Maintenance Worker

About the role

The Village of Palatine Department of Public Works is seeking a Maintenance Worker. This position will primarily be assigned to the Forestry Division, but will be expected to assist in other Divisions as directed.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the urban forest, including planting, removal, trimming, and general care of trees and shrubs.
• Mows Village property and maintains flower beds.
• Performs brush collection, prepares civic displays, and assists with landscape improvements.
• Maintains safety awareness of those policies directly relative to the forestry operation including fall protection and personal protective equipment.
• Operates a variety of heavy trucks and equipment in the repair, maintenance and construction of public works water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems, street systems, and urban forest.
• Inspects and maintains vehicles and equipment.
• Reports malfunctions to supervisor.
• Affords assistance with the preparations and tear down/cleanup for events, festivals, and special functions.
• Maintains availability on-call to respond to emergency situations.
• Affords assistance with snow plowing and ice control functions.
• Maintains and repairs streets and roadways, asphalt, concrete, curbs, and sidewalks.
• Seals cracks, patches potholes, and maintains gravel shoulders.
• Clears roads during hazardous weather or other conditions, including flooding.
• Maintains Village rights-of-way, including the leaf collection program.
• Fabricates, installs, and maintains Village signage.
• Applies and maintains pavement marking materials.
• Maintains safety awareness of those policies directly relative to the street operation including work zone safety, flagger certification, and personal protective equipment.
• Maintains the supply and distribution of the water system, including maintaining and repairing water main breaks, well and pump stations, hydrants and valves, b-boxes, and elevated and ground storage tanks.
• Maintains the sanitary and storm sewer systems, including maintaining and repairing lift stations, retention and detention basins, and creeks.
• Maintains and installs water meters and performs water shut offs and turn-ons.
• Maintains safety awareness of those policies directly relative to the utilities operation including trenching and shoring, chlorine safety, and confined space entry.

Qualifications

• Ability to operate equipment and machinery such as heavy-duty trucks, end loaders, bucket trucks, chippers, stump grinders, pavers and rollers, excavating equipment, post installers and removers, hand and power tools, chainsaws, mowers and requires the ability to maintain and repair complex equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge of knots, climbing, tree identification, and chemicals used in performance of duties associated with maintaining the urban forest.
• Ability to exert regular and sustained heavy physical effort with an emphasis on climbing and balancing which also involves stooping, crouching, and lifting, pushing and pulling moderately heavy objects and materials, 20 to 50 pounds, and may occasionally involve objects and materials up to 125 pounds.
• Ability to work in a team environment, follow safe work practices, communicate verbally and in writing, and demonstrate excellence in customer service.
• Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations 24 hours a day.
• Must be eligible for employment in the U.S. and pass a pre-employment background check and medical and drug screening (including cannabis).

Education, Experience And Licenses

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Prior experience as a laborer or maintenance worker in forestry or a municipal setting is preferred.
• Possess a valid Illinois Class A or B commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brake and tanker endorsements, or have the ability to obtain a commercial learner's permit within two months of hire and CDL within six months of hire.
• Possess a State of Illinois Pesticide Operator License, or have the ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Certification as an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist is preferred.

Pay

Salary: Hiring rate: $34.37 per hour. Full range: $34.37 through $49.78 per hour.

Schedule

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, plus availability for overtime.

Benefits

The Village of Palatine offers an excellent benefits package including participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund; 457 retirement plans; life insurance; nine paid holidays; and paid vacation, sick, and personal leave. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150. Medical, dental, and vision insurance is provided through the Union.