Maintenance Equipment Operator

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Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

Northern Illinois University is a world-class, research-focused public institution that attracts students from across Illinois, the country and the world. NIU’s vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach. Our mission is to empower students through educational excellence and experiential learning as we pursue knowledge, share our research and artistry, and engage communities for the benefit of the region, state, nation and world.

Position Summary

To maintain and beautify the grounds of Northern Illinois University as well as work in conjunction with other departments of the Physical Plant to complete building maintenance projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Remove snow by snowplows, front-end loaders, snow blowers, and hand shovels.
• May also be assigned to haul away the snow in various sizes of dump trucks.

• Remove concrete and pavement surfaces as required for utility repairs.
• Repair concrete and pavement surfaces when other departments of the Physical Plant have completed their portion of job.
• Blacktop sidewalks and streets, as needed.
• Supervise various work crews as directed by the Grounds Superintendent or designee.
• Support other miscellaneous excavation-related work as may be requested.

• Mow lawns on a regular basis using three, five or seven-gang reel mowers, a five-gang front-end mower, large rotary mowers and at times a hand mower for trimming.

• Haul gravel and sand from the gravel pit, hot mixed asphalt from the mixing plant and other hauling as directed.

• Perform other general maintenance duties such as, but not limited to, raking leaves from lawns, pruning trees and shrubs and digging holes as directed by the Grounds Superintendent or designee.
• Other miscellaneous, related duties as required.

• Plow, disc, harrow, drag, fertilize, seed and roll large grass areas. Grade gravel parking lots, when necessary.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license as required by the State of Illinois for the type of motor vehicle(s) to be operated by the incumbent.
• Two (2) years (24 months) of work experience performing a variety of semi-skilled manual tasks in the maintenance and operation of automotive or related maintenance equipment.

• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Ability to supervise.

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Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 11/16/26

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

Percent of Staff Year 1.00

Standard Hours Per Week 40.00

Working Hours

Working Hours Varies based on operational needs

Salary $56,160.00/annually per collective bargaining agreement; NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $27.00/hourly

Earn Type

Earn Type Hourly

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 2nd floor
Civil Rights

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment…