administrative specialist

case manager

stationary engineer

laborer

wastewater operator

Dupage County

I joined  with high hopes for a positive and supportive work environment. However, my experience has been quite challenging, leading me to question the overall culture and values of the organization.

Key Observations:

Support and Compassion: Unfortunately, during a difficult personal time—specifically, the passing of my grandfather—I faced dismissal for attending his funeral and wake. This lack of understanding and support during a family crisis was disheartening and has significantly impacted my view of the company.

Work-Life Balance: The mandatory on-call requirements, which extend for five months at a time, are quite demanding. Being on call for 16 hours overnight (from 10 PM to 2:30 PM) presents a significant strain, especially when considering the travel time, as I live 45 minutes away. Suggestions that I might need to sleep at the workplace for convenience further indicate a lack of regard for employees’ personal lives and well-being.

Expectations and Accountability: The emphasis on being “owned” by the county during the winter months creates an unsettling atmosphere. It raises concerns about employee autonomy and job satisfaction, as it feels as though the demands placed on us take precedence over our personal commitments and lives.

Conclusion:

I urge potential employees to carefully consider the implications of the current work environment. My experience has highlighted significant gaps in support and compassion, particularly in times of personal need. A healthy work-life balance and a culture of understanding are essential for a fulfilling job experience, and I hope the company can reflect on these aspects moving forward.

The place is the most toxic environment I’ve worked in my entire life. I couldn’t believe the politics that went on in this place, the rumor spreading and gossip among the mechanics and the road crews. During my time here I was worked like an animal and treated less than human. Management and Crew Leaders will alienate people they don’t like regardless of their work ethic and favoritism is rampant in this place as well as other departments. You will be monitored at all times as management will sometimes stalk around the building and watch you from the outside as well as constantly check on things. They expect dealership level assembly line results for everything all trucks and equipment in  that place, although nothing is truly a “simple” fix  or repair. For the snow shift they will not let you rest either nor are they ever fully staffed, so any breaks that you “should” get, you most likely will not. The Manager of Highway operations, and the Assistant County Engineer are so deeply embedded into the fabric of problems in this place, and poison to all who have the misfortune of working with them. My advice to anyone who needs a job or is looking for a great opportunity to please look elsewhere. I promise you, if and once you get the job, you’ll wish you never applied. 

I recently joined DuPage Co.  and have found the staff to be incredibly friendly, creating a positive work environment. The workload is manageable, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. However, the issue lies in the comparatively low pay, which I hope sees a significant bump in the future.

While I understand the need for different pay scales, it seems unfair that supervisors receive substantially more than regular staff. This pay disparity can demotivate the team. Even as a recent college graduate, I believe fair compensation within the first year or two is crucial, considering the demanding nature of the job.

Working in DuPage County, the second busiest county after Cook County, brings its challenges. In such a dynamic environment, pay should reflect the rising cost of living and inflation to ensure employees' financial well-being.

Although the company offers good benefits, it's essential to emphasize the importance of fair and competitive pay. Benefits are valuable, but a reasonable salary is equally vital for employee satisfaction and retention. I hope the company addresses these concerns, making it an even more attractive workplace in the future.

Enjoyed the job initially with positive starting supervisor and positive overall feeling in the shop. New management led to hostile yelling and an unconcerned upper management with little desire to "rock the boat" to fix problems. Most issues that would involve HR and a formal reprimand anywhere else, were quickly swept under the rug before complaints got too far out of control and employee concerns were squashed with words like "we'll take it from here" and "sorry I can't tell you if anything has been done in regards to this issue".  Safety concerns were neglected and speed of repair was put at a higher value than personal physical and psychological health. Winter snow shift hours were long, 12 hours with one half hour break. Often while still being asked to complete your normal day shift on top of that. Overall, it tears you down fast and there is not compassion for you as a person to sustain normal processes. As I was told many times, "you are here and the county ownes you" when it comes to home/work life. 

A typical day at work: A typical day involves navigating inefficient processes and dealing with unnecessary obstacles that hinder productivity.

What you believe you learned: I haven't gained any valuable skills or knowledge due to the lack of opportunities for meaningful development.

Management: The management team is characterized by ignorance, narcissism, and rudeness, often resorting to fabrications rather than addressing real issues.

Workplace culture: The workplace culture is mediocre, with no significant efforts made to foster a positive or collaborative environment.

The hardest part of the job: The most challenging aspect is attempting to accomplish tasks amidst constant disruptions and lack of support.

The most enjoyable part of the job: Despite the numerous challenges, finding small moments of success or camaraderie with a few supportive colleagues provides some enjoyment and relief.

Job experience in traffic court and misdemeanor is fantastic. Lots of trial experience and perfect progression in learning, perfect balance unlikely to be found in other counties initially. After misdemeanor however, trials dry up. 

Culture is great at lower levels, but after leaving misdemeanor, it’s different. Many of the first and second chairs aren’t extremely talented, and have profound insecurities that poisen a culture that should be fantastic. DuPage draws most of its ASA’s from DuPage itself, many spoiled entitled kids who couldn’t hack it anywhere else.

Get it, get some experience, get out.

I originally went there 21 years ago to apply for the plumbers position, job had already closed for applications, Laborer  position was open, so I applied, and got hired, took a big pay cut.  Went to HVAC school after work
then transitioned over to the Stationary Engineer Department. After school and training, took the Stationary Engineers test in Elgin, then two years later got my Chicago Stationary Engineers license.  Typical day at work is spent checking HVAC equipment, working on chillers, rooftop units, chill pumps, boilers, heating pumps, and repair work orders.  The day is always challenging.  Management is very flexible as far as school, and time off.
I would highly recommend working in the Public Works Department. 

I feel working for the DuPage Courthouse allows for much growth as a professional in a government occupation. The position I hold allows me to assist in many areas.  First, the courtroom in the law diviision: working with lawyers checking in and helping the flow of the room with the Judge.  When I am not in court I also enjoy helping out in customer service for individuals filing cases without an attorney.  I guide them on the internet filing system in person and on the phone. I find this work very gratifying as the individuals are so grateful for my assistance.

I worked in the Dining Services at DuPage Care Center and found the experience to be disappointing. The management lacked clear communication and organization, which made daily tasks more challenging than necessary. Teamwork was often nonexistent, with coworkers unwilling to support one another, leading to a stressful environment. Additionally, some individuals displayed unprofessional and rude behavior, making it difficult to maintain a positive work atmosphere. Improvements in management structure and team collaboration are essential for this department to function effectively and retain employees.

When you first start out its overwhelming as to the size of the work area. Multiple buildings various sizes, uses, different security issues. Jail, Youth home,ect..you learn the whole time your working do to the amount situations your faced with.Management is all about safety and osha regulations to instill those equally in everybody.They have a lot of key pad codes, lock box keys, key cards, restricted areas,harzadus areas,due to machinery or chemicals used in the daily operations.But at the end of day you go home safe and you learned something new.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Administrative specialist 12 salaries reported	$51,917 per year
Case manager 4 salaries reported	$58,870 per year
Stationary engineer 2 salaries reported	$86,700 per year
Laborer 7 salaries reported	$15.00 per hour
Wastewater operator 4 salaries reported	$95,075 per year

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