Public Works Maintenance Worker I (UNION AFSCME)

City-of-Evansto; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 48,049,000 - 55,867,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Evanston is seeking a full-time Public Works Maintenance Worker I to perform unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance tasks, operate waste collection equipment, and assist with recycling and bulk pickup. The role requires strong safety awareness and physical stamina for outdoor work in diverse weather conditions.

Starting salary depends on qualifications with overtime and emergency coverage expected. Applicant must possess a high school diploma or GED and obtain Illinois Class B CDL with

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Drives all types of solid waste semi-automated packer trucks in the business district, on narrow streets, in the alleys and to transfer sites outside the city limits.
• Operates other equipment and tools of various sizes with attachments for streets and sanitation tasks.
• Assist with residential recycling and bulk pickup collections.
• Unloads equipment from vehicle and prepares for use.
• Cleans streets, curbs and sidewalks; moves leaves and debris as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Manual labor

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDL permit (required at hire)

Job description

• 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.

Nature of Work

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.

Essential Functions

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.

Minimum Requirements of Work

• 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 writing, including utilizing email platform.

Ability to use Executime and E-Suite for attendance and payroll information.

Ability to complete NIMS Incident training, ICs100, ICs200 ICs700 and ICs800.

Ability to efficiently navigate and route efficiently.

Some knowledge of the safe operation of hand and power tools.

• Some knowledge of the operating instructions and safety aspects of public works equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete tasks without close supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, co-workers, other employees and the public.

Physical Requirements of Work

Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions such as extreme cold, high winds, rain, snow, sleet, high temperatures, humidity, and other uncomfortable conditions.

Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; ability to move heavy objects (100 pounds or more) short distances.

Ability to use all equipment and power tools required to perform assigned tasks efficiently.

Ability to focus on small and distant objects, recognize the depth of objects, lift, bend, kneel, sit, or stand for long periods of time, work in confined spaces, and work outdoors at night with limited lighting.

Ability to walk or navigate over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.

Ability to work around chemicals, asphalt products, concrete, vehicle or equipment fumes, gases, dust, and dirt while following safety guidelines.

Ability to work on job sites with elevated noise levels and vibrations.

Supervision

Work is performed under the general direction of a supervisor or crew leader. Assignments may vary from day to day depending on the season and work requirements. Instructions, either verbal or written, are in the form of the project to be completed, with the employee responsible. Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communications, meetings, and feedback from the supervisor and from other department employees. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, Union Contract, Personnel Rules and OSHA. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with classification standards .

Public Contact

The employee has contact with other City employees to relay factual and specific information regarding work; there is occasional contact with the general public when in the field to answer questions and respond to concerns.

SELECTION METHOD

Structured Oral Interview

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).