Heavy Equipment Operator - Roads Crew

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 it's citizens.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for supporting the construction, maintenance, and ecological management activities of the District. This position operates and maintains a variety of heavy construction equipment used to construct, install, maintain, repair, remove, or enhance infrastructure and natural areas. This position has roles in two Grounds Management teams: Roads and Trails & Streams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate heavy construction equipment to lift, stabilize, repair, maintain, remove, and place materials.
• Perform installation, removal, and improvements to natural and structural assets.
• Construct and maintain trails and roadways within the preserves, ensuring safe accessibility for visitors.
• Clear rivers and waterways by removing debris, downed trees, and debris dams that obstruct water flow.
• Perform asphalt construction and maintenance tasks, including paving, striping, crack routing, crack filling, milling for overlays and patching, seal coating, gravel grading, and wheel stop maintenance.
• Transport materials and equipment on preserve and public roadways as required for construction and maintenance activities.
• Conduct plowing and removal of snow and ice on roads, parking lots, and sidewalks during winter months.
• Assist in the maintenance of natural areas restoration by removing exotic and invasive species.
• Participate in prescribed burns for natural areas maintenance and ecological management programs.
• Handle, mix, and apply pesticides using various spray equipment and protective apparel as necessary pesticide applications.
• May supervise contractor field work, full time employees, seasonal employees, and/or volunteers as assigned by management.
• Assist supervisor with the selection of staff, schedule, train, provide guidance and communicate day-to-day work activities, department expectations, and work rules. Relay and provide input regarding work performance, training needs and growth opportunities while promoting morale.
• 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.

Requirements:

• 18 years of age or older at time of hire.
• Technical Certification programs - less than two years, 1-3 years of related experience with less than 2 years of experince as a leadworker or foreperson, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Illinois Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with no restrictions as well as tanker and airbrakes endorsement within 6 months of employment.
• Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide Operator's License may be required within six (6) months of employment.
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) I-100, S-130, S-190, S-290 within two (2) years of employment.
• Must have and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).
• OSHA 10-hour training program completion card or obtain upon hire (training provided).
• Chainsaw Operator Certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).
• ISA Arborist Certification may be required.
• Advanced knowledge of native and invasive flora identification.
• Knowledge of ecological restoration methods, techniques, and materials.
• Knowledge of various aggregates, bituminous paving materials, and asphalt emulsion materials.
• Ability to handle controlled burning tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of and experience operating equipment such as trailers, agricultural tractors, commercial tractors/front-end loaders, rollers, pavers, and skid steer/rubber-tracked loaders.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently while executing tasks with attention to detail.
• Excel as a team member by participating and contributing to group efforts.
• Ability to oversee the work of others and the completion of tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:45 am - 2:45 pm. On call some weekends through winter for snow plowing including overtime.

Starting Salary: $27.80-32.23 an hour.

Work Environment: Requires working primarily outdoors. Exposure to all weather conditions, insects, power tools, and forestry maintenance equipment and machinery.

Location: Reports to Blackwell Nursery in West Chicago, IL. Work will be conducted at multiple sites across DuPage County.

Other Information: Long pants and work boots are required.

Benefits: Medical (PPO and HMO plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield), Dental, Vision, Flex Spending, Wellness Screenings, 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). Uniforms will be provided, along with an annual safety boot allowance.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is an EEO employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit 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 policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.