LABORER (DRAIN DITCH)

Job Summary

Employee is responsible for the provision of semi-skilled manual work in the maintenance, construction, and repair of City property (streets, sidewalks, grounds, parks, and trees) and the completion of a wide range of public works projects. Operates remote control mower; and will be responsible for equipment. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

Essential Job Functions

• Mows in drainage ditches, islands, and other overgrown areas with remote control mower; and will be responsible for equipment.
• Operates department equipment and vehicle such as a riding mower, lawn mower, and hand tools in the completion of a wide range of manual labor projects such as brush cutting, patching potholes, grass mowing, trimming trees, construction, and installation of fences, digging holes etc.
• Uses a variety of hand tools such as shovels, weed eaters, and chainsaws to dig trenches, cut grass, clean sidewalks, cleans and removes debris from City rights-of-way and alleyways and performs public works related tasks around trees, wires, cars, and personal property and fellow workers.
• May assist the Parks & Recreation Department with the maintenance of City parks and Cemetery, which include trimming of trees and grass mowing and assist with the setup for special events.
• Performs routine maintenance of assigned equipment and trucks.
• Employee may be assigned other duties in addition to those listed; duties may change according to the changing needs of the city.
• Performs other similar or related duties as assigned.
• Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours at night and/or on weekends in response to emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Must have a High School Diploma; or equivalent.
• Up to one (1) year of work-related experience in the field
• Must have current Class "C" Texas Driver License and be insurable.
• Must pass pre-employment criminal background check and drug screen at City's expense.
• Must successfully complete Emergency Management and Incident Command Training within first three months upon hire.
• Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

• Safe and effective operation of hand tools, tractor mowers, and light equipment.
• Ability to follow directions and to perform work under extreme weather conditions for long periods of time. Ability to interact effectively with coworkers. Ability to recognize unsafe working conditions to ensure that appropriate safety precautions are taken to ensure employee safety. Ability to carry out duties in busy, public congested areas.
• Proficient motor skills to operate motor vehicles, tools, and light equipment in an efficient and safe manner.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Work requires moderate intermittent physical strength and effort daily. Work includes lifting, moving, and positioning/loading heavy objects (up to 100 lbs.), pulling, pushing, remain stationary or move about for the full workday may also be involved. Driving in adverse weather troublesome road conditions may be required.
• Duties may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination. Examples include operating a motor vehicle, operates a personal computer or ascends / descends a ladder.
• Employee constantly performs work outdoors on a variety of public works projects. Employee is exposed to equipment/machinery, noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt or grease, and risk of personal injury when working along busy public roads, and sidewalks. Work is continually performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned to this position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

Any applicant selected for employment with the City of Weslaco must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing, references, background checks, and credential verification.