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Laborer II

Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work. Operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City sewer facilities and systems, as well as street and storm drainage facilities and systems for the Water, Street, and Sewer divisions of the Public Works Department. This is a safety-sensitive position.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Assists with the planning, scheduling, and implementation of construction, maintenance, and operation activities designed to provide quality street, water, and sewer systems and facilities.
• Assists in the training of lower-level employees performing the duties of maintenance, construction, and repair for the different departments.
• Inspects and/or repairs streets, drainage systems, and sanitary sewer systems at frequent intervals to ensure that all aspects of the systems are functioning correctly.
• Responds to complaints and service requests.
• Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor; ensures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use.
• Maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activity, repairs, etc.
• Performs required labor involved in construction and maintenance projects as part of a crew for the Water, Street, and/or Sewer Departments. Pavement cutting, ditch digging, manhole and line cleaning, main and pipe repair, laying, and backfilling. Cuts, fits, lays, repairs, taps, cleans, and flushes storm water mains, pipes, gates, and fittings on the repair of lines and fire hydrants.
• Determines the locations of gas, telephone, power, television, and water and sewer lines from the appropriate sources before excavation.
• Contacts residents and business owners in areas where services or access may be discontinued and explains when access or services will be restored.
• Drives trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of different equipment, gravel, and sand. Operates light and medium-sized construction and power equipment.
• Performs all duties in conformance with appropriate safety and security standards.

Minimum qualifications include:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
• One (1) year of experience relating to construction, maintenance, or repair, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license or be able to obtain one in a reasonable period.

Skills, knowledge, and abilities include:

• Knowledge of health and safety requirements.
• Considerable knowledge of equipment, materials, methods, and procedures used in maintenance, construction, and repair activities (i.e., basic electrical, semi-skilled carpentry/plumbing, semi-skilled grounds keeping, basic laying/fitting pipe, sign printer and press, etc.)
• Skill in operation of some of the listed tools and equipment (i.e., deck mower, tractor, bucket truck, asphalt roller, asphalt saw, etc.)
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to work safely.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

Physical demands include:

Work is performed primarily in field settings. Considerable outdoor work is required. Hand-eye coordination is essential for operating testing instruments, computers, and various office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment includes:

Outdoor and various locations: The Laborer II primarily works outdoors, involved in sewer maintenance tasks in different municipal locations. This includes streets, public utilities areas, and sewer system access points. Work is performed under various environmental conditions, including adverse weather, requiring adaptability and resilience.

Physically intensive tasks: The position involves engaging in labor-intensive activities crucial for the operation and maintenance of the sewer system. Tasks include manual digging, lifting heavy objects, clearing blockages, and assisting with the operation of sewer maintenance equipment. Physical fitness and adherence to safety measures are crucial to performing these tasks effectively and safely.

Use of tools and equipment: The Laborer II uses a range of hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment specific to sewer work. This may include sewer snakes, jetters, and CCTV equipment for inspection purposes. Proper handling, maintenance, and safety practices regarding these tools and equipment are emphasized.

Teamwork and supervision: Working under the supervision of more experienced personnel, the Laborer II is an active team member, contributing to the completion of projects and maintenance activities. Effective communication and cooperation with team members are vital for successful task execution and workplace safety.

Safety and health protocols: Safety is a paramount concern, especially when working in potentially hazardous environments associated with sewer maintenance. The Laborer II follows strict safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to procedures designed to protect workers from health risks related to sewer work.

Training and skill development: The position offers opportunities for on-the-job training and skill development in sewer system maintenance techniques and equipment operation. The Laborer II is encouraged to learn from experienced colleagues and participate in relevant training sessions to enhance their competencies and career progression within the department.

Emergency response: Availability to assist in emergency situations, such as sewer overflows or blockages, is part of the role. This may require working outside of normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to address urgent maintenance issues and restore services.

Flexible schedule: This position is not remote. The Laborer II may need to work a flexible schedule to meet the demands of sewer department projects, routine maintenance, and emergency response efforts, ensuring the efficient operation and reliability of the municipal sewer system.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The City of La Vergne is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status in employment opportunities.