Public Works Laborer

The City is seeking motivated and dependable individuals to join our Public Works team as Laborers within the Streets and Parks Divisions. This entry-level position involves performing a variety of manual labor tasks related to the maintenance and repair of public infrastructure, including streets, parks, and public facilities. Responsibilities include operating light equipment, using hand and power tools, performing grounds and building maintenance, and assisting with the upkeep of tools, equipment, and facilities. Work is carried out independently or as part of a team under the guidance of a leadworker or supervisor. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who enjoy hands-on work that directly supports the community.

Hours of work: 40 hours per week. Work is generally performed in eight (8) hour shifts between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Start and end times may vary by season based on operational needs. 

Work location can vary throughout the year.

An eligible list will be created from this recruitment to fill any future vacancies that may occur in this classification in the next six (6) months

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.Grounds and Facilities Maintenance

• Mow, trim, and remove debris from the public right-of-way.
• Establish and maintain ice skating rinks.
• Remove snow and ice from alleyways, carriage lanes, bike and walking paths, sidewalks, parking lots, bus stops, etc.
• Remove trash from medians, parks, boulevards, and assigned routes.
• Prune and assist with removal of trees and shrubs using chainsaws and various hand tools.
• Collect and clean up leaf and yardwaste, and apply mulch in the fall and spring.
• Perform curbside brush collection operations.
• Serve as public drop-off site Attendant.
• Maintain trees, shrubs, and flower beds by planting, weeding, watering, mulching, deadheading, and pruning.

Equipment, Facilities, and Work Space Maintenance

• Perform preventative maintenance of mowers.
• Maintain clean and safe work area in the field, shop, work, and common areas of maintenance facilities.
• Clean equipment and vehicles as needed.
• Transport equipment and vehicles.
• Report damages and/or repairs to supervisor or mechanic, as appropriate.

Other Duties

• Report any maintenance or safety related issues to leadworker or supervisor in a timely manner.
• Perform maintenance tasks in any of the following areas: Public right-of-way, including streets, alleys, carriage lanes, and medians, as well as Public Works maintenance yards and drop-off facilities; and Parks properties including golf courses, mall/concourse, cemetery, conservation parks, general parks, and botanical gardens.
• Maintain picnic tables, benches, and hockey boards.
• Drive tractor and hay wagon for fall hayrides and special events.
• Set-up and prepare for special events within Parks.
• Assist with solid waste collection.

Perform other related work as required.

• Three (3) months of experience as a City of Madison seasonal laborer and eligible for rehire.

OR

• Six (6) months of equivalent public works, landscaping, or construction experience including varied manual tasks. 

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Employees must maintain a Snow Emergency Overtime acceptance rate of at least 50%.

Employees in this position must be able to lift/carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds and must be capable of lifting heavier objects with another employee. This position requires a high percentage of work outdoors in all types of weather while walking and standing. In addition, employees must be able to frequently bend, twist, squat, climb and reach for extended periods of time.