Public Works Technician

The City of Mount Vernon is accepting applications to take a Civil Service Examination for future hiring needs.

CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT: City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
Position: Public Works Technician
Department: Public Works
Examination Date: Thursday, November 5th at 5:00 PM.
Examination Location: 236 South Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
Additional Credit: Applicants who are residents of the State of Ohio, and who have been honorably discharged from active duty in the armed forces of the United States, are eligible to receive an additional credit of 20%. (Ohio National Guard service is accepted for this additional credit with verification of active-duty participation.) Any military reserve member (in good standing) can also receive a 15% credit with proper verification. A passing score of 70% is required to receive any additional credit.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted through the end of business on November 3, 2026.

By applying for the examination, you’ve automatically registered.

The purpose of this position is to maintain the City’s grounds, cemetery, streets, buildings, and mechanical equipment by performing a variety of tasks, including manual labor, grounds maintenance, landscaping, and the operation of engine-driven equipment. Responsibilities also include mowing, trimming, and general upkeep of public spaces, cemeteries, and rights-of-way to ensure a clean, safe, and well-maintained environment for the community. Additionally, this position assists with the maintenance and repair of city infrastructure, facilities, and equipment as needed within the assigned division.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains turf and landscaping areas on city property by operating turf maintenance equipment such as lawn mowers, handsaws, clippers, shovels, chain saws, tree trimmers, hoes, and other similar equipment.
• Maintains city-owned facilities by changing lighting fixtures or bulbs; assisting in the repair of plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment; performing general carpentry; painting; cleaning interior and exterior of facilities; general janitorial; etc.
• Keeps roadways in safe condition for motorists by operating power-driven machinery, jack hammers, tampers, and other similar equipment
• Patching holes and overlaying new asphalt; removing and laying brick; maintaining curbs, berms, and easements; and providing traffic control during maintenance.
• Provides preventative maintenance on department vehicles and equipment by changing oil, filters, light bulbs, belts, etc.
• Maintains and repairs storm drains and drainage tiles by using shovels or operating power-driven machinery such as jack hammers, tampers, or other similarly sized equipment.
• Completes the necessary job reports and maintenance logs.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Keeps roadways in safe condition for motorists by operating engine-driven machinery such as street cleaning and snow removal equipment, road grader, back hoe, tractor with arm mower, or similar equipment.
• Inspects vehicle before use in order to ensure safe operating conditions.
• Cleans and maintains department vehicles and equipment by changing oil, filters, light bulbs, belts, etc.
• May require the performance of other essential functions depending upon work location or assignment.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Performs additional duties as assigned that support the overall operation of the department. These may include assisting with special projects, providing support during community events, participating in seasonal maintenance tasks, or performing other related duties as needed. While not primary responsibilities, these tasks contribute to the efficient functioning of the department and the upkeep of City properties and infrastructure.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Equipment: Ability to operate a variety of office equipment such as computer and related software, copier, scanner, telephone, calculator, FAX machine, VCR/DVD, video projector and other equipment necessary to perform duties. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):
Knowledge:

• Basic knowledge and understanding of literacy, including the ability to read and follow instructions, safety guidelines, and operational manuals. 
• Knowledge of general use, maintenance, and proper handling of hand and power tools. 
• Knowledge of the operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of engine-driven equipment such as mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and small construction machinery.
• Knowledge of general methods, practices, tools, and materials used in building maintenance, repair work, and plumbing, including minor carpentry, painting, and electrical repairs.
• Knowledge of safety practices related to the operation of electrical and mechanical equipment, including lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and hazard recognition.
• Understanding of basic landscaping and grounds maintenance techniques, including mowing, trimming, planting, and irrigation system upkeep. 
• Familiarity with best practices for cemetery maintenance, including monument care, grave site preparation, and respectful handling of burial grounds. 
• Awareness of weather-related hazards and emergency response procedures for outdoor work environments.

Skilled In:

• Proficient in the safe and effective operation of various hand and power tools, including drills, saws, grinders, trimmers, and other maintenance-related equipment.
• Experienced in operating motorized vehicles such as trucks, tractors, mowers, utility vehicles, and other specialized machinery used for grounds and facility maintenance.
• Skilled in performing routine maintenance and basic repairs on tools, vehicles, and equipment, including recognizing signs of wear or malfunction and determining appropriate maintenance actions. 
• Adept in organizational and time management skills, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently, deadlines are met, and work is prioritized based on urgency and importance.
• Capable of multi-tasking and adapting to changing priorities, managing multiple responsibilities effectively in a dynamic work environment.
• Skilled in following safety protocols and operational guidelines, ensuring compliance with workplace standards and minimizing risks in daily tasks.
• Competent in problem-solving and troubleshooting, identifying issues with equipment, work processes, or maintenance tasks and taking appropriate corrective actions.

Ability to:

• Ability to use mirrors to back up equipment.
• Ability to perceive auditory signals such as various tones, beeps, etc.
• Ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong.
• Ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules.
• Ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
• Ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions.
• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle.
• Ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other City employees.
• Ability to work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others and comply with OSHA regulations.
• Ability to satisfactorily pass a pre-employment and random drug screen.
• Ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down.
• The ability to quickly move hand, hand together with arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK
Work is performed in a fast-paced and physically demanding environment that requires the ability to stay focused and adaptable despite frequent interruptions and changing priorities. Tasks must often be completed under strict deadlines while ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
 
This position requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively with team members, supervisors, and the public. The individual must be capable of making sound decisions in the field, problem-solving unexpected challenges, and maintaining productivity even under stressful or high-pressure situations.
 
Additionally, work is conducted outdoors in various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, and high winds. The role involves physical labor, such as lifting, carrying, bending, digging, and operating machinery for extended periods. The individual must be prepared to perform strenuous tasks while maintaining safety protocols and efficiency in all types of environmental conditions.
 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position may oversee the work assignments of approximately five (5) seasonal maintenance workers.
 
WORKPLACE RELATIONSHIPS
Contact is with co-workers, employees from public and private sector organizations and the public. The purpose of these contacts is to guide and direct, check on progress of work assigned, coordinating services, job development/referrals, make recommendations and handle questions about department, programs, and customer concerns.
 
PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of the position are identified as sedentary work, which may require the lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds.
Physical Activity: The physical activity of the position is manual dexterity, talking, hearing, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and walking. This also includes the ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with body, arms, and/or legs. This position requires the ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without “giving out” or fatiguing. This position requires the ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Visual Activity: This position requires the ability to see at a distance as well as close range. To be able to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
 
Work Environment: The duties of this position will be performed throughout the City of Mount Vernon. The job may be performed in various environmental conditions, including but not limited to hot, cold, damp, inside, outside, underground, wet, humid, dry, noisy, dirty, greasy, air-conditioned, sudden temperature changes, etc.

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A minimum one (1) year experience operating engine-driven equipment.
• Other combinations of experience and education which meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
• Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): All employees in this position are required to obtain and maintain a valid Class B CDL. Employees assigned to the Street Department are required to obtain and maintain a valid Class A CDL. Employees assigned to all other Public Works Technician positions may elect to obtain a Class A CDL, but a Class A CDL is not required for these positions.
• To become a certified P.W. Technician must be able to successfully obtain all certifications pursuant with current OCSEA contract.