Salary: $18.57 - $27.28 Hourly
Location : Lakeland, FL
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 8036-151
Department: Public Works/Construction & Maintenance
Division: PW C&M Maintenance 1103200000
Opening Date: 06/25/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NA
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This skilled position is critical to the upkeep and enhancement of City parks and other City-owned properties. It encompasses a range of duties, including grounds maintenance, equipment operation, and minor construction work. The role is essential for ensuring that public spaces are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing for community use. The work is subject to review while in progress and upon completion.
This posting will close after the receipt of the first 10 qualified applicants or 2 weeks (July 9, 2024 at 4PM) whichever comes first.
Please note this posting can close at ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists and may lead a small workgroup in maintenance and construction work on various City properties.
• Operates equipment such as trucks, tractors, mowing equipment, front-end loaders, and backhoes for construction and maintenance activities.
• Uses small power-operated equipment, including mowers, edgers, clippers, and other associated equipment used in maintenance tasks.
• Cleans and performs minor repairs on equipment.
• Conducts routine maintenance on equipment.
• Carries out various safety inspections as required.
• Checks and repairs automatic and mechanical systems, including clocks, valves, and heads.
• Supervises large work areas in the absence of senior maintenance personnel.
• Interacts with user groups on the properties.
• Participates in emergency response teams for incidents such as natural disasters.
• Performs minor electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
• Executes skilled gardening, pruning, and maintenance tasks.
• Handles all landscape installation and maintenance phases, including weeding and plant bed maintenance.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the organization.
• Position is designated as Mission Critical.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• May perform general custodial duties at public facilities.
• May be asked to perform similar work as needed at other facilities.
• May mix pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
• Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

• High school diploma from an accredited school or its equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience in general labor and grounds maintenance work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must maintain a valid telephone number.
• Must possess and maintain an appropriate valid driver's license.
• May be required to possess and maintain a valid Class "A" or "B" commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements as are required by the employing department or obtain one within one (1) year of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Knowledge of tools and their uses.
• Knowledge of the precautions necessary to work safely with and around mechanized equipment, hand tools, and power tools.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to detect and report plant-related problems, such as diseases, lack of water, etc.
• Knowledge of the use of motorized equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, City employees, and the general public.
• Ability to climb in and out of large trucks.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires heavy work that involves lifting, shoveling, walking, or standing most of the time, carrying 35-50 pounds on a regular and recurring basis, along with exerting up to 100 pounds of force frequently.
• The job requires climbing in and out of large trucks frequently.
• The job risks exposure to bright/dim light, wet/humid conditions, disease, pathogens, extreme noise levels, traffic, toxic/caustic chemicals, fumes, noxious odors, moving machinery, heights, dusts, pollen, and extreme cold/heat.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.
The City of Lakeland is a drug free workplace. This position is considered a mandatory testing position, which is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. As a condition of employment you will be required to pass the pre-employment drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.
THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
City of Lakeland
2024 Summary Sheet
Annual Leave
Annual leave is accumulated bi-weekly and based upon years of service as follows:
Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989. Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned. All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.*
Sick Leave
Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.
* NOTE : REGULAR employees with a working day other than eight (8) hours, please contact your supervisor regarding these policies.
Sick Leave Pool
Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long-term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full-time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part-time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part-time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary.
For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834-8768
Family & Medical Leave
Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working.
For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834-6038.
Pension Plan
Provision for retirement income requiring mandatory participation for full-time regular employees.
Defined Benefit Plan:
Plan C Employee 3.12%
Employer 15.64%
OR
Defined Contribution Plan:
Executives, New Hires aged 52 and older, and Fire/Police Recruits
Employee 8.5% or 11% per election upon hire
Employer 15.39%
Deferred Compensation 457 Plan:
A voluntary plan that is invested in mutual funds. The Employees' Pension Board performs the due diligence on the mutual funds. Employees may reallocate their account at any time.
Maximum contribution for 2024 is $23,000; employees aged 50 or older can also add a "catch-up" amount of $7,500. Additionally, a match of up to 5% of salary is offered by the City in Plan C.
Holidays
Twelve (12) holidays, includes one (1) personal floating holiday to be used at any time after three (3) months of employment and prior to the end of the calendar year.
Funeral Leave
Up to three (3) days off with pay due to death of an immediate family member (as defined in the policy manual). Up to four (4) hours off with pay may be obtained through supervisor approval to attend local funeral services of persons other than immediate family.
Jury/Witness Duty
Employees required to serve on jury duty will be relieved of responsibility for their regular work shift or portion thereof and receive full pay while serving. All fees received for such service may be retained by the employee. Employees subpoenaed to any civil or criminal court proceeding, which employee is not personally or monetarily interested, shall be paid as if engaged in regular work activities.
Military Leave
Allows for up to 240 hours in any one calendar year for annual military training without loss of pay or benefits for any employee in some type of reserve status for the United States Armed Forces. (see policy manual for additional information).
Maternity Leave
Refer to Family & Medical Leave for those employees who qualify. Others may take up to three (3) months leave of absence available upon approval of the Department Head. Employees may opt to utilize any combination of paid (sick or annual leave) or unpaid leave.
Leave of Absence Without Pay
Written requests are subject to approval by Department Head and City Manager or designee for less than ninety (90) days. Requests for more than ninety (90) days also require Civil Service Board approval for employees in a Civil Service classification.
Longevity Pay
Tuition Reimbursement
Program provides employees up to $2,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for reimbursement of tuition of approved college, university, vocational, or correspondence classes upon completion with a grade of "C" or better in credit courses only. Full reimbursement is given for courses and fees, upon approval. The program does not include reimbursement for cost of books, supplies or other related expenses.
For more information, contact Sue Cook at 834-6844.
Suggestion Awards
A program designed to provide a consistent and organized method for employees to submit and be rewarded for constructive ideas for improvement. Maximum award is $1000.
For additional information, contact Kathy McNelis at 834-6348.
Direct Deposit of Paycheck (refer to handout in new employee folder)
An account must be established with the institution of your choice prior to signing up for direct deposit.
Uniforms/Equipment
Uniforms issued at no cost to employees for those job classifications which require them. Equipment is issued to employees at either no cost or discounted cost depending upon job classification.
Parking
Free while at work.
Break Periods
Employees may be permitted two (2), fifteen (15) minute breaks during the workday. The time shall be at the discretion of the supervisor.
For Information on Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance please contact Benefits at 834-6797.
For Information on Retirement Benefits, contact the Retirement Services Department at 834-8765 or 834-8797.
For Information on Firefighter and Police Officer Retirement Benefits, contact Foster & Foster at 239-333-4872.
01

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED from an accredited school?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess one (1) year of experience in general labor and grounds maintenance work?

• Yes
• No

03

Please provide a narrative supporting your answer to the above question. Be sure to include specific job title(s), job duties, organization(s) and the dates where the work was performed. Note: The employers and dates of employment you list here must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of this job application.
04

Please indicate which type of valid driver's license you possess.

• Florida driver's license
• CDL Class "A"
• CDL Class "B"
• I have an out-of-state driver's license
• I do not have a valid driver's license

05

By clicking "Yes" below, I understand that all relevant work experience MUST be entered in the "Work Experience" section on my application. In addition, all current City of Lakeland employees must list all previous City of Lakeland work experience in the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section will disqualify you from the application process.

• Yes
• No

Required Question