Public Works Maintenance Operator

The City of Des Plaines; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Healthcare

Generous Paid Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Retirement Benefits

IMRF

Job summary

City of Des Plaines is hiring a Maintenance Operator to care for streets, sewers, water systems, and city buildings. You’ll work outdoors, handle power tools and heavy equipment, and participate in emergency responses to protect the community.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and the plan to obtain a Class A CDL with Airbrake, Fifth Wheel, and Tanker endorsements within 120 days of hire. Overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; construction or utility experience is a plus.
• You must hold a valid driver's license and plan to obtain a Class A CDL with Airbrake, Fifth Wheel, and Tanker within 120 days.
• Must be available for overtime, nights, weekends and holidays during emergencies.
• Ability to operate power tools and heavy equipment safely and follow directions.

Responsibilities

• Street & Grounds: fix sidewalks, curbs, streets, snow removal, graffiti cleanup, landscaping maintenance.
• Building Maintenance: carpentry, plumbing, electrical, custodial work and general repairs.
• Water & Sewer Systems: install/maintain water mains, hydrants, catch basins, sewer lines; respond to service issues.
• Emergency Response: assist during water main breaks, floods, or other emergencies any time.
• Equipment Operation: drive dump trucks, operate skid steers, loaders, power tools; basic checks.

Skills

Power tools

Heavy equipment

Communication

Safety procedures

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Starting Step One Salary: $63,248
Salary Range: $63,248 – $86,200

Do you like working outdoors, using tools and equipment, and taking on different tasks every day? The City of Des Plaines is hiring a Maintenance Operator to help keep our streets, sewers, water systems, and city buildings in top shape. If you’re dependable, take pride in a job well done, and want to serve your community, we’d love to have you on our team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Street & Grounds Work: Fix sidewalks, curbs, and streets. Remove snow and ice, paint pavement markings, clean up graffiti, and maintain landscaping.
• Building Maintenance: Handle general building repairs—everything from carpentry and plumbing to electrical and custodial work.
• Water & Sewer Systems: Help install and maintain water mains, hydrants, catch basins, and sewer lines. Respond to customer service issues like low water pressure.
• Emergency Response: Be ready to help with water main breaks, floods, or other emergencies any time of day or night.
• Equipment Operation: Drive dump trucks and operate skid steers, loaders, power tools, and compressors. Do basic checks and maintenance on equipment.

What You Need

• Education & Experience: High school diploma or GED required. One to two years of general maintenance, construction, or utility experience is a plus.
• License: You’ll need a valid driver’s license and must get a Class A CDL with Airbrake, Fifth Wheel, and Tanker endorsements within 120 days of hire.
• Availability: You must be ready to work overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays during emergencies.
• Skills: Comfortable using power tools and heavy equipment. Able to follow directions, work safely, and communicate well.

Why Des Plaines?

• Steady, full-time work with variety every day
• Competitive pay and excellent benefits
• Pension plan and job security
• Be part of a team that makes a visible difference in the community

Check Out Our Incredible Benefits Package!

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Low-cost medical, dental, and optical insurance options for you and your family.
• Generous Paid Leave: Vacation, personal days, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Tuition Reimbursement: For job relevant degrees, the City pays tuition for up to two classes per semester (including summer programs).
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
• Financial Security:
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • Retirement Health Savings Account
  • Transportation Spending Account
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Roth IRA
  • Optional additional life insurance

Join the City of Des Plaines and help maintain the essential services that keep our community strong, safe, and thriving.

Application Deadline: November 18, 2026