Public Works General Laborer

Description

Job Summary

A general laborer for the Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining and improving public facilities, spaces, and infrastructure. Work is performed under supervision, to execute maintenance and construction tasks of an unskilled or semi-skilled nature.  Work is characterized by the necessity for considerable physical exertion, potential close contact with unpleasant materials, and working out of doors under occasionally adverse weather conditions. General Laborers may operate light equipment if required by the job. A Commercial Driver’s License, Group B, with an air brake endorsement, is required.

Compensation 

Starting pay at $35,366 & 4 day work week. 

This position is a union, hourly position eligible for over time; generous benefit package with medical, dental, vision, STD/life insurance after 90 days; vacation days; sick days; personal days; paid holidays; Defined Benefit Pension. Monday-Thursday schedule.

Nature of Work Duties

• For the Water Department
  • Works as part of a crew to jet sewers with a high-pressure water hose
  • Repairs and maintains water hydrants and water gates
  • Repairs water main breaks
  • Installs water service by tapping the main line and hooking up to the curb box
  • Measures footage and installs sod
  • Pours concrete, operates cement mixer
  • Cleans equipment and tools
  • May be upgraded to drive truck to transport crew to worksite
  • May be upgraded to drive snow removal equipment consisting of a truck or tractor
  • Equipped with adjustable snowplow and blower unit
• For the Highway Department
  • Works as part of a crew in road repair, gravel spreading, ditch digging, and cold patching
  • Loads and unloads dirt, gravel, trash, and other debris
  • Removes debris from street rights-of-way and other City property
  • Drives dump truck when hauling, loads fallen tree limbs and roadside debris into trucks
  • Mixes concrete
  • Cuts grass with tractor or rotary mower
  • Rakes leaves from City property
  • Uses pitchforks, shovels, and similar hand tools to pick up general refuse and trash from curbs, streets, or other areas
  • Manually sweeps streets
  • Operates snow removal equipment to maintain streets, sidewalk, and municipal facilities
  • Cleans equipment and tools
• For the Building Maintenance Department
  • Works as part of a crew to repair and maintain public buildings and parks
  • Paints structures and repairs woodwork with carpenter tools.
  • Performs minor electrical repairs
  • Repairs plumbing features
  • Repairs plaster and drywall
  • Builds sheds and other outbuildings
  • Cuts grass with tractor or rotary mower
  • Weeds and maintains trees, flowers, and bushes
  • Cleans comfort stations and other buildings
  • Picks up and carts away paper and rubbish
  • Pours concrete, replaces sidewalks
  • Drives dump truck to haul dirt, topsoil, and remove trash from city parks

Environmental Conditions and Equipment Used

• Conditions or situations may include exposure to a risk of danger to life, health, or bodily injury 
• Works in both indoor and outdoor environments with no effective protection from weather including environments that may involve exposure to very high temperatures and very cold temperatures
• May include contact with water, toxic chemical/biological agents, other liquids, and humidity 
• Noise/vibration exposure that could be enough to cause distraction and hearing loss as well as bodily harm
• Works in conditions or situations in which there is a danger to life, health, or bodily injury including a variety of physical hazards, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts and electrical shock
• Uses tools and equipment relative to the position, including charts, blueprints, diagrams, manuals, etc. 

Specifications (Skills, Mental and Physical)

• Static Strength - The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects. Must be able to carry 50 pounds.
• Trunk Strength - The ability to use your abdominal and back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly/continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
• Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (e.g., two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down.
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
• Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Civil Service Process:

• Must pass a Civil Service written examination with a score of 70% or higher
• Must pass an Oral Interview
• Must pass a background check
• Must pass post-offer physical examination with a drug/alcohol screening

Qualifications

Minimum Training, Licensing, Education and Experience

• Must be 18 years of age or older and have earned a High School degree or equivalent. 
• Must pass a Civil Service examination, including a background check and drug screening
• Valid State of Michigan Commercial Driver's License - Class B with an Air Brake Endorsement
• Must meet General Government Civil Service Driving Standards

Salary : $35,366