Maintenance Specialist

Salary: $29.50 - $33.78 Hourly
Location : La Crosse, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00782
Department/Division: Water
Opening Date: 01/20/2026

Description
The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Maintenance Specialist to become an essential member of the Water Department. It is the responsibility of the Water Department to install, operate, repair, and maintain the wells, reservoirs, water main, service connections, fire hydrants and the main pumping station within the city. The individual in this position will work with a dedicated team of employees who work together to provide sufficient quality water for the City of La Crosse.
The purpose of this position is to produce a variety of custom work, tool creation, and repairs; operate and maintain various shop equipment, and perform other duties as assigned. Incumbent will perform maintenance and repair welding on water equipment including hard surface welding on buckets, wear bars, skids, etc. Position will design and fabricate a variety of projects and specialty equipment for water department use.

Starting wage for this non-exempt position ranges between $29.50 to $33.78 per hour (80 hours bi-weekly), depending on candidate qualifications. Working hours for this position are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.
Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent required. Welding certification or able to obtain within 90-days of hire. Attended a welding program on, but not limited to, shield metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, oxyacetylene cutting and welding, brazing, and soldering or any combination of education and experience to be considered equivalent. A valid Class B commercial driver's license with airbrake endorsement required or ability to successfully obtain commercial driver's license within 30 days in the position.

Experience in heavy truck and off-road equipment repair required, or any combination of education and experience to be considered equivalent.

Experience with automotive and small engine maintenance and repair.

Experience with mechanical, electrical and computer controlled hydraulic systems.
Benefits:
The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, accident insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave. Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available; participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with 7.20% employer contribution;

10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year, and vacation time available as of date of hire.
Selected candidate is subject to background check, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical and job screen. Applications accepted until position is filled. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting

Purpose of Position
The purpose of this position is to produce a variety of custom work, tool creation, and repairs; operate and maintain various shop equipment, and perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. The duties and responsibilities are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and/or assigned.

• Design and fabricate a variety of projects, specialty equipment or attachments for water department use.
• Perform maintenance and repair welding on water equipment including hard surface welding on buckets, wear bars, skids, etc.
• Maintain gas cylinder inventory.
• Keep track of fabrication shop supplies necessary for welding, cutting and machining.
• Performs body work, including gas and electrical welding, painting, and metal fabrication in completion of repair assignments.
• Performs various fabrication shop tasks and miscellaneous maintenance and custodial duties in and around the fabrication shop and buildings as required.
• Maintains records and makes reports as required.
• Use precision measuring tools and equipment.
• Operate and maintain metal working equipment including, but not limited to, drill press, metal lathe, metal mill, metal band saw, plasma cutter, gas torches, and MIG welders.
• Subject to call for winter snow and ice removal, and other emergency and non-emergency situations.
• May need to respond to emergencies during non-working hours.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the department, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other department staff.

• Attends meetings and continuing education seminars and training courses as needed.
• Maintains the small engine equipment and performs preventative maintenance on other equipment.
• Adheres to and…