Highway Driver/Laborer

TITLE: DRIVER/LABORER All applications must be received by 7/18/2025

DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is responsible general highway and park maintenance work involving skilled tasks in the construction and maintenance of roads, drainage, curbing, public grounds, athletic fields and landscaped areas.

Work involves responsibility for operating highway and park maintenance equipment used in the construction and maintenance of roads, drainage, curbing and storm sewer repairs. Also maintains trees, shrubs, flowers, playing fields, playgrounds, open areas and beaches.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Highway and Park Superintendents, or a Crew Leader as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Works in a crew involved in pipe laying, catch basin construction and road construction and resurfacing operations.

Operates power equipment such as tractors, large mowers, chain saws and dump trucks, as assigned. Hauls equipment. Plows snow and applies sand on an assigned section of city roads.

Patches asphalt and other road surfaces. Repairs and replaces highway barriers. Clears catch basins. Cuts brush and clears land. Maintains the cleanliness and service of roadways and public areas. Mows grass.

Checks and corrects fluid levels and performs basic service on vehicles and equipment prior to use.

Uses all tools, equipment and materials responsibly and performs basic inspection of them prior to use.

Takes the lead when working with employees of lower classification.

Grades baseball diamonds, line athletic fields, paints benches and other facilities, cleans and maintains buildings, including comfort stations.

Maintains lawns and fields, plants and maintains shrubs and flowers. Plants grass seed, spreads fertilizer, sprays weeds, rakes leaves. Fabricates and installs signs.

Performs basic construction tasks, including mixing and forming cement, assembling and installing playground equipment. Paints, repairs and maintains park benches, picnic tables and other facilities.

Fills out job forms, as assigned.

Performs work of lower level classifications, as assigned, working in a safe manner and observing all safety procedures.

May perform work alone when mowing for extended periods.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Good knowledge of the work standards and safety procedures in highway and park maintenance.

Considerable skill in safely operating heavy trucks.

Considerable skill in the use of the hand tools and power equipment in highway and park maintenance.

Considerable ability to perform manual labor, including heavy lifting.

Good ability to perform highway and park maintenance and manual laboring safely, effectively and efficiently.

Considerable ability to follow oral instructions and to learn city procedures.

Good ability to perform as a lead worker and to work alone at a site while operating mowing equipment.

Some ability to fill out forms and charts and to perform basic arithmetic.

Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors.

QUALIFICATIONS

A high school diploma, or the equivalent, plus two years of manual laboring and equipment operation experience including at least one year in the operation of heavy trucks, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid CDL Commercial Driver's License, with appropriate endorsements.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Dump truck, light construction equipment, jackhammer, weed whacker, tamper, leaf vacuum, shovel, rake, power mower, large mower, york rake, tiller hand tools and related equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

THE CITY OF WEST HAVEN IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER