Equipment Operator II Streets Division (Union - AFSCME)

Position Type:
Public Works/Equipment Operator II

Date Posted:
6/18/2026

Location:
Service Center

Date Available:
TBD

Closing Date:
06/26/2026
Salary: 36.951 - $43.362/hourly*

*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.

NATURE OF WORK:
The Equipment Operator II performs skilled operations and is not limited to restoring pavement following lead service water line replacements, placement of concrete and asphalt in maintaining streets, alleys, and sidewalks, including pavers, right-of-way maintenance, snow and ice control, minor construction projects, and other street maintenance functions as needed. The work requires and performs manual labor and, at other times is spent operating rubber tire front-end loaders, backhoes, skid steers, and other medium and heavy equipment. Employees may be assigned tasks of a similar or higher-level classification to gain experience and training in preparation for advancement. Safety equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, reflective vests, gloves, steel-toed shoes, ear protection, and other protective equipment is required. Work may also involve substituting for a crew leader during their absence. This position requires both scheduled and unscheduled overtime for emergencies and special projects, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Performs and oversees concrete maintenance and repair; clears the site of loose materials with a shovel, sledgehammer, or air hammer; operates a concrete saw to cut out damaged concrete; builds forms for sidewalks, curbs, and street repair projects; compacts soil using tamper; pours and finishes concrete.
• Performs asphalt maintenance and repair; shovels, spreads, rakes and levels asphalt and gravel; operates air hammer; operates a concrete saw to cut out damaged sections of roadway. Operates a street roller and compacts asphalt or other materials.
• Operates hand and power/pneumatic tools and motorized equipment common to public works maintenance work.
• Performs daily equipment inspections and ensures all tools and equipment are properly functioning; assists in repairs and replacements of equipment as needed.
• Performs preventative maintenance tasks such as: making simple adjustments, replacing minor parts, and lubricating equipment.
• Performs Pre/Post Trip inspections according to D.O.T. standards. (All Equipment)
• Participates on a crew in alley grading/maintenance through the use of specialized equipment and manual labor.
• Participates in brine production, stores, and maintains de-icing materials, and inspects and operates all snow and ice equipment.
• Safely operates medium to large trucks while pulling short/long trailers up to 10K pds and rigging the equipment to the trailer, following the rules and regulations on proper rigging techniques.
• Operates a dump truck to transport materials such as asphalt, gravel, and sand; operates controls in truck cab to dump and spread materials on surfaces properly.
• Operates combination backhoes, front-end loaders, skid steer & attachments, and other specialized equipment for street maintenance.
• Performs proper setup and take down of temporary traffic control for construction and special events.
• Performs leaf collection and disposal; operates dump truck and assists with loading leaves on the truck; hauls leaves to the disposal site.
• Performs graffiti removal with power tools or paint overlay.
• Operates a dump truck or other equipment to plow snow and spread salt and other deicing materials.
• This position may be assigned to the night shift to support snow and ice operations and emergency situations during the snow season as determined by management.
• May occasionally collect solid waste and perform general laborer tasks within the city's rights of ways, facilities, parks and parking lots.
• May perform any other related maintenance/construction tasks as assigned.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
• Reviews, evaluates and prioritizes external requests/complaints by performing field inspections and responding through 311 software and other lines of communication.
• Assists in keeping records of work performed using an asset management software program, along with labor, materials, supplies, and equipment used.
• Maintains proper inventory levels of materials and informs Crew Leader and Supervisor when inventory is low.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED.
• Must have two years of progressively responsible experience in public works maintenance, concrete, and asphalt or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:
• Must possess a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with air brake endorsement and safe driving record and have the ability to maintain it as a condition of employment. (required on the date of application).
• Considerable knowledge of the maintenance methods and operating characteristics of equipment and tools used by public works maintenance workers.
• Considerable knowledge of the operating hazards and safety precautions of equipment and tools used by public works maintenance workers.
• Ability to safely and skillfully operate a dump truck with plow and spreader, front-end Loader, backhoe, and skid Steer.
• Knowledge of techniques and methods of street and alley repair and maintenance
• Ability to read and write to comply with simple instructions and read a map.
• Ability to perform the work without close supervision.
• Ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion in performing assigned duties.
• Ability to record work performed and materials, supplies, or equipment used.
• Ability to determine and set up the appropriate traffic control devices per the MUTCD.
• Ability to use attendance and payroll software to record staff information.
• Must possess or have the ability to complete NIMS Incident training, ICS100, ICS200, ICS700, and ICS800 within 6 months.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other departments, and the general public.
• Ability to speak and listen effectively and demonstrate strong communication skills.
• Ability to use two-way radios, mobile telephones, personal computers, cameras, tablets, and any other electronic devices frequently used to communicate and store data.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• 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 work outdoors in various weather conditions such as extreme cold, high winds, rain, snow, sleet, high temperatures, humidity, and other uncomfortable conditions.
• 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, gasses, dust, and dirt while following safety guidelines.
• Ability to work on job sites with elevated noise levels and vibrations.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid Illinois Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with air brakes endorsement and a safe driving record.


SUPERVISION:
Work is performed under the direction of the Supervisor or Management. Assignments are verbal or in writing, describing what needs to be accomplished with the employee responsible for ensuring the personnel and equipment are available. The Equipment Operator II participates in the work with co-workers in the same or lower-level classifications. Work is reviewed through discussion of crew activities and by on-site inspection of the Supervisor. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, Union Contract, Personnel Rules and OSHA. Work performance is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence of work rules, leadership, communication skills, customer service, ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization and the general public in accordance with classification standards.


PUBLIC CONTACT:
The employee has regular contact with other City employees to schedule work and equipment. The employee will work with other departments in the course of inspections which may include police, fire, and health, as well as other departments or divisions. The employee has occasional contact with the public to answer questions, give information, as well as to explain work programs and specific assignments; some contact may be of a difficult nature; the employee has to use judgment as to when to refer community members to a supervisor or other management and administrative staff.

SELECTION METHOD

TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST

LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST

Structured Oral Interview

Category List

Two (2) Years

To apply for this position, please apply online at on or before the closing date.

Chosen candidates will be subject to a qualifying pre-employment medical examination and drug/alcohol screen.


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 View phone number on click.appcast.io (voice) or View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY).