Public Works Laborer

Non-exempt position within the Public Works Department.

About the role

Performs a variety of semi-skilled and unskilled tasks related to street, sidewalk, lawn repair, general maintenance, and drainage work under the immediate supervision of the Public Works Crew Leader, Foreman, and Public Works Director.

Responsibilities

• Receives instructions from supervisor concerning work to be performed.
• Travels to and from work site and prepares site for work (erect barricades, etc.).
• Operates manual or motorized equipment to cut concrete, asphalt, or other materials.
• Excavates, fills, and levels site for patching.
• Loads, unloads, stores, transports, and positions materials as required for the project.
• Signals operators in the movement of shovels, loaders, etc.; spots trucks for loading and unloading.
• Applies patching material (sod, cold patch, hot patch, gravel, etc.) to prepare site and performs required clean-up.
• Operates equipment to perform miscellaneous clean-up (lawn care, holiday decorations, branches, brush, large trash, etc.); loads and removes debris.
• Operates equipment/truck to perform snow removal; changes attachments as required.
• Inspects equipment for proper operation and makes minor repairs and adjustments; completes routine turn reports.
• Informs supervision of any equipment irregularities, repairs needed, accidents, etc.
• Maintains trucks and work area in a clean and orderly condition.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• One (1) year of relevant experience.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training demonstrating the required knowledge and ability to perform the work.
• Valid State Driver’s License or ability to obtain one.

Skills

• Working knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in building and grounds maintenance.
• Working knowledge of equipment and supplies used for minor repairs.
• Some knowledge of first aid and applicable safety precautions.
• Skill in operating tools and equipment listed.
• Ability to work independently and complete daily activities according to work schedule.
• Ability to lift heavy objects, walk, and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to use equipment and tools properly and safely.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships.

Tools and Equipment Used

• Rubber-tired tractors with bucket and backhoe attachments.
• ½ and ¾ ton pickup trucks.
• Wood chipper.
• Various hand tools including wheelbarrow, shovel, rake, pick, sledgehammer, and miscellaneous small tools.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear, and smell.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Primarily works in outside weather conditions.
• Works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration.
• Occasionally works in high, precarious places and is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually loud in field settings.