Description
The City of DeKalb, Illinois is looking to hire for the position of Skilled Maintenance- Electrical. This position will perform technical work related to the operation and maintenance of the City’s electrical systems and/or traffic signal equipment, depending on assignment. This role assumes an increased level of responsibility, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken and guidance of other staff. This position will respond to call outs for emergency situations, assist with minor facility maintenance and repair, and assist the Utility Division as needed.
POSITION CONTEXT:
The Skilled Maintenance- Electrical position is assigned to the Assistant Director of Public Works of the Public Works Department. This is a full-time position represented under AFSCME and will work 40 hours per week with periodic overtime. This position will include evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency call outs as necessary.
Initial review of applications to being on December 15, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.
This position will be assigned to facilities electrical work.
If assigned to facilities electrical work:
- Installs, troubleshoots, and repairs electrical and lighting systems, and equipment in all City facilities.
- Inspects, repairs, and maintains electrical and lighting systems, including conduit and duct systems, light and power circuits, motor appliances, generators, breaker panels, fans, heaters, and fixtures.
- Installs and performs preventative maintenance on transformers, circuit breakers, switches and lighting fixtures.
- Installs interior and exterior wiring for equipment and appliances; wire new and altered buildings; troubleshoot and locate defects in electrical systems; replace fuses, cords, and sockets.
- Install wiring drops for computer installations to extend to new terminals or peripheral equipment.
- Interpret electrical plans and specifications, check for conformity with codes, regulations, and safety orders.
If assigned to traffic signals:
- Installs, repairs, and maintains traffic signal conduit, traffic signal safety lighting, and street lighting; removes wires and cables in accordance with all safety regulations, manufacturer recommendations, and City specifications.
- Verifies, checks, and evaluates timings in controller to ensure good traffic flow; maintains and updates any vehicle detections.
- Responds to emergencies or reported malfunctions such as pole knockdowns or traffic signal timing problems.
- Completes JULIE locates as needed.
All assignments include:
- Assists and serves as a back-up to the counterpart role to ensure continuity of municipal operations.
- Makes field decisions needed to remedy problems and emergencies.
- Coordinates construction, maintenance, material selection and repair activities with maintenance, contractors, vendors, and other staff.
- Participates in establishing schedules and methods for project completion. Identifies resource needs and reviews needs with appropriate supervisor and/or management staff to allocate resources accordingly.
- Estimates material and equipment needs. Develops and maintains records for required reporting. Reports operational problems to the supervisor in a timely manner.
- Maintains inventory, orders parts, and supplies as needed to complete repairs on a timely basis.
- Assists the supervisor with capital equipment planning and forecasting.
- Responds to call outs for scheduled rotations and emergency calls for emergency repairs and weather-related incidents.
- Operates large trucks up to 55,000 gross vehicle weight (GVW) and small trucks for snow plowing/salting, leaf pickup, hauling of materials, etc.
Requirements
- Five years of experience in the electrical field required and a willingness to learn traffic signal systems.
- High School Diploma or equivalent is required with supplemental formal education, vocational, trade or technical training.
- Journeyman Electrician preferred.
- Ability to obtain IMSA work zone safety and Traffic signal I certifications within an agreed upon timeframe.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Possession of a valid CDL Class B State of Illinois permit within 60 days of hire. Ability to acquire a CDL Class B State of Illinois license within an agreed upon timeframe (estimated at 6 months from hire). Ability to obtain tanker endorsement as requested.
