Public Works Laborer

CITY OF Van Meter
JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Public Works

Title: Public Works Laborer FLSA: Non-Exempt

Date: 28 November 2022 Reports to: Public Works Director

PURPOSE OF POSITION / SUMMARY

Under general to direct supervision of the Public Works Director, performs manual labor, semi- skilled and skilled work often involving the operation of light to heavy duty construction and maintenance equipment. Employee must show skilled knowledge of how to use the machinery and the general ability to follow instructions. Assists Public Works Director in planning, organizing, and managing workflow. Notifies customers in advance of when infrastructure service is to be interrupted. Responds to citizen inquiries for information or services. May work nights, evenings, or weekends when inclement weather, emergencies, or when other situations require these hours. This full-time position is compensated on an hourly basis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Example of Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1) Performs duties relating to building and grounds maintenance.

2) Mows grass and weeds, cuts brush, trims trees, and performs site cleanup.

3) Performs routine maintenance and upkeep of cemetery grounds.

4) Constructs and repairs buildings, playground equipment, fences and other park facilities using manual labor and equipment as needed.

5) Safely operates maintenance and construction equipment, which may include, but is not limited to snow removal equipment, street sweeper, dump trucks, tractors, mowers, chain saws, weed eaters, and other equipment as needed.

6) Observes project work and makes decisions as to quality of the work and weather it meets departmental standards.

7) Loads and unloads heavy objects, materials, and supplies as needed.

8) Performs routine maintenance and repairs on equipment.

9) Operates snowplows, sanding, and salting equipment. Clears snow and ice accumulations from streets and sidewalks, which may include operating a snow blower, and a shovel to manually remove snow as needed.

10) Requisitions materials, supplies, and parts needed to maintain operations

11) Assists other city departments as directed.

12) Performs activities under strict deadlines and other time pressures.

13) Performs manual labor while assisting in the completion of various operational tasks.

14) Regular attendance is essential for this position

Other Job Duties:

1) Repairs, replaces, and maintains street signs and markers.
2) Attends safety meetings and seminars as required.
3) Installs water meters in consumer establishments using hand tools as needed.
4) Operates truck, tractor, loader, backhoe, mower, and street sweeper to construct, maintain, and repair city streets.
5) Performs manual labor in the repair and construction of streets and other facilities.
6) Operates painting equipment to paint hydrants, crosswalks, curbs, and other street and sidewalk markings.
7) Assists with the repair and installation of sewer and water lines.
8) Turn water service off or on for new customer/occupants.
9) Perform weekend duties inclusive of reading of master water meter(s) and sewer flows and water testing on a rotating schedule.
10) Performs routine maintenance and repairs on equipment.
11) Mow, weeds, cuts brush, trims trees, and cleans up site by raking and/or hauling to the landfill.
12) Must be available 24 hrs. Per day, 7 days per week for snow removal duties unless time off has been arranged in advance.
13) Learn how to locate and mark graves at City cemetery.
14) Respond to water/sewer emergencies when requested.
15) Setup & Teardown of after-hours recreational events when requested
16) Performs other duties as apparent or assigned and assist other departments as directed.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

Required Physical Activities: Carrying, Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling,
Crouching, Crawling, Reaching, Standing, Walking, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Grasping,
Talking, Hearing.

Physical Characteristics of the Job: Heavy work requiring exertion of up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and exertion of up to 50 pounds of force frequently.

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed primarily outside and includes seasonal exposure to cold, heat, wind, rain, snow, sleet, and other weather conditions.

The worker is also exposed to awkward or confining workspace, darkness or poor lighting, dirt/dust, fumes/odors, moving machinery, noise, vibration, visual strain, wetness/humidity, working on uneven ground, mechanical hazards, chemical hazards, and traffic hazards. Also, the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations, a significant work pace pressure and irregular work hours.

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS USED:

Truck and attachments, tractor and attachments, loaders and backhoes, mowers and attachments, trimmers, street sweeper, air compressor, snow plows, electrical welding equipment, combustible gas welding equipment, skid loaders, snow blowers, pumps, drills, saws, grinders, ladders, generators, chains, extension cords, measuring equipment, jackhammer, sledgehammer, pick-axe, winch, hoses, oil, forklift, concrete and asphalt tools, hydraulic tools, traffic control equipment, calculator, telephone, mobile telephone, SDS information, OSHA regulations, and other equipment as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

This position involves a 6-month probationary period. An evaluation of the employee’s performance will be conducted at the end of the probationary period.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to follow one or two-step verbal or demonstrated instructions.
• Ability to perform moderately basic algebraic and geometric calculations.
• Ability to read and write identifying information, request supplies verbally or in writing.
• Ability to operate, light-to-heavy duty construction equipment in a safe and competent manner.
• Basic skills in equipment maintenance.
• Ability to perform water and sewer testing.
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time often in inclement weather.
• Ability to use a cellular telephone and a telephone.
• Working knowledge of storm water and wastewater collection, roadway maintenance, equipment maintenance, building care, traffic control devices and equipment practices, equipment and techniques.
• Knowledge of traffic laws and regulations involved in equipment operation.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with the operation of tools and equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with Public Works Director,

City Administrator, All other city staff and the public.

• Ability to perform all job duties safely and in accordance with all applicable rules, guidelines, policies, and training.
• Ability to pass a post-offer employment physical and a CDL required drug screen and participate in CDL-required drug screen policy testing.

Education, Training and Experience:

Education Required: High School diploma or equivalent G.E.D.

Education Preferred: Two years of college education in a field dealing with

public works tasks.

Experience Required: Three years of light and medium construction equipment operations, or two years in a mechanical position.

Required Special Qualifications:

• Shall be generally available for off-hour emergencies and/or work assignments and be able to respond in less than thirty (30) minutes.

• Shall establish residency within thirty (30) miles, which takes less than 30 minutes to drive to the department maintenance facility under normal driving conditions within the first six months of employment with the city.

• Shall possess and maintain a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License with Air

Brakes and any required endorsements and /or restriction removals issued by the State of
Iowa. This certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment and have a good driving record for the past three years.

• Shall possess and maintain Iowa Certified Pesticide Applicator Certification, valid in all categories necessary for the department. This certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

• Shall possess or have the ability to possess and maintain State of Iowa (DNR) Water

Distribution Grade 1 or 2 certification, Water Treatment Grade 1, Wastewater Treatment
Grade 1

The City of Van Meter offers a full complement of benefits including health, dental and vision insurance, short term and long-term disability, employee and City funded retirement through
IPERS, training and clothing allowances, and other fringe benefits necessary or required for the position as determined by the City Administrator or Public Works Director.

The rate of pay for this position is dependent upon qualifications and falls into a grade scale ranging from $21.50 to $24.50 per hour.

This position will be open until filled with the first review of applications occurring on
January 1st, 2023.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.50 - $24.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Van Meter, IA 50261: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: One location