Public Works Maintenance Worker ; UNION AFSCME

• Position Type:
  Public Works/ Maintenance Worker I
• Date Posted: 9/1/2026
• Location:
  
  Service Center
• Date Available:
  
  TBD
• Closing Date: 09/15/2026

SALARY RANGE: $34.879-$40.554/HOUR

* Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.

This is a full-time, entry level Public Works Maintenance Worker I position involving on-the-job training to perform a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance work and operate a variety of equipment in the streets and alleys in order to collect recycling, bulk refuse, and solid waste, perform snow removal, litter pick-up and moving of furniture and equipment. The work requires that a large portion of time will be spent operating equipment and performing manual labor.

Employees may use hand and power tools such as drills, brooms, rakes and shovels. Tasks require employees to work outdoors for most of the workday in a variety of weather conditions. Work is often performed in heavy traffic, requiring employees to be alert to avoid accidents or personal injuries. Personal safety equipment, such as steel toe shoes, reflective vests, hard hats, gloves and safety glasses are required to be worn at all times.

Employees may be assigned tasks of a similar or higher level classification to gain experience and training in preparation for advancement. This position requires 24/7; 365-day availability and coverage of scheduled and unscheduled overtime for emergencies, snow and ice control, and special projects.

Drives all types of solid waste semi-automated packer trucks (rear loader and side loader) in the business district, on narrow streets, in the alleys and to transfer sites outside the city limits.

Safely operates other pieces of equipment and tools of various sizes with different attachments including a number of hand and garden tools to perform various streets and sanitation tasks.

• Assist with residential recycling and bulk pickup collections
• Unloads hand and power equipment from vehicle.
• Uses broom or operates a vacuum machine to clean streets, curbs and sidewalks in business districts or under viaducts and on bridges; operates gasoline-powered hand-held blowers to move leaves; rakes and shovels leaves into container or trucks or into piles to be picked up by front-end loaders.

Picks up litter in public areas; loads debris into containers and empties containers.

Operates pickup trucks, dump trucks, packer trucks, and various other specialized equipment, along with sidewalk equipment to plow snow and spread salt. Operates a large dump truck to haul, spread or dump materials, and to plow snow and spread salt.

Supports special events.

Checks condition of equipment daily and performs pre and post trip inspections.

Performs routine preventative maintenance on trucks, utilizing tools and other, various equipment.

Ability to speak and listen effectively and demonstrates strong communication skills.

Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

Ability to use two-way radios, mobile telephones, personal computers, cameras, tablets, and any other electronic devices frequently used to communicate and store data.

Performs a variety of other maintenance tasks assigned to the bureau and agency.

• Must possess a high school diploma or a GED
• Must possess a commercial driver's license (CDL) permit required at time of hire.
• Must be able to obtain Illinois Class B CDL driver's license with air brakes endorsement, within six months of employment.

The following knowledge, skills and abilities are needed:

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in…