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:
Salary will be based on qualifications.
Closing Date:
09/02/2026
Job Details:
This is entry-level manual labor performing un-skilled and semi-skilled tasks, or assisting skilled workers. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor 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 construction activities.
**May fill multiple positions for different areas within Public Works**
**May establish an eligibility list for future hire**
Job Description:
NATURE OF WORK
This is entry-level manual labor performing un-skilled and semi-skilled tasks, or assisting skilled workers.
CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS
Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor 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 construction activities.
EXAMPLES OF WORK**
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Depending on area of assignment:
Assists journey-level workers in concrete, asphalt, drainage, right of way maintenance and other trade work.
Assists in demolition, forming, and pouring of concrete facilities to effectively maintain safe sidewalks and adequate curb drainage as well as maintenance and installation of other concrete structures. .
Assists in routine maintenance of asphalt roads and trails; pothole repair, cut in repair and resurfacing of streets to maintain all asphalt surfaces within the City's rights of way as well as road base construction and road base repairs for city streets and trails.
Assists in cleaning and maintenance of drainage facilities structures including pipes and their structures, mowing and grading of open ditches and installation and maintenance of drainage requirements such as piping, under drains, French drains, curb inlets, retaining basins and sediment traps.
Assists in performing routine grounds and road right-of-way cleaning and maintenance; vegetation cut back, mowing, weed-eating, application of herbicide and edging of sidewalks. Also performs basic maintenance on city trees, shrubs, and bedding plants including trimming and pruning shrubbery and small trees.
Performs routine cleaning and maintenance of varied grounds landscape; including, but not limited to, dirt grading and seeding or sod application to maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance and to prevent any soil erosion.
Services and washes vehicles and equipment, greases and makes minor repairs on small equipment..
Performs routine minor maintenance and cleaning of city buildings and facilities.
Uses and maintains power hand tools, such as drills, saws, etc. as needed to complete assigned tasks.
Sets up barricades and other temporary traffic control devices in accordance with current standards and provides flagging services to (and assists) crews working within flowing traffic.
Assists and supports City activities which will require moving and lifting heavy tools and/or materials, to carry out assignments and programs.
Comprehends and adheres to policies, procedures and safety regulations, while performing tasks.
Attends work on continuous and regular basis.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Depending on area of assignment:
Drives City vehicles.
Assists with direction of contract and temporary helpers, as needed.
May support City activities with personnel, equipment, and materials, requiring moving and lifting heavy equipment, tables, and chairs for special events and programs.
Will be responsible for locking and unlocking facilities and must notify appropriate individuals of any actions or findings that may have a negative impact on safety or facility security.
May be required to transport, mix, handle or use hazardous materials or may be responsible for facilities or equipment carrying current, fluids or gas that could endanger the public or other employees.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma; and six months experience in laboring work, including use of tools and equipment used in maintenance, repair, or construction work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES
Valid Florida Driver License required.
NOTES
Pre-employment medical examination required.
Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to lift, pull or push 40 pounds.
Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.
Work may require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.
May be required to enter and work in tight, enclosed spaces including, but not limited to, drainage pipes and manholes.
May be required to work outside regular business hours depending on departmental needs.
SELECTION FACTORS
Depending on area of assignment:
Some knowledge of tools used in groundskeeping, facility maintenance and construction, including concrete, asphalt drainage or row maintenance.
Knowledge of precautions necessary to perform work safely.
Ability to perform manual tasks involving physical strength and endurance under variable weather conditions.
Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the general public, including angry and/or abusive individuals.
Ability to read and understand detailed and complex work schedules and diagrams.
Ability to work independently with little supervision.
Ability to conform to grooming and dress codes (uniforms furnished).
Human Resources Department: Signed original on file in Human Resources/ 11-23-09
Date
** 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.
REVISION DATE: 12/1/94; 8/4/97; 5/21/2004; 11/23/09.
HIGH SCHOOL/GED - REQUIRED**
VALID FLORIDA DRIVER'S LICENSE - REQUIRED**
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.