Under minimum supervision of the Facilities Manager or higher, prepares surfaces for painting by filling holes, scraping scale, washing woodwork and walls, etc. Brushes, rolls or spray paints wood, plaster and metal surfaces of buildings (interior and exterior), barricades, pipes, radiators, vents, fire escapes, metal partitions, etc. Sets up ladders and scaffolding and lays down drop cloths on the floor and furniture. Strips and refinishes office furniture and woodwork. Cleans and maintains equipment and brushes. Prepares and finishes new drywall for painting. Measures and hangs wall coverings. Mixes and blends paints. This is a union position.

Typical Duties

Prepares surfaces for painting by filling holes with plaster or wood putty and smoothing with sandpaper or other abrasive material. Also removes scale and washes down woodwork and walls with a chemical solution.

Applies caulking when necessary.

Maintains work log records manually or via Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Brushes, rolls or sprays on one or multiple coats of paint, usually starting with a primary or sealing coat, allowing sufficient time intervals between coats for each to dry.

Chips all rust on steel work with a chipping hammer to avoid continual rust action and to smooth steel surfaces where rust blisters appear.

Spots with rust inhibitive compound on all newly chipped steel to arrest further erosion.

Sets up ladders and scaffolding. Lays down drop cloths to prevent paint from dropping on the floor or on furniture.

Mixes and blends paints and stains to obtain desired color or shade and thins ready-mixed paint to correct consistency.

May measure and hang wall coverings (paper, vinyl, etc.) as required.

Cleans equipment and brushes at the end of each day's work using water or industry recommended solvents.

Strips tables, desks, furniture, bulletin boards, etc. by using a environmental friendly stripper. Then cleans and refinishes surface using a stain, sealer and varnish.

Prepares new dry wall for painting by using the taping process.

Prepares and stripes outdoor parking lots and trails for safety markers and parking stalls, including recommended ADA and graphic related improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess high school diploma, GED, or higher.

Must possess certification from a recognized apprenticeship program pursuant to attaining journeyman status as a painter.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

Possess at least one (1) season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC), OR work experience with partners such as the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago, Friends of the Forest Preserves, Cook County, the City of Chicago, or the Chicago Park District.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Thorough and extensive knowledge in the principles, methods, and technologies of painting.

Skill in the safe and effective use of handheld tools and power sprayers.

Knowledge of safety requirements, use and application, and the handling oil and water-based paints, primers, and other industry related solvents.

Ability to review and comment on the accuracy of the plans, drawings and specifications used in rehabilitation/construction of new or existing structures, facilities, or landscapes.

Ability to work in an environment where unpleasant odors may occur from paint and solvents. Ability to use and operate a respirator as needed.

Must possess the physical stamina to stand, walk and climb throughout the workday.

Ability to kneel, crouch and stoop in difficult working positions.

Ability to work on high ladders and scaffolding.

Ability to operate various aerial lifts.

Ability to do repetitive work in a quick and efficient manner.

Knowledge of city, state, and local building codes as they relate to painting industry.

Ability to make simple calculations and follow simple written and oral directions.

Skill and ability to mix and blend paints to obtain desired color or shade and consistency.

Knowledge of the different types of paints, brushes, rollers, sprayers, electric and motorized equipment, etc. to be used on various surfaces.

Ability to erect and dismantle scaffolding.

This position occasionally requires various types of physical exertion including, but not limited to climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing, and moving moderate to heavy weight.

Position requires moderate to extensive travel to work assignments throughout the District.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Veteran’s Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering Yes to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Basic Term Life Insurance

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County 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. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.