West Chicago, IL – Maintenance Tech II Grounds – Trails & Streams Crew

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is hiring a Maintenance Tech II for the Trails & Streams Crew in West Chicago, IL. This role involves installing, maintaining, and repairing natural resources and recreational areas, requiring skilled equipment operation and manual labor. Responsibilities include snow removal, invasive plant management, and trail maintenance. A high school diploma and 1-3 years of experience are required.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The district’s mission is, “to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure, and recreation of its citizens.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for performing a wide range of duties related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of various elements within the district preserves, including turf, trees, roads, parking lots, streams, trails, and storm sewer systems. This position requires skilled operation of equipment, as well as manual labor, to ensure the preservation and enhancement of our natural resources and recreational areas while providing a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate various types of machinery and equipment, such as tractors, backhoes, mowers, and chainsaws, safely and efficiently.

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on equipment to ensure they remain in good working condition.

• Assist with snow removal, prescribed burns, and river clearing as needed.

• Natural Resource management including: Non-native/invasive woody plant removal, herbicide application, and may assist with deer culling program.

• Assist all other departmental crews as necessary.

• This position is assigned to a specific crew; however, this position can potentially be transferred to various crews temporarily as needed. Every effort will be made to put personnel in areas of their preference, yet maintaining the balance of crew sizes and proper function of the department shall remain the prime objective.

• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the district’s safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.

• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.

• Perform other duties as required.

Trails & Streams Crew:

• Grading, clearing, trimming/rough mowing, herbicide application, mulch installation, and resurfacing with aggregates.

• Installation, maintenance, and monitoring of various types of drainage structures.

• Wood splitting for campground usage.

• Bench construction, finishing, and maintenance.

• Clearing of blockages throughout the major rivers, streams, and tributaries.

• GPS utilization marking and cataloging District assets.

• Grading, seeding, and turf restoration.

• Assistance with snow plowing and ice control.

• Perform all aspects of trail construction, renovations, and maintenance.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma/GED required, 1 – 3 years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Valid Driver’s License in good standing.

• Illinois Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with tanker and airbrakes endorsement within 6 months of employment in good standing.

• Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide Operator’s License within six (6) months of employment in good standing.

• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) I-100, S-130, S-190, S-290 within two (2) years of employment.

• First Aid CPR AED certification within six (6) months of employment.

• Respirator Evaluation & PFT & Questionnaire clearance required upon hire (Roads Crew only).

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 6:45 am – 2:45 pm.

Starting Salary: $26.19 – 29.48 per hour.

Eligible for performance review and possible pay increases biannually.

Benefits: Medical (PPO and HMO plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield), Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account for Health and/or Dependent accounts, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, 12 paid Holidays, 12 paid Vacation Days, 5 paid Personal Days, 8 paid sick days, Pension through Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), 457 Retirement Plan. Uniforms will be provided, along with an annual safety boot and glasses allowance.

Additional Information: Report to Nursery complex in Blackwell, bring lunch and water as employees work throughout the county each day, all PPE provided, safety toe boots required (reimbursed up to $225 yearly).

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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