Entry Level Manual Labor Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder-an employee with the City of Gainesville- you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it's a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.
Department:
GG_Public Works: Refuse Collection
Salary will be based on qualifications.
Closing Date:
08/24/2026
Job Details:
**PAY FOR THIS POSITION IS $15/HR**
his is entry-level manual labor performing unskilled maintenance. Essential functions may vary based on area of assignment. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated manager and work under direct supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its routine, physical nature and from other classes by its emphasis on outdoor maintenance and events setup and breakdown.
Job Description:
SUMMARY
This is entry-level manual labor performing unskilled maintenance. Essential functions may vary based on area of assignment.
Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated manager and work under direct supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its routine, physical nature and from other classes by its emphasis on outdoor maintenance and events setup and breakdown.
EXAMPLES OF WORK*
*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs unskilled landscaping and beautification to include the cleaning and maintenance of varied ground landscaping including litter and garbage pickup; routine grounds and road right-of-way maintenance including mowing, cut-back, edging, weed-eating, sweeping, trimming, seeding, sodding, raking and hand-grading; routine cleaning of City facilities, grounds, right-of-ways, and parks which may include janitorial work, graffiti removal, sign cleaning, and pressure washing of buildings and sidewalks.
Performs basic maintenance to include setting up barricades and other temporary traffic control devices, and may conduct or assist with flagging operations; performs duties which require moving, heavy lifting, loading and unloading, and some transportation of equipment and furniture; services and washes vehicles and equipment, and assembles and disassembles equipment; performs other maintenance activities as assigned.
Performs basic resource recovery functions including dismantling, repairing, modifying cleaning, assembling, and/or disassembling a wide range of electronic and mechanical equipment from or into their basic component parts. The performance of these duties may require a the operation of safety sensitive equipment such as forklifts, metal cutters, saws, etc.
Unload supplies, empty refuse containers, sort, re-sort, move, and categorize a wide range of materials.
Assists with setup and breakdown of event equipment, furniture, and participates in post event clean-up, debriefing, and documentation as needed.
Sprays/applies herbicides or removes weeds with tools or by hand in landscaped or natural areas; fertilizes turf and shrubbery; assists with controlled burn preparation and operations in natural areas
Uses small equipment such as weedeaters, edgers, and blowers in the performance of landscape and grounds maintenance tasks. Cleans parking lots, walkways, boardwalks of dirt and debris.
Assists in repairs and installation of park structures such as benches, tables, grills, sidewalks, painting, carpentry and construction natured tasks.
Performs other maintenance activities specific to Parks, Public Works, and Solid Waste functions.
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Participates in training as required to perform job functions.
Assists with crowd activities such as monitoring, directing, and interacting with the public at City sponsored events at various locations within the City.
Assists with emergency management response activities as assigned.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Ability to read and write English. . Some general maintenance related work experience is preferred.
CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES
Licenses
Depending on the area of assignment:
A valid Florida Driver License may be required at time of appointment or within 3 months of hire, depending on job assignment and work location.
Information on whether or not a license is required, will be provided by the hiring department based on their specific needs.
Certifications
None.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge in the performance of lifting, reaching, pulling, pushing in a safe manner.
Knowledge of general safety awareness including precautions necessary when working in or next to traffic.
Skilled in the performance of basic math and reading comprehension.
Skilled in the use of hand tools.
Ability to follow safety guidelines of safety sensitive equipment.
Ability to read, comprehend and adhere to policies, procedures, safety regulations and other material needed in the performance of duties.
Ability to attend required training and learn and apply new information.
Ability to lift, reach, push, pull, carry, crawl, crouch stoop, work in crowds, understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work may require physical strength, agility and dexterity to safely perform all essential job functions.
Work requires exposure to prolonged high noise levels, potential hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Will be required to work outside of regular business hours. Requires working outside in various weather.
**PAY FOR THIS POSITION IS $15/HR**
Note:
May Require Assessment(s).
May fill multiple positions.
May establish an eligibility list.
Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. Not only do we offer traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy.
Equal Opportunity
The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.
Veterans' Preference
Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans' Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans' Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans' Preference.
If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.