Classification: Full Time

Department: Lake of the Woods

Work Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve (Mahomet, IL)

FLSA: Non-Exempt

IMRF: Eligible

Compensation: $20.33 - $24.89 per hour

Hours: Typical work hours are 5:45am-4:15pm Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday. Some evenings, weekends, holidays and emergency responses outside these hours will be required depending on operational needs.

The closing date for this role will be 8/4/2026. Please apply by this date to be considered.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Maintenance Worker II is responsible for performing a variety of labor related tasks related to the maintenance and upkeep of the Preserve's grounds, buildings, user areas and equipment. This position reports to the Grounds & Facilities Supervisor. This position may assist with oversight of part-time or seasonal staff and/or volunteers.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

• Maintain preserve vegetation by mowing, edging, aerating, fertilizing, tree and shrub pruning, tree felling, planting, watering, and weed control
• Operate a wide range of equipment safely such as batwing mower, skid steer, chipper, stump grinder, backhoe, UTV, dump truck and small tractor
• Operate a wide range of power hand tools such as chain saw, brush cutter, drill, sander, grinder, blower and welder
• Gather, load, and haul refuse and vegetation from grounds and user areas
• Inspect, maintain, and repair all preserve restrooms including daily cleaning and trash removal
• Inspect, repair, and paint park and playground equipment
• Lock/unlock rental facilities, set up for events and rental functions, and ensure that facilities are clean and equipped as needed for all rental activities
• Inspect facilities, grounds, and user areas for hazards and unsafe conditions, make necessary repairs or modifications, and report findings to supervisor
• Assist with the implementation of capital improvement projects
• Maintain and service equipment to keep it in a safe and efficient working order
• Assist visitors with general questions regarding the preserve and other Preserve sites
• Explain and enforce Preserve rules and regulations as they relate to use of the preserve and its facilities and inform appropriate authority if patrons or staff are in danger
• Assist with general road repairs including asphalt patching and gravel road maintenance
• Purchase supplies, tools, and materials for the preserve, as directed
• Assist with oversight of daily work assignments for seasonal and part time staff as directed
• Split, load, and haul firewood
• Remove snow from Preserves roads/walks, utilizing both snowplow and manual methods
• Operate Preserves vehicles and equipment in a safe manner
• Provide assistance at other Preserves, sites, and events as directed
• Perform all job tasks in compliance with the Preserves Safety Manual and the department training manual
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum of two years of experience in a like position with similar duties or responsibilities
• Experience with the use and maintenance of tools of the trade, both powered and non-powered
• Current Illinois Pesticide Applicator license, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment
• Minimum of an IL driver’s license
• AED/CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to understand and follow both verbal and written directions
• Good communication skills and ability to maintain good working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, volunteers, and the public
• Ability to work independently in daily operations under general direction from the Site Superintendent or Grounds and Facilities Supervisor to exercise judgement in the performance of duties, and to identify and solve problems as they arise
• Ability to represent the Preserves in a professional manner and to maintain composure and self-control in difficult situations
• Prefer proficiency with laptops and smart phones and apps such as Microsoft Outlook, ArcGIS, weather apps and other general use features.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, or ice. Duties will be performed in close proximity to the general public, and the employee may have frequent interactions with patrons. While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. poison ivy, wild parsnip, biting/stinging insects, ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies, herbicides/pesticides, and gasoline/oil). The employee may also be exposed to machinery with moving mechanical parts and high noise levels. Working from heights may be necessary.

Normal duties may include stooping, twisting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Prolonged standing or walking, often on unpaved/uneven terrain, will be frequent. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and may regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or may occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds using assistive devices or with assistance from other employees. Ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate with staff and patrons is required. Visual acuity necessary for this position includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include, but is not limited to, the following items:

• Work boots
• Protective gloves
• Safety goggles or glasses
• Chaps
• Earplugs or ear covers
• Reflective vest or hi-vis shirt
• Respirators or masks
• Helmets or hard hats

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described above are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.