The City of Oak Forest Public Works Department is seeking applicants for the position of Maintenance Worker. Under the general direction of the Director of Public Works, the incumbent performs manual labor and general unskilled or semi-skilled work. Employees of this class must have the ability to perform heavy physical labor, requiring strength and endurance, in an efficient manner. Some work will involve the use of skills acquired through experience or on-the-job instruction, including but not limited to, welding, sign shop operations, paint shop operations, machine shop operations, snow plowing operations, street sweeping operations, tree cutting, and other equipment operations.

Illustrative Examples of Work

The work is performed utilizing independent judgment and necessary coordinated resources.  Examples of work include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Clean gutters, culverts, sewers and other drainage structures;
• Patching streets, shovel mix off of truck, place in holes and tamp;
• Assists in semi-skilled work such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical, auto repair, concrete stirring, operate and carry hand tools, carry or lift lumber, replace light bulbs or run errands;
• Sweep streets, gutters and sidewalks by hand, mows lawns with hand power mower, rakes leaves and cuts brush;
• Performs a variety of other heavy manual labor in connection with the maintenance and construction of sidewalks, streets, sewers, water mains and parks;
• Operates street sweeper and snow plow, spreads salt and sand on slippery streets;
• Operates tractor mower and other mowing equipment;
• Helps assemble, paint and install traffic lights and bases, helps to install underground and overhead cables for signals and lights, and repairs damaged signals;
• Operates high lift bucket truck;
• Performs a variety of semi-skilled building maintenance, carpentry, painting and masonry tasks;
• Frequently operates dump trucks with snow plows, front end loaders, backhoe, and other equipment;
• Makes installation of new water mains, hydrants, control valves, bends and tees, establishes the line and grade as provided in engineer’s and architect’s prints;
• Operates painting equipment for vehicles and signs, maintain garage, and cleans floors and paints walls;
• Assists mechanics in the repair of the vehicle engines, does routine maintenance of vehicles;
• Monitors work practices and worksite conditions to maintain personal safety in the performance of emergency and routine tasks; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skill and Ability

• High school diploma or G.E.D
• Must possess a valid State of Illinois Class ‘D’ Driver’s License (within 90 days, the employee must obtain and maintain a state of Illinois Class ‘B’ Commercial Drivers License, or better).
• The position requires the ability to read and write legibly in the English language, comprehend manual instruction, and to understand verbal and written instruction.   

Required Experience and Training

The position requires 1-2 years experience in a construction related capacity including the use and operation of hand and power tools. Prior experience with working in the trades, construction or Public Works is strongly desired. Additionally, excellent physical condition, stamina, and the ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under adverse weather conditions are required as the work is performed mostly outdoors.

Attendance at National Incident Management System (NIMS) training at the appropriate level is mandatory.  

Physical Demands of Position

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently exposed to heavy machinery, dim and bright light, dust, heat, cold, odors and humidity.   The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic agents, disease, vibration and noise.

Additional requirements:

• Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate equipment;
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to walk, bend, stand, talk and hear, lift up to 100 pounds and 50 pounds overhead and use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls;
• Must have the ability to reach with hands and arms; sit, climb, kneel, crouch and crawl;
• Due to prolonged visual concentration, specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus; and
• Must have the ability to work in a high lift bucket truck up to a height of 55 feet.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Starting Salary and Benefits

Starting rate is $26.53 an hour for 90 days. Rate increases to $35.12 an hour after 90 days. Probationary period is 210 days. This is a full-time, union position with excellent benefit options, including health insurance, paid vacation, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. Additional voluntary benefits are available to you through employment at the City of Oak Forest

Application Deadline 

October 11, 2024

The City of Oak Forest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.