Ability and willingness to learn and expand knowledge base and take on new tasks.
Ability to work independently and handle field assignments with minimal supervision and the ability to work with others in a team environment while exercising good judgment and initiative.
Ability to operate instruments, tools and equipment that are job related.
Knowledge or the ability to learn the geographic regions of the City.
Ability to operates heavy construction equipment and trucks of 55,000 GVW.
Ability to drive to and from work sites.
Ability to respond to call outs and take action in a timely manner.
Ability to work extended periods of time for consecutive days during emergency and weather-related situations.
Knowledge of computer hardware and applicable computer software utilized within public works operations or the ability to obtain proficiency.

Responsibilities

Repairs, replaces, and patches concrete, asphalt, and other street surfaces.
Repairs culverts, storm sewers, curbs, and other drainage structures.
Performs landscape maintenance duties such as mowing, trimming, weed whipping, seeding, fertilizing, debris removal, snow shoveling and de-icing, brick and cement work, irrigation installations, and repairs.
Performs tree planting, pruning, and removal in City parkways.
Plants new trees and mulches.
Prunes trees to ensure safety of residents while complying with proper arborist instructions for proper tree growth.
Removes trees by cutting down in whole or in piece depending on size and location of tree.
Responds to call outs for scheduled rotations and emergency calls for emergency repairs and weather-related incidents.
Operates large trucks up to 55,000 gross vehicle weight (GVW) and small trucks for snow plowing/salting, leaf pickup, hauling of materials, etc.
Performs minor repairs and maintenance of traffic signals.
Stripes traffic lanes as needed.
Performs minor electrical repairs.
Installs, repairs, and erects streets signs.
Digs post holes and sets or pulls posts as needed.
Interacts with residents and business owners regarding nature of repairs or installations, effects on services, length of repairs, etc.
Completes yard repairs as needed.
Assists the Water Department with tasks such as JULIE locates, water distribution repairs, and other tasks as needed.
Assists with facilities maintenance, repairs, and renovations such as painting, replacing of light bulbs in lighting fixtures, moving of equipment/furniture, grounds maintenance, etc.
Maintains a variety of records (paper and computerized) relating to inspections, maintenance activities, water supply, treatment, consumption, etc.
Assists in the set-up and clean-up of City events including setting out of trash receptacles, putting out barricades, putting up banners, and breaking down/cleaning up of events, etc.
Works as flagger for crew working in traffic.
Performs routine inspections and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and reports defective or equipment in need of repair.
Performs other tasks and duties as assigned.
Completes on-call rotations as scheduled.
Maintains availability for phone contact and responds to call out notifications.
Responds to pending snowstorms and other weather-related events as emergency response personnel.