Laborer; Streets & Sewers

Description

This is a manual labor work of routine difficulty, and limited equipment operation in the performance of varied unskilled and semi‑skilled tasks of a physically demanding nature.

Work involves the performance of heavy manual labor and servicing tasks in the Street and Sewer Division of the Public Service Department. As work experience is gained, employees of this class may be assigned responsibility for the performance of increasingly difficult tasks. Work is performed under direct supervision and within the framework of detailed instructions. Many types of work assigned may be routine and repetitive in nature and may be accomplished with only general supervision.

Work is reviewed upon completion for results achieved and adherence to established rules and procedures.

Works independently or as a member of a street maintenance and repair crew performing various functions such as concrete and asphalt pavement removal; shoveling, leveling, and finishing concrete; shoveling, raking, leveling, and compacting asphalt; removing, constructing, and repairing concrete curb, curb and gutter, sidewalk and street pavement; assists in building concrete forms, filling utility cuts with gravel and appropriate pavement material;

shoveling, raking, and leveling top soil; planting grass seed and placing sod; removing, repairing, and installing street signs and regulatory traffic signs.
Works independently or as a member of a sewer maintenance and repair crew performing various functions such as cleaning and repairing storm sewers; cleaning and repairing sanitary sewers; assists in flushing sewers with the high pressure jetting and vacuuming machines; assists in removing tree roots from sewers by saw cutting with the high pressure jetting and vacuuming machine; assists in the television inspection of sewers by setting up wenches and jacks and installing hoses and shoes;

opens manholes and inlet covers.
Performs related work as required.

Completion of ten grades of school and the ability to read and understand written instructions; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

• Knowledge of the City street and house numbering systems.
• Knowledge of the hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary in the performance of duties within the department assigned.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, after training, under limited technical supervision.
• Ability to acquire some skill in the use of standard equipment and hand tools used in the area of assignment.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work effectively with other employees and to maintain safe and efficient work methods.
• Physical strength and endurance sufficient to perform manual labor for extended periods of time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.

Possession and maintenance of a valid Illinois Class B Commercial Drivers License.

• Medical - choice between a lower deductible PPO, an HSA‑compatible PPO, and an HMO
  • All plans administered by BCBS
  • 75% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s). Working spouse exclusion applies, however, to the Medical Plan
• Dental - PPO
  • Administered by BCBS
  • 50% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s)
• Vision - PPO
  • Administered by VSP
  • 50% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s)
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Extensive Wellness program, including an annual Health Club Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – for assistance with work, health & life topics such as overall wellbeing, relationship management, workplace challenges, addiction, child/elder care resources, legal advice, financial guidance, nutrition & physical health

• 80 hours vacation, provided on your start date
  • 120 hours at 1‑4 years of service
  • 160 hours at 5‑19 years of service
  • 200 hours at 20‑24 years of service
  • 232 hours at 25 years
• 12.5 paid holidays each year
  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Good Friday
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • 4th of July
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Day After Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Eve (1/2 day)
• 2 personal days provided each year
• Opportunity to earn a Wellness Day each year
• 1 sick day earned each month, up to a maximum bank of 90 days

• $50,000 Employer‑provided benefit
• Voluntary Life Insurance buy‑up

• Automatic enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Pension – benefit details can be found here
• Voluntary retirement options available:
  • 457 Account (similar to a 401k)
  • Roth IRA
  • Additional Voluntary After‑Tax Contribution (VAC) plan via IMRF

Additional benefit details can be found within the union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.