Maintenance Worker - Public Works

Maintenance Worker

The City of Onalaska is seeking to hire a Maintenance Worker in the Public Works department. An employee in this position performs skilled, semi-skilled, and common labor work related to the repair, construction, fabrication and maintenance of City Infrastructure; including sanitary sewer, water, forestry, cemetery, street signs, street signals, streets, right of ways, sidewalks, storm sewer, vehicles and other City owned facilities.

Essential Job Functions :

• Performs maintenance and repairs of all aspects of City Public Works infrastructure, operations, and facilities.
• Perform work duties with various crew members in a team environment or work independently as assigned.
• Operate a wide variety of heavy equipment, including, but not limited to backhoe, street sweeper, end loader, motor grader, vibratory soil compactor, aerial bucket truck, combination sewer cleaning truck, tool truck with hoist, skid steer loader, single and tandem axle dump truck with snow removal package and patrol truck.
• Performs field installation, routine maintenance, and repair of City infrastructure. Utilize asset management technology within City GIS system.
• Provides input and participates in the preparation of reports, lists, asset management data, and other documents that contribute to the operation and maintenance of the City's infrastructure. Perform basic work zone safety set up and Utility locating including use of locating equipment.
• Perform snow and ice control and removal procedures, including plowing, sanding, spreading deicing chemicals, loading trucks, hauling snow, shoveling sidewalks, or maintenance of snow removal equipment, including the operation of large equipment for prolonged periods of time at various hours of the day. Snow removal operations may be scheduled or on an emergency call in basis.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Compensation and Benefits : The 2026 starting wage for this non-exempt position is $25.37 through $32.65 per hour (grade 4, step 1 through grade 6, step 6) depending on qualifications. July rate is $25.75 to $33.14 per hour (grade 4, step 1 through grade 6, step 6). Eligible for annual wage advancement upon approval.

The City offers competitive benefits to include health and dental insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment. For 2026 health insurance, the most affordable area plan offered is the Quartz West Plan with premiums at $225.36 per month for a single plan or $554.72 per month for a family plan. There is no deductible or co-insurance amount for the health insurance plan. Dental insurance is through Delta Dental with premiums paid 100% by the City. The position qualifies for automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan) providing a lifetime payment once vested and upon eligible retirement. Additionally, the City offers voluntary benefits such as vision, flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance. Paid sick leave, holidays, and vacation. Access to an employee assistance program (EAP). The City of Onalaska is also a qualifying employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Federal Program.

To Apply : To be considered for this excellent opportunity, submit an online employment application by accessing https : / / cityofonalaska.com / jobs by January 1, 2026.

City of Onalaska Human Resources City Hall (1st Floor) 415 Main Street, Onalaska WI 54650 Phone : 608-781-9530 ext. 260 Email : afrandsen@onalaskawi.gov

Additional Information : Initial interviews anticipated for January 12th, 2026. Selected candidate subject to background screening, post-offer / pre-employment drug screen and physical. Random DOT drug and alcohol screening. EOE / Drug Free Workplace.

Requirements of Work (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) :

High School diploma or equivalent. One (1) year experience with heavy equipment operation, infrastructure installation or Public Works background preferred. Position is subject to 24-hour callout as needed. Valid driver's license with good driving record.

Certification : Possess or ability to obtain Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A endorsement with tanker certification within (6) months of hire. Wisconsin DNR certification in groundwater and distribution needed to participate in on-call rotation required within (1) year of hire. Progress to higher wage (grade 5) with applicable DNR certification. With applicable DNR certification and (20) years of experience with Municipal Public Works or related Public Works infrastructure installation, operations, or equipment operation advance to higher wage (grade 6).