Lake County Public Works Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Pottawatomie County Public works is hiring for three (3) seasonal labor positions with the county public works department for summer/winter 2026. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Pottawatomie County Public Works Road Supervisor or their designee, the Temporary Seasonal Laborer is a nonexempt temporary position under FLSA. The position is responsible for: 1) ensuring the safety of the driving public and fellow employees in and around construction or work zones by setting up traffic control devices and performing work zone traffic control; 2) performing mowing operations along County public roads; 3) operating various types of machinery on construction projects and; 4) working with hand tools while assisting the maintenance of County roads and drainage structures. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Sets up traffic control signing in work zones as per Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Manual.

2. Directs traffic through construction zones.

3. Responsible for assuring signs and equipment required for project are taken to the job site.

4. Maintains and moves signing as required.

5. Operates machinery including mowers, rollers, power tools and compactors.

6. Assists in the construction and maintenance of bridges, culverts, and other drainage structures.

7. Performs light maintenance and servicing work on equipment.

8. Cuts trees and brush along roads.

9. Regular and predictable attendance required.

10. Maintains daily labor and equipment record.

11. Reports equipment problems to the shop.

12. Ensures positive public relations with public and staff.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assists other Public Works Departments as the need arises

2. Performs other duties as deemed necessary or assigned.

Requirements

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

The work environment and physical demand characteristics described here are representative and not intended to be fully inclusive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme heat, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and extreme cold. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

Employee shall have the ability to read and interpret the MUTCD Manual and understand and follow oral instructions. Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills including ability to work with citizens and the public are required. 

PROBLEM SOLVING: 

Employee is assigned recurring and routine tasks. Deviations, problems and unfamiliar situations are referred to the Supervisor. The majority of the work consists of tasks that are clear cut and directly related.

DECISION MAKING: 

The work involves the performance of specific, routine operations that include a few separate tasks or procedures. This person must possess the ability to recognize safety concerns and be able to deal with them accordingly.

SUPERVISION: 

This position works independently with occasional supervision from the Pottawatomie County Public Works Road Supervisor, but has no supervisory duties.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY: 

The employee is directly responsible for departmental equipment and resources but does not participate in the annual budget process. Employee is responsible for daily record keeping for cost accounting purposes.

PERSONAL RELATIONS:  

Daily contact with the general public, co-workers and supervisory personnel is expected. 

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:

No similar or related experience is required. Employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well within one month of employment. A high school diploma or GED is preferred. A valid Kansas Driver's License is required as well as a clean driving record. A "clean" record is defined as: No misdemeanor or felony convictions for traffic / vehicular offenses (such as but not limited to DUI, vehicular homicide, reckless driving, hit and run, etc.) that are less than five years old; no more than two at fault or chargeable accidents that are less than five years old; no more than two traffic infractions (such as but not limited to speeding, failure to yield right of way, etc.) that are less than one year old.

The full position description for this position is shown as an attachment to this job posting and further identifies physical requirements and working conditions of the position.  Please read this attachment prior to submitting your application.  

An offer for employment for this position is contingent upon the applicant passing pre-employment background checks which may include, but are not necessarily limited to: Drug Screening, Driving Record, Criminal History, Physical Capacity, and/or Skills Testing.