Cement Finisher

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of a US Department of Labor registered cement finishing/cement mason apprenticeship training program and journeyman status, OR Should the above criteria not be fulfilled, the following options are acceptable:
• Successful completion of an industry or company sponsored apprenticeship training program as a cement finisher/cement mason PLUS two (2) years of journey level work experience as a cement finisher
• Five (5) years of journey level work experience as a cement finisher

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

• A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required
• Must have the permanent use of an automobile that is properly insured, including a clause specifically insuring the City of Chicago from accident liability

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Exposure to noise, dust and other conditions on construction sites

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Substantial lifting (up to 80 pounds) is required
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with one's body, arms, and/or legs
• Ability to operate applicable hand tools, power tools, and equipment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER WORK REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge

Moderate knowledge of:

• tools, materials, processes and techniques of concrete finishing and masonry
• techniques and processes used in laying, smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces
• techniques for constructing concrete and reinforced concrete structures
• properties and characteristics of concrete and various types of concrete mixes
• effects of concrete mixes on strength of concrete, setting and curing times, finish and durability
• use of safety equipment and protective gear
• applicable safety and code standards specific to the cement finishing trade, including OSHA standards
• Knowledge of applicable City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations

Skills

• ACTIVE LEARNING - Understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
• MATHEMATICS - Use mathematics to solve problems

Abilities

• COMPREHEND ORAL INFORMATION - Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
• SPEAK - Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
• COMPREHEND WRITTEN INFORMATION - Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
• WORK WITH NUMBERS - Add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly

Other Work Requirements

• STAMINA - Demonstrate energy and stamina to accomplish work tasks
• DEPENDABILITY - Demonstrate reliability, responsibility, and dependability and fulfill obligations
• ATTENTION TO DETAIL - Pay careful attention to detail and thoroughness in completing work tasks

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This is a non-interview, tested title. This position requires the successful completion of an online application and an initial screening process. Applicants who meet the established screening criteria may be invited to participate in one or more assessments designed to evaluate the knowledge, skills, or competencies relevant to the role. Depending on the position, this may include a pass/fail assessment, additional evaluative components, and/or an interview. External applicants who receive a passing score on the test will be hired in lottery/random order. Bid applicants who receive a passing score will be selected in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement.

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:

City of Chicago :: Classification and Pay Plan

APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted.  Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Aug 7, 2026, 12:00:00 AM