Entry Level Labor Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $2,978.00 - $5,360.00 Monthly
Location : Lake Charles, LA
Job Type: Classified
Job Number: 225532
Department: Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/13/2026 11:59 PM Central
About this Job
Mission:
TO ACTIVELY CREATE, FACILITATE, AND ENHANCE BENEFITS FROM MARITIME TRANSPORTATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS, STAKEHOLDERS, AND THE CITIZENS OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA.
The Port of Lake Charles is seeking candidates for the position of Port Facility Maintenance Specialist 1, 2, or 3. This is a full-time state Civil Service position which includes excellent benefits. Entry-level salary is $17.18 per hour; however, this is a training series (career progression group) with an opportunity for advancement over time. Also, previous experience will be taken into consideration when determining hiring level and salary. The selected candidates will perform basic to advanced level duties in the repair and maintenance of the railroad, heavy mobile equipment, cranes, vehicles, electrical systems, mechanical maintenance, and facilities & grounds.
Selected candidates' duties include repair and maintenance of electrical systems, heavy mobile equipment, vehicles, and machinery. railroad systems, electrical systems, buildings, etc. Will also be required to operate equipment. Performance of these duties requires the ability to safely stand, climb, bend, stoop, walk, push, pull, and lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds and work outdoors and around the waterfront.
The position is in a Career Progression Group and may be filled at the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd level, depending upon experience.
Minimum Qualifications
No experience or training is required.
Job Specification
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.
Job Duties and Other Information
Job Duties:

• Typical duties for a railroad consist of, but are not limited to, the following: Inspecting railroad tracks;
• Repair and set railroad switches; Clean, lubricate, and adjust railroad switches; Replace railroad crossties; Raise, tamp, and align railroad tracks; Operate equipment in the performance of track maintenance and grass cutting; Make minor repairs to equipment.
• Typical duties for a heavy equipment mechanic consist of, but are not limited to, the following: Repair and maintenance of the Port's heavy mobile equipment and fleet vehicles, including electrical, drive train, engines, hydraulics, and computer-controlled systems, tire replacement, cutting and welding, and mower and weed eater maintenance.
• Typical duties for electrical maintenance consist of but are not limited to the following: Diagnose malfunctioning systems and equipment using test equipment and hand tools; Identify hazards, defects and needed repairs to electrical systems, equipment and components; Install, repair and maintain motors, transformers, motor starters, lights, circuits and wiring in compliance with electrical codes and standards; Perform basic mechanical repairs outside of the electrical trade and read blue prints and ladder logic.
• Typical duties for mechanical maintenance consist of but are not limited to the following: Operate equipment, tools and machinery as part of daily routine activities; Perform routine preventative maintenance; Provide maintenance needs on shift work, call outs and weekends; Perform maintenance on bearings, pumps, conveyors, gearboxes; Perform shaft and drive component alignment; Read blueprints and perform layout and fabrication; Welding; Perform visual inspections; Diagnose equipment problems; Read and understanding repair manuals.
• Typical duties facilities and grounds consist of but are not limited to the following: Operate equipment, tools and machinery as part of daily routine activities; Perform routine duties in the cleaning, repair and maintenance of office buildings, properties, facilities, docks, railroads, transit sheds, grounds and appliances; Operate tractors; Cut grass; Trim; Weed; Spray herbicide at all Port grounds; Performs tasks, such as shoveling, carpentry, welding, plumbing, electrical, railroad work and general upkeep of the buildings and grounds.

A valid driver's license, good driving record, valid TWIC, or the ability to obtain TWIC are required. Other preferred qualifications include the possession of ASE Certification, CDL, and experience with diesel engine equipment.
Performance of duties for this position requires manual physical labor such as standing, stooping, bending, walking, pushing, pulling, climbing, and lifting 30 pounds or more, working outdoors in all types of weather, and working around the waterfront.
Position-Specific Details:
Appointment Type: Probational
Career Progression: This position participates in a Career Progression Group.
Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.
How To Apply:
No Civil Service test score isrequired to be considered for this vacancy.
To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.
*Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.
Contact Information:
Jo Ellen Elliot
Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District
337-493-3522
jelliott@portlc.com
Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.
As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:
Insurance Coverage More information can be found at
Parental Leave - Up to six weeks paid parental leave
More information can be found at
Holidays and Leave - State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

***** Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor
State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.
Retirement- State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):

• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (),
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (), among others

01
Do you possess a valid Louisiana driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a valid TWIC?

• Yes
• No

Required Question