Public Works Specialist I

An employee in this class performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in the construction, maintenance, operation, and repair of streets, sidewalks, drainage systems, buildings, grounds, and other facilities. Work also includes collecting yard waste and helping with the maintenance of equipment and vehicles for the Town, as assigned. Work involves operating a variety of hand and power tools and light and medium equipment to build, repair, and replace streets and other infrastructure. Employees may be subject to on-call and callback work. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Public Works Crew Leader and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.

• Operates construction equipment such as dump trucks, loaders, tampers, trenchers, skid steers, backhoes, excavators, knuckle booms, street sweepers, forklifts, air compression-driven equipment, and other related light and medium equipment; assists with performing preventive maintenance and minor repairs to equipment.
• Participates in asphalt and concrete repair to streets, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and other street facilities; fabricates and erects street signs.
• Repairs, maintains, and cleans storm sewers and catch basins.
• Participates in collection of yard waste and leaves.
• Operates power tools and gas-operated tools including leaf blowers, weed eaters, edgers, mowers, skill saws, impact drills, jackhammers, concrete saws, chainsaws, and angle grinders.
• May participate in mowing, trimming, mulching, pruning, planting, fertilizing, irrigating, pest control, and other landscape maintenance tasks.
• Participates in storm clean up, removal of debris, and repair of facilities. 
• Assists other departments with various tasks as assigned.
• Assists with maintaining and repairing equipment and vehicles; performs preventative maintenance checks and makes minor repairs as needed.
• Maintains written and/or electronic records of work activities.
• Performs checks on tools and equipment to ensure they are operationally ready for use.
• Marks worksites for 811 review.
• Helps set up, staff, and break down for Town events.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Working knowledge of tools, materials, and equipment used in public works construction and maintenance work. 
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work. 
• Some knowledge of municipal maintenance and construction practices.
• Basic knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to operations of motorized equipment.
• Ability to understand oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, supervisors, and other employees.
• Ability to operate light- to medium-duty equipment with skill and safety.
• Ability to prepare simple written records of work activities.

Graduation from high school or GED and some experience in unskilled and/or semi-skilled maintenance or construction work; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), preferred.

Physical Requirements

Work in this class is defined as heavy work requiring physical exertion of in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Employee must perform physical activities such as climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing. Employee must have the visual acuity to visually inspect small defects or parts, operate or inspect machines and earth moving equipment, use measurement devices, and determine the neatness and accuracy of work assigned. Employee must have the stamina to work for extended periods, including during emergency situations.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in outside environmental conditions including extreme heat and cold with snow and ice. Employee is subject to noise which may require the employee to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. Employee is subject to vibration, such as exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body, and is also subject to workplace hazards including proximity to moving mechanical parts or exposure to chemicals, oils, and fuels. 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Disclaimer

This classification specification has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform the job. The Town of Wendell reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification.

This is a safety sensitive position, subject to pre-employment and random drug screens