Streets/Public Works Technician

Streets/Public Works Technician

General Statement of Duties

Performs routine unskilled and semi-skilled work in the maintenance, landscape and care of City buildings, grounds and related City property.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Employees in this class perform a variety of routine unskilled and semi-skilled tasks primarily related to facility maintenance, parks maintenance, cemetery maintenance, maintenance and upkeep of all City maintained grounds and lots, right of way mowing, landscaping, debris removal, and street sign maintenance.  Work includes mowing, trimming, edging and weed-eating around City facilities, in public rights of way and other designated areas during growing season, debris pickup, and removing leaves from city streets during fall and winter season.  The employees perform upkeep of City facilities and grounds; clean storm drains; install and repair street signs; assist with the hanging of banners and lights during various seasons of the year and set up and take down for special events; and assist in other areas of the department when the need arises.  Employees may also assist with reading meters and supervising inmate labor when assigned to work with grounds maintenance.  Work involves the operation of a variety of equipment including zero-turn and riding lawnmowers, trimmers, weed eater, back pack blower, pitch fork, shovel, rake, etc.  The employees may also answer questions from citizens when performing work.  The employees are subject to working in inside and outside environments including extreme hot and cold weather and to work hazards including loud noise, vibrations, moving mechanical parts, exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, and oils.  Work with sewer lines may subject employee to final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens.  Work is performed under regular supervision and is inspected for compliance with instructions and upon completion to determine that proper work methods are being followed and that assignments are carried out correctly.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

Maintains City parks and grounds by cutting grass, trimming and edging, mulching, weeding and performing other landscape and grounds maintenance activities. Operates a variety of hand tools and power equipment including, but not limited to, riding and push mowers, hedge trimmers, loppers, weed eaters, blowers, chain saws, pole saws, shovels, rakes, and other light equipment for landscaping and tree maintenance activities. Performs tree and shrub maintenance including hedge and tree trimming; pruning; removing fallen limbs and trash; and raking leaves. Participates in the erection, maintenance and repair of street signs. Operates a hand-held computer to read water meters, when necessary, that may not yet be automated or are damaged; repairs and replaces water meters and associated equipment. May provide traffic flagging and control to help ensure a safe work zone when working around traffic.  Performs leaf and debris removal on City streets, grounds and parks. Picks up trash on City streets and in common areas, parking lots and rights-of-way; cleans culverts and other drainage structures; participates in stormwater system maintenance and repair; blows and sweeps sidewalks. Operates trucks and small motorized equipment safely and efficiently. Performs equipment inspection to ensure proper operation; ensures cleanliness and proper storage of tools and equipment after use. Fills in on other public works and utilities crews as needed; assists with compliance efforts related to the City’s MS4 Stormwater permit.

Additional Job Duties

Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General knowledge of materials, tools and equipment used in municipal maintenance and construction, particularly in the area of grounds maintenance. Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and related safety precautions of the work. Skill in operation of assigned equipment. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to use hand tools and operate equipment with skill and safety. Ability to deal courteously with the general public.        Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other employees and the general public.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and performing repetitive motions. Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to operate mobile equipment and other mechanical equipment such as mowers and chain saws in a safe manner, perform mechanical task, and to visually inspect work quality.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school and experience in grounds or public facilities maintenance work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirement

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license, preferably a Class B CDL.

Salary range is $32,163-$49,853, commensurate with qualifications. Applications can be found Employment Application or at City Hall. Email optional resume and cover letters to: cramsey@lowellnc.com. Mail applications to: City of Lowell, Attn: Cheryl Ramsey, Human Resource Officer, 101 W. First Street, Lowell, NC 28098. The City of Lowell is an Equal Opportunity Employer.