CEMENT FINISHER

Number of positions: 8 (additional vacancies possible pending budget approval). Starting hourly salary: $57.10. This position is open to the public and all current City employees covered under the City’s collective bargaining agreement with Cement Masons Local 502 (Bargaining Unit 33). Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.

About the role

Under supervision, performs journey-level cement mason work in the laying, floating, and finishing of concrete for the construction, installation, and repair of new or existing sidewalks, curbs and gutters, ramps, and other construction projects.

Responsibilities

• Reads drawings, specifications, and work orders to assess work required and to measure and lay out work to restore, install, or repair concrete
• Ensures adequate supplies of tools, equipment, and materials are at the work site
• Directs Concrete Laborers in filling and leveling surface area with sub-grade materials to prepare work area for concrete pour
• Assembles and sets formwork that holds concrete to the required pitch and depth, and aligns forms
• Places reinforce steel materials to ensure concrete reinforcement meets specifications
• Guides the positioning of trucks delivering concrete and moves chutes to facilitate the pouring of concrete on forms
• Places concrete and guides and instructs Concrete Laborers in the casting and spreading of concrete into forms or onto surfaces
• Finishes freshly poured concrete, using specialized tools (e.g., screed, bull float, trowel) to level and smooth the surface
• Uses powered or hand trowels to finish concrete to the required lines and grades
• Operates power vibrator equipment to compact concrete
• Checks line and grade of concrete finishing work to ensure specifications are met
• Monitors the effects of weather on the curing rate of concrete throughout the work process
• Applies hardening and sealing compounds to cure the surface of concrete, and waterproof or restore the surface
• Covers and barricades finished work
• Works with Concrete Laborers in disassembling forms and cleaning work sites
• Loads, transports, and unloads equipment and supplies
• Prepares work activity reports

Requirements

• Successful completion of a US Department of Labor registered cement finishing/cement mason apprenticeship training program and journeyman status, OR
• Successful completion of an industry or company sponsored apprenticeship training program as a cement finisher/cement mason PLUS two (2) years of journey-level work experience as a cement finisher, OR
• Five (5) years of journey-level work experience as a cement finisher
• Valid State of Illinois driver’s license
• Permanent use of an automobile that is properly insured, including a clause specifically insuring the City of Chicago from accident liability

Working Conditions

• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Exposure to noise, dust, and other conditions on construction sites

Physical Requirements

• Substantial lifting (up to 80 pounds)
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with one's body, arms, and/or legs
• Ability to operate applicable hand tools, power tools, and equipment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Tools, materials, processes, and techniques of concrete finishing and masonry
• Techniques and processes used in laying, smoothing, and finishing concrete surfaces
• Techniques for constructing concrete and reinforced concrete structures
• Properties and characteristics of concrete and various types of concrete mixes
• Effects of concrete mixes on strength of concrete, setting and curing times, finish, and durability
• Use of safety equipment and protective gear
• Applicable safety and code standards specific to the cement finishing trade, including OSHA standards
• Applicable City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations

Skills

• Active learning – understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
• Mathematics – use mathematics to solve problems

Abilities

• Comprehend oral information – listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
• Speak – communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
• Comprehend written information – read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
• Work with numbers – add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly

Other Work Requirements

• Stamina – demonstrate energy and stamina to accomplish work tasks
• Dependability – demonstrate reliability, responsibility, and dependability and fulfill obligations
• Attention to detail – pay careful attention to detail and thoroughness in completing work tasks

Selection Process

This is a non-interview, tested title. Applicants who meet the established screening criteria may be invited to participate in one or more assessments designed to evaluate the knowledge, skills, or competencies relevant to the role. External applicants who receive a passing score on the test will be hired in lottery/random order. Bid applicants who receive a passing score will be selected in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement.

Pay

Starting hourly salary: $57.10

Benefits

For information on employee benefits, visit the City of Chicago Benefits Office website.