Maintenance Category D – Maintenance Specialist 1 - Painter

Illinois School District U-46; United States; On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois School District U-46 is seeking a Maintenance Specialist 1 – Painter to maintain and repair building systems and provide a safe, functional environment for students and staff. This ESSO position is 12 months, with a starting rate of $28.46/hr and a focus on painting and general maintenance across facilities.

Preferred candidates have at least three years of trade experience, strong knowledge of electrical/plumbing/HVAC, and the ability to read manuals and work orders.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' experience in the assigned trade; five years preferred.
• General working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry.
• Ability to read work orders, safety procedures, manuals; communicate clearly.
• Basic computer skills; ability to document work performed.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled maintenance, repair, and installation work in assigned trades.
• Lead on trade-related projects and coordinate with other staff.
• Inspect, diagnose, and troubleshoot equipment and building components.
• Conduct preventive maintenance to reduce downtime and extend life.
• Maintain records of work, materials, schedules, and time expended.
• Respond to emergencies and after-hour events as needed.
• Work with contractors and district personnel to meet building needs.

Job description

Maintenance Category D – Maintenance Specialist 1 - Painter JobID: 46559

• Position Type: Plant Operations / Maintenance / Grounds/ Painter
• Date Posted: 9/8/2026
• Date Available: ASAP

Position / Title: Maintenance Category D – Maintenance Specialist 1 - Painter

Bargaining Unit: ESSO Department/Location: Plant Operations

Work Days: 261 Reports To: Coordinator of Maintenance

JD Revision Date: 05/29/2026 Supervises: N/A

Function / Position Summary

Maintain and repair day-to-day trade operations of the Maintenance Department, be the employee responsible in the maintenance and repair of building systems and envelope in the District, and provide the students, staff and community with a functional, safe and attractive environment in which to learn.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Perform skilled maintenance, repair, and installation work in assigned trade(s) and assist other specialties as needed to ensure safe and functional environment.
• Act in a lead role on assigned trade related projects involving other staff.
• Inspect, diagnose, and troubleshoot equipment, systems, and building components.
• Conduct preventive maintenance on equipment, systems, and building components to reduce downtime and extend service life.
• Safely operate and maintain tools, machinery, and equipment associated with assigned trade(s).
• Interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and district standards.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, preventive maintenance schedules, and time expended.
• Initiate requests and submit orders for supplies, materials, parts and tools following District purchasing procedures including obtaining quotes as needed from approved vendors.
• Maintain "on-call" status to respond to emergency and/or after-hour events such as fire alarms, break-ins, snow/ice management or severe weather damage and take appropriate measures to deem building secure and operational.
• Use approved communication platforms and the district's work order system to receive, track, complete, and close work orders; routinely monitor email and notifications to ensure timely responses.
• Work independently or collaboratively with all district personnel and/or contractors to meet building needs.
• Serve as a custodian floater to provide relief and maintain operations as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Trade-Specific duties

Painter

• Prepare surfaces using various types of painting techniques for repair and maintenance of buildings including drywall patching, taping and sanding.
• Apply commercial paint, stain, varnish, sealer or other coatings to building interiors and exteriors.
• Match and mix colors, ensuring proper surface protection and finish quality.
• Apply specialty finishes such as striping, texturing, or protective coatings for safety and durability.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required prior to start date.
• Valid Illinois Driver's License required prior to start date.
• Technical training, trade school coursework, or certification in a building maintenance trade preferred.

Experience / Knowledge

• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in assigned trade with demonstrated knowledge of trade practices, methods, and materials. Five (5) years' experience preferred.
• General working knowledge of electrical, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, carpentry and envelope maintenance.
• Ability to read and understand work orders, safety procedures, equipment manuals, and other job-related materials; communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and the public; and accurately complete required documentation.
• Ability to safely and proficiently use tools and equipment common to building maintenance trade.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic, terminology, and craft skills, including shop and system mathematical calculations common to the building maintenance trade preferred.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and practices common to the building maintenance trade.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with adults, students and community members.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work safely with and around various chemicals and flammable gasses.
• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, climb stairs and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift in excess of 75 lbs. with proper technique.
• Ability to work safely from stepladder, aerial lifts, and/or scaffolding at varying heights, up to 60 ft.
• Ability to push/pull 100 pounds with proper technique.
• Ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, humidity, and inclement weather for prolonged periods.

Terms of Employment

• This is a 12-month ESSO position.
• Salary and benefits are as established by the agreement between ESSO and the Board of Education.
• The starting rate for this role is $28.46/hr.
• Flexibility in work days/hours and overtime may be necessary. Travel between buildings is required.
• A passing score of 70 percent or higher is required on the mandatory practical application test.