Skilled Laborer (Groundskeeper)

About the role

Incumbents perform various manual labor tasks in support of skilled tradesmen and craftsmen, including digging and back‑filling excavations, setting and repairing curbing, installing and repairing signs, maintaining grounds, performing snow removal and ice control, servicing motorized equipment, loading/unloading trucks, and related duties as assigned. The work is performed under direct supervision from higher‑grade employees, with possible functional supervision over certain tasks.

Responsibilities

• Perform various manual labor tasks requiring specialized skills to assist skilled tradesmen (carpenters, plumbers, painters, masons, etc.)
• Assist with installation of drainage, sewer and/or water pipelines or conduits: positioning, joining, sealing pipe sections and culverts; erecting and removing shoring and bracing for trenches.
• Dig trenches and similar excavations, refill excavations, spread and level to grade dirt, gravel and other materials using pick and shovel.
• Set and repair curbing; patch broken or eroded pavement by breaking surface and mixing/applying paving materials (mortar, concrete, cement) using small hand and hand‑held power tools.
• Install, repair, and maintain signs (regulatory, historic, information) by digging holes and installing supports with small hand and hand‑held power tools.
• Plant, transplant, prune, trim and fertilize trees, flowers and shrubs; seed lawns and gardens; spray for insects and plant diseases; cut grass, rake leaves, water trees, shrubs and flowers as required for ground upkeep and beautification.
• Service and make routine repairs/adjustments to automobiles, trucks and other motorized equipment: change/repair tires, replace headlights and windshield wiper blades, test batteries, check radiator water levels.
• Install attachments such as mowers, plow blades, leaf‑catcher buckets and vacuum cleaners to tractors and/or trucks for grass cutting, roadway cleaning, snow removal, etc.
• Perform snow removal and ice control: shovel snow (shovel and/or snow blower), spread salt and sand, scrape/break ice to provide safe roadways and sidewalks.
• Load and unload trucks; unpack and store supplies/equipment in stockrooms, storerooms or warehouses; take periodic inventories.
• Perform related duties: sharpen tools, install/repair/paint guardrails; assist in erecting/dismantling wall partitions; move furniture/equipment; sweep, collect and remove rubbish; open clogged catch basins, sewer lines, etc.
• Based on assignment, may perform manual labor tasks in connection with fish and game conservation activities.
• Based on assignment, may operate motor vehicles (light vehicles, trucks, snow/ice control equipment, skating rink resurfacers, outboard motor boats).
• Based on assignment, may operate camping registration offices, issue admission tickets, receive receipts and maintain simple records.
• Based on assignment, may patrol facility during open hours to prevent theft and vandalism, enforce safety rules, ensure cleanliness.

Working Conditions

Skilled Laborers may work outdoors in all types of weather; lift and carry heavy objects; work under exposure to heavy traffic, high noise levels; may work varied shifts, nights, weekends and holidays; and may work with or be exposed to hazardous materials or chemicals. The position is designated as essential and required to perform snow and ice cleanup.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have at least six months of full‑time, or equivalent part‑time, experience in performing manual labor in connection with general construction or maintenance work.

Other Qualifications

• Skill in using small hand tools such as pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.
• Skill in using hand‑held power tools such as drills, chain saws, etc.