Highway Laborer

DEFINITION

Position provides skilled labor for the Highway Department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Operates a variety of vehicles and equipment as needed to perform required functions of the Highway Department.

• Picks up litter along roadways, mows lawns, trims trees, and ensures the cleanliness and maintenance of Town streets.

• Patches streets, sidewalks, and cleans drainage lines.

• Installs or repairs pipes for drainage, installs catch basins, removes stumps and rocks.

• Repairs bridges, fences, and guardrails.

• Loads bulk materials onto trucks, such as salt, sand, or other materials as needed for construction projects.

• Grades dirt roadways as maintenance procedure, grades roadways in preparation for re-paving.

• Cuts brush along roadways to keep overgrowth from inhibiting visibility, cuts and maintains brush at Town-owned facilities and parks; feeds materials into grinder or chipper for disposal.

• May be required to supervise the work of employees assigned to a work crew.

• Ensures that all safety precautions are followed while performing work.

• Lubricates, adds oil, inflates tires, and otherwise services equipment to ensure proper repairs and maintenance.

• Prepares for and responds to seasonal challenges including snow removal, snow and stormwater, flooded areas, downed trees, construction projects, and repair and maintenance of equipment and machinery.

• Participates in all snow and ice removal operations and other emergencies.

• Performs a variety of related duties.

  
  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under direct supervision, where clear, detailed, and specific instructions govern the work or are explained with each assignment. The employee works as instructed and consults with the supervisor as needed on all matters not specifically covered in the guidelines or instructions.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The nature of the work means that errors are usually detected in seceding operations. Consequences of errors, missed deadlines, or poor judgment may include time loss caused by back-checking by others and slowdowns in the processing of the work. Errors are generally confined to a single department, such as billing or accounting errors, and/or failure to check subordinates performance.

JUDGMENT

The work is well-defined or has detailed rules, instructions, and procedures. Judgment includes choosing the appropriate practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines apply in each case.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of simple, routine, or repetitive tasks and/or operations with few variations in well-known or established procedures.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTRACTS

Relationships are primarily with coworkers, incidental to the purpose of the work, and involve giving and receiving factual information about the work. Ordinary courtesy and tact are required. Contacts with the public may be required on an occasional basis.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma and one year of related public works or construction experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS

Must have knowledge of materials, methods, and current practices essential to the maintenance of Town streets and roadways, and preventative maintenance of equipment.

Must have skill in operating department vehicles and equipment safely and efficiency.

Must have the ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions; work independently, and perform duties as assigned; and perform the physical requirements of the position in all weather.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The nature of duties may involve continuous pretense of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as considerable noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt, or grease. Work may be continually performed outdoors regardless of weather conditions.

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS

Physical Skills: Work requires moderate physical strength and effort daily, such as lifting heavy objects, carrying the objects, and stacking or moving them. In addition, pulling, pushing, standing, or walking for the full work day may also be required. A great deal of physical effort must be exerted at this level.

Motor Skills: Duties may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination.

Visual Skills: Requires routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.