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Entry Level Public Works Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL

Village of Oak Park Illinois

Civil Engineer I

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $116K/yr

Public Works FLSA: Non-UnionExempt Pay Grade: 6 Class specifications are intended to present a ... DEFINITION This is the entry level class in the Civil Engineer series. This class is distinguished ...

Oak Park

Civil Engineer I

Oak Park, IL

Public Works FLSA: Non-Union Exempt Pay Grade: 6 Class specifications are intended to present a ... DEFINITION This is the entry level class in the Civil Engineer series. This class is distinguished ...

Lake Forest

IT Intern

Lake Forest, IL

$15 - $20.76/hr

... Public Works, Recreation, Community Development, Finance, Human Resources, and City Hall. This ... Use this opportunity as a strong entry-level steppingstone for a future career in IT. Hours and Pay ...

City of Lake Forest, IL

IT Intern

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$15 - $20.76/hr

... Public Works, Recreation, Community Development, Finance, Human Resources, and City Hall. This ... Use this opportunity as a strong entry-level steppingstone for a future career in IT. Hours and Pay ...

DU-COMM

911 Dispatcher - Telecommunicator

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$32.50 - $40.67/hr

DU-COMM is recruiting entry level or experienced applicants to join our team. No experience is ... public works, non-member agencies, businesses, and citizens. · Efficiently operate a variety of ...

DU-COMM

911 Dispatcher - Telecommunicator

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$32.50 - $40.67/hr

DU-COMM is recruiting entry level or experienced applicants to join our team. No experience is ... public works, non-member agencies, businesses, and citizens. · Efficiently operate a variety of ...

DU-COMM

911 Dispatcher - Telecommunicator

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$32.50 - $40.67/hr

DU-COMM is recruiting entry level or experienced applicants to join our team. No experience is ... public works, non-member agencies, businesses, and citizens. · Efficiently operate a variety of ...

City of Elmhurst

Utility Operator I or II

Elmhurst, IL

$30.35 - $46.27/hr

Depending on experience, the position ranges from entry-level to skilled, with responsibilities ... Required participation in Public Works snow plowing operations as assigned. * Promotes and ...

Chicago Public Schools

Physical Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 ... The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families ...

Chicago Public Schools

Physical Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 ... The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families ...

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All JobsPublic Works JobsEntry Level Public Works JobsEntry Level Public Works Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL

Entry Level Public Works information

See Mount Prospect, IL salary details

$12

$24

$44

How much do entry level public works jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level public works in Mount Prospect, IL is $24.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.17 and $27.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level public works job?

Entry Level Public Works jobs are positions within government or municipal agencies focused on maintaining and improving public infrastructure and services. These roles often include tasks such as sanitation, road maintenance, water and sewage management, and supporting construction projects. Entry level positions typically require minimal prior experience and may involve on-the-job training. They offer a starting point for individuals interested in public service, infrastructure, or community improvement. Working in public works can lead to career advancement as you gain experience and additional certifications.

What do entry level public works employees do?

As an Entry Level Public Works employee, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks that support the maintenance and improvement of public infrastructure. Your daily responsibilities may include repairing roads, maintaining parks, cleaning public spaces, and assisting with the setup of community events. You’ll often work outdoors as part of a team, collaborating with more experienced staff and learning about equipment operation and safety protocols. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and can serve as a stepping stone to advanced positions within the public works department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level public works employee?

To thrive as an Entry Level Public Works employee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic construction or maintenance knowledge, and a willingness to learn on the job. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety equipment, and sometimes a valid driver’s license or commercial driving certification are commonly required. Dependability, teamwork, and communication skills are vital soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure tasks are performed safely, efficiently, and collaboratively, supporting the effective maintenance of public infrastructure.

What is the difference between Entry Level Public Works vs Entry Level Civil Engineering Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Public WorksEntry Level Civil Engineering Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require relevant certificationsHigh school diploma; some positions may prefer coursework in engineering or related fields
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, construction sites, municipal facilitiesOffice settings, field inspections, project sites
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal governments, public agencies, construction firmsEngineering firms, government agencies, consulting companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Public Works roles typically involve fieldwork and maintenance tasks within municipal or public sector settings, often requiring certifications or relevant experience. Entry Level Civil Engineering Assistants focus more on supporting engineering projects, with some roles requiring coursework in engineering. Both roles are common starting points in the public infrastructure industry, but they differ mainly in work environment and specific credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Works jobs in Mount Prospect, IL?

The most popular types of Public Works jobs in Mount Prospect, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Public Works jobs in Mount Prospect, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Public Works jobs in Mount Prospect, IL are:

What cities near Mount Prospect, IL are hiring for Entry Level Public Works jobs?

Cities near Mount Prospect, IL with the most Entry Level Public Works job openings:

Entry Level Public Works jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Public Works job openings in Mount Prospect, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,091 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Forestry Worker I (UNION AFSCME)

City of Evanston

Evanston, IL • On-site

$34.88 - $40.55/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Public Works/Forestry Worker I
Date Posted:
8/27/2026
Location:
Service Center
Date Available:
TBD
Closing Date:
09/10/2026
SALARY RANGE: $34.879-$40.554/HOUR
*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.
Nature of Work:
This is a full-time, entry-level public works Forestry Worker I position involving on-the-job training to perform a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled forestry work and operate a variety of equipment within the Public Works Agency. Employees will use hand and power tools such as saws, brooms, rakes, and shovels, as well as forestry equipment such as chainsaws, brush chippers, and stump cutters. Tasks require employees to work outdoors for most of the workday, year-round, in all weather conditions. Work is often performed in heavy traffic, requiring employees to be alert to avoid accidents or personal injuries. Employees will be assigned tasks of a similar or higher-level classification to gain experience and training in preparation for advancement. Safety equipment such as hardhat, safety glasses, reflective vests, gloves, safety toe shoes, hearing protection, and other protective equipment are required to be worn. 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):
  • Uses forestry tools such as, but not limited to, hand pruners, hand saws, chain saws, and pole saws.
  • Unloads hand and power equipment from vehicle.
  • Performs tree care duties including watering, properly planting trees, properly pruning trees, mulching trees, dragging, and chipping brush and logs.
  • Delivers soil, wood chips, and other materials to work site and shovels, rakes, and levels materials.
  • Safely operates public work equipment and tools of various sizes with different attachments.
  • Drives a pick-up truck, or larger CDL truck, to plow snow and spread salt.
  • Drives a small dump truck to transport materials; operates controls in truck cab to dump and spread materials on surfaces.
  • Checks equipment and performs preventative maintenance.
  • May assist in other divisions on an as needed basis.
  • Assist in chemical applications.
  • Snow and ice removal that includes irregular work hours, round the clock availability and working in extreme weather events.
  • The ability to respond to emergency situations regarding storm damage and other City emergencies on short notice at all hours of the day or night, including holidays and weekends.
  • Ability to learn and utilize CMMS and other required City computer software.
  • Performs various other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Requirements of Work:
  • Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
  • Must be willing and able to obtain a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with full air brakes within six months of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment.
  • Must be willing and able to obtain a State of Illinois Pesticide Operator's certification within one year of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment.
  • Must be willing and able to obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 700, and IS 800 Certification within 12 months of employment.
  • Relatable experience in forestry or horticulture is preferred.
  • Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
    • Some knowledge of the safe operation of hand and power tools.
  • Some knowledge of the operating instructions and safety aspects of public works equipment.
  • Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to read and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to satisfactorily complete tasks without close supervision.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, co-workers, other employees, and the public.
  • Ability to greet the public in a courteous and pleasant manner, and with a customer-service orientation.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules when required or assigned, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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.

Supervision:
Work is performed under the general direction of a supervisor or crew leader. Assignments may vary from day to day depending on the season and work requirements. Instructions, either verbal or written, are in the form of the project to be completed, with the employee responsible. Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communications, meetings and feedback from the supervisor and from other department employees. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, Union Contract, Personnel Rules and OSHA. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with classification standard.
Public Contact:
The employee has contact with the general public in residential areas and with the public using parks and recreational areas to respond to questions and complaints and provide general direction; the employee has regular contact with other City employees in order to share information and complete work tasks.
SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST
Structured Oral Interview 2 years
Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
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 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).

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