Project Specialist 1

Wheeling Park District; Wheeling (IL); On-site; USD 28,929 - 33,062; Full time

Job summary

Wheeling Park District in Wheeling, IL is seeking a versatile Projects Specialist I to support district-wide projects and repairs in parks and facilities. This role involves outdoor work and reports to the Projects Foreman, performing construction tasks and preventive maintenance across the Parks and Recreation Services department.

The position requires a high school diploma with three years of maintenance experience, a valid Illinois driver’s license, and readiness to obtain CPR/AED if needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, with three years’ experience in property and facility maintenance and repairs or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak in English.
• CPR/AED certification or ability to earn within 60 days.
• Good working knowledge of landscape and grounds, maintenance tools, equipment, shop and field practices.
• Pesticide license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform construction duties such as plastering, painting, drywall, flooring, masonry, tuck pointing, concrete flat work, footings, park site amenity installation, playground equipment installation, fences, and bridges.
• Perform duties on specific projects for a group of parks specialists, giving direction, advising, and answering questions.
• Construct playgrounds.
• Provide preventive maintenance and rough and finish carpentry for Park District buildings and grounds.
• Maintain a proactive approach to safety and risk management, including creating, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures, and preparing for annual loss control reviews.
• Inspect parks and building facilities on a weekly or daily basis.
• Perform general park and building maintenance, construction, and special setups as assigned.
• Conduct snow removal in winter months.
• Submit and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Assist inspectors and other district employees with building code compliance.
• Purchase, maintain, and oversee inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Assist with input and monitoring of budgets for district projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Reading maintenance plans

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Maintenance tools

Lawn and grounds equipment

Job description

Job Title: Projects Specialist I
Location: Parks Bldg - Wheeling, IL 60090
Salary: $21.00 - $24.00 hourly
Job Status: Full Time – Non-Exempt
Department: Parks and Recreation Services
Primary Work Location: Parks and Facility Services Building
Reports To: Projects Foreman

Position Summary

The Projects Specialist I is responsible for working on district-wide projects and repairs in parks and facilities, including maintenance projects, construction projects, and special events for agency facilities and parks. This role operates outdoors and reports directly to the Projects Foreman.

Essential Job Duties

• Perform construction duties such as plastering, painting, drywall, flooring, masonry, tuck pointing, concrete flat work, footings, park site amenity installation, playground equipment installation, fences, and bridges.
• Perform duties on specific projects for a group of parks specialists, giving direction, advising, and answering questions.
• Construct playgrounds.
• Provide preventive maintenance and rough and finish carpentry for Park District buildings and grounds.
• Maintain a proactive approach to safety and risk management, including creating, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures, and preparing for annual loss control reviews.
• Perform the job safely and in compliance with Park District policies, procedures, and safety rules.
• Estimate equipment and material needs for specific job assignments.
• Assist with input and monitoring of budgets for district projects.
• Purchase, maintain, and oversee inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Submit and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Assist inspectors and other district employees with building code compliance.
• Inspect parks and building facilities on a weekly or daily basis.
• Perform general park and building maintenance, construction, and special setups as assigned.
• Conduct snow removal in winter months.
• Participate in required training and safety programs as established by the Wheeling Park District.
• Support and exhibit the organizational values of respect, communication, integrity, innovation, recognition and appreciation, continuous learning, fun, empowerment, and people.
• Perform special projects or other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, with three (3) years’ experience in property and facility maintenance and repairs or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak in English.
• CPR/AED certification or ability to earn within 60 days.
• Good working knowledge of landscape and grounds, maintenance tools, equipment, shop and field practices.
• Pesticide license preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate consistent attendance and on-time arrival.
• Good communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders and maintenance plans.

Physical Requirements

• Required to sit, stand, walk, bend, climb stairs, twist, talk and hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to walk on uneven grounds.
• Hand‑eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
• Specific vision abilities are required and include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• May need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions

• Most activities will be performed outdoors.
• Driving to other park facilities will require the worker to be outside.
• Employee may be exposed to cleaning agents and toner chemicals.