Position Title: Laborer II
Department: Water
FLSA Status: Non – Exempt / Hourly
Salary: Grade: F Starting: $19.66
Supervision: Water Supervisor Last Reviewed: 5/8/24
Job Summary
Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work, and operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City water facilities and systems, as well as street and storm drainage facilities and systems for the Water, Street, and Sewer divisions of the Public Works Department. THIS IS A SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITION
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with the planning, scheduling and implementation of construction, maintenance, and operation and construction activities designed to provide quality street, water, and sewer systems and facilities.
• Assists in the training of lower level employees performing the duties of maintenance, construction and repair for the different departments.
• Maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activity, repairs, etc.
• Determines the locations of gas, telephone, power, television, water and sewer lines from the appropriate sources prior to excavation.
• Responds to complaints and service requests.
• Mows and maintains city property, pump stations, etc.
• Contacts residents and business owners in area where services or access may be discontinued and explains when access or services will be restored.
• Insures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use.
• Drives trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, gravel and sand.
• Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
• Cleans equipment.
• Operates light and medium-sized construction and power equipment.
• Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
• Performs required labor involved in construction and maintenance projects as part of a crew for the Water, Street and/or Sewer Departments.
• Pavement cutting, ditch digging, manhole and line cleaning, main and pipe repair, laying and backfilling.
• Cuts, fits, lays, repairs, taps, cleans and flushes storm water mains, pipe, gates and fittings on repair of lines and fire hydrants.
• Cross trains and/or performs as needed in other areas of public works such as Streets, Sewer and Fleet Departments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience relating to construction, maintenance, or repair.
• Necessary knowledge, skills and abilities as it relates to water distribution includes and/or collection.
• Valid Tennessee Driver’s License or the ability to obtain a valid Tennessee Driver’s License.
• A good driving record.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in maintenance, construction and repair activities.
• Skill in operation of some of the listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work safely.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed mostly in field settings. Considerable outdoor work is required. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate testing instruments, computers, and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk and hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Outdoor and Facility Work Sites: The Laborer II works primarily outdoors and at water treatment and distribution facilities, performing tasks in various environments. This includes work in residential areas, commercial districts, and at utility infrastructure sites, often under varying weather conditions.
Physically Demanding Tasks: This position involves engaging in labor-intensive activities that support the maintenance and repair of the water system. Tasks include digging, lifting, valve operation, pipeline repair, and assisting with the installation of water service components. Physical stamina and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for performing these tasks safely and effectively.
Use of Tools and Equipment: The Laborer II uses a variety of hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment to perform job duties. This includes shovels, wrenches, pipe cutters, and potentially operating smaller machinery under supervision. Proper use, maintenance, and safety when handling tools and equipment are emphasized.
Teamwork and Learning Environment: Working under the supervision of more experienced personnel, Laborer II is part of a team focused on water system operations. This role offers opportunities for on-the-job learning and skill development, with the expectation of increasing responsibility and autonomy over time.
Safety and Compliance: Safety is a top priority, with the Laborer II following established safety procedures and regulations to protect themselves, their colleagues, and the public. This includes wearing personal protective equipment, following protocols for confined space entry, and adhering to environmental regulations.
Emergency Response Support: The position may require participation in emergency response activities, such as addressing water main breaks or system leaks. Availability for occasional after-hours work, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be necessary to support urgent maintenance and repair efforts.
Documentation and Record-Keeping: While primarily a hands-on role, the Laborer II may assist with basic documentation related to maintenance activities, inventory tracking, and compliance checks, contributing to the department’s record-keeping and reporting requirements.
Flexible Schedule: This position is not remote. A flexible schedule is essential for the Laborer II to accommodate the fluctuating demands of water department projects, routine maintenance, and emergency response activities, ensuring the continuous operation and reliability of the water distribution and treatment systems.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field.
THE CITY OF LA VERGNE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, SEX, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, OR VETERAN STATUS IN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.