Public Works Laborer

Position:Permanent Full-Time 40 hrs.
Reports to: Supervisor of Public Works
Status: Union Non-Exempt
Date: June 26 2026
Rate of Pay: $18.18/hr

General Summary:
Under the direction of the Supervisor of Public Works the Public Works Laborer performs any and all tasks assigned which will almost exclusively involve projects within the Public Works Department. The Public Works Laborers duties may include repairing maintaining and installing City infrastructure; performing custodial duties at on and around City property; snow removal; landscaping; communicating with the public; and other miscellaneous tasks associated with public works projects.

Class Characteristics:
The Public Works Laborer will be expected to do any or all of the functions below. These examples do not include all of the duties that may be expected of the employee. It is incumbent for the employee to accomplish the goals and objectives on behalf of the Public Works Department for furthering the Citys goals and accomplishments within the general policy guidelines while performing each duty positively and in a well-respected manner.

Essential Key Duties for Position: (Duties are illustrative and not inclusive and may vary with individual assignments. They are subject to change at any time.)

Resurface repair or patch roadways with hot asphalt or cold patch;
Break up and remove pavement and sidewalks;
Install and stripe speed humps;
Install and maintain road signs in accordance with traffic control devices;
Maintain records of all signs installed and/or repaired;
Paint traffic markings on streets crosswalks parking lots and curbs;
Remove ice and snow from public roadways sidewalks and City facilities parking;
Perform grounds maintenance and custodial duties at city facilities;
Maintain the interiors and exteriors of City facilities including the property surrounding City buildings;
Cut grass pull weeds tend to flowers prune trees and bushes and perform any other tasks related to landscaping on City property;

Perform water meter reading duties;
Operate heavy machinery;
Maintain a safe work area;
Communicate with the public and respond to citizen complaints and concerns;
Compile maintain and store records of the publics use of City facilities amenities and property including streets;
Perform related duties as required and assigned by the Public Works Supervisor;

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:
Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade. Post-secondary education or vocational training in work-related fields preferred.
Experience in street maintenance and ground maintenance required. Experience in governmental public works preferred.
Possession of an appropriate valid drivers license required. Possession of a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) within first six months of employment.
Certification in flagging and directing traffic within a year of employment

Knowledge of (at entry):
Methods techniques materials tools and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of streets gutters sidewalks and related facilities
Department and City policies procedures directives rules and regulations
Standard American English
Techniques materials tools and equipment used in the maintenance of grounds and building facilities
Safe and legal operation of street construction maintenance and repair equipment
Safe work methods safety precautions and safety regulations

Ability to (at entry): (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions)
Perform all duties required
Maintain sustained periods of strenuous physical examination
Use various tools and equipment including manual hedge clippers shovel rake hoe pike axe broom ladders tampers backhoe frontend loader brush hog broom truck tractor and bobcat
Stand; walk over rough uneven surfaces; balance; push and/or pull; stoop kneel bend and/or crouch; grasp tools and materials; work in confined spaces; and lift at least 50 pounds
Operate heavy machinery. Manual transmission preferred.
Drive vehicles in routine conditions as well as unsafe road conditions
Understand and follow oral and written instructions
Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

ALL candidate offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background AND drug screen.

How to Apply

To be considered applicants should submit a job application resume cover letter and three references to: City of Blue Island 13051 Greenwood Ave Blue Island IL 60406 or with the subject LABORER RECRUITMENT.

Position will remain open until filled. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

The City of Blue Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer.