LABORER

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is routine manual work usually of a repetitive nature. An employee in this class is responsible for performing duties primarily requiring physical exertion. Work involves the use of manual tools on routine tasks and occasionally the use of smaller power operated tools for a limited time. The duties of employees in this class range over a wide variety of city activities, include light and heavy physical labor, indoor and outdoor work, and work in groups or alone depending on the location and nature of the assignment. The employees receive assignments orally and in detail, and work is performed under the close supervision of a crew chief.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Sanitation Assignment

Walks on sidewalk and in street alongside moving sanitation truck on assigned route; determines if trash/ recyclables meets the acceptable standards for collection; lifts up various types of trash bags and containers placed at the curb line; empties refuse and/or recyclables and returns empty containers; operates hydraulic levers for compressing waste and other refuse; notifies residents of excess trash or items that cannot be collected; maintains cleanliness of collection route; wears protective gear including reflective vests and gloves as required.

General Assignment

Digs trenches with pick and shovel for the repair of water mains; backfills excavation after repairs have been completed.

Mixes concrete with shovel, using the correct amounts of sand, cement and water.

Pushes wheelbarrow to move sand, asphalt, debris, or stone for street repairs.

Sweeps walks; cuts grass with a push‑type lawn mower; removes refuse and paper from park grounds; trims hedges and rakes leaves.

Sweeps refuse in gutters and alleys with a heavy push broom and gathers into piles for removal.

Operates an automatic or manually controlled passenger or freight elevator.

Pushes cart along streets and alleys and gathers refuse with broom and shovel or by hand to deposit in metal container on cart.

Cleans playgrounds, recreation areas and adjacent buildings; rolls tennis courts, marks play areas, fills holes in playgrounds, levels hummocks, fills in low areas, and keeps play areas free of debris and dangerous obstructions.

Aids in the erection and dismantling of temporary stands for spectator events; cleans stadium and convention and exhibition halls at the conclusion of sporting events, shows, and exhibitions.

Loads and unloads heavy material from trucks and vans; moves or aids in moving heavy boxes or equipment and large and bulky objects; drives automobiles, vans, light trucks and other single chassis vehicles, if required by work assignment.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• hand tools and the standard practices of labor operations

ABILITY TO:

• understand and follow oral instructions

• learn and follow safety rules and practices applicable to the area of assignment

• perform a variety of manual tasks

• perform heavy manual labor for prolonged periods, often under adverse weather conditions

• drive single chassis vehicles

• communicate courteously with citizens if required by assignment

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 5/95.)

No previous experience or training required.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Laborer if required by job assignment.

Class Established 1/53

Spec. Revision: CSC- 4/95, Ad. Board- 5/95

Latest Spec. Revision: CSC- 11/15, Ad. Board - 12/15

Change in pay rate:

CSC – 10/21

Ad. Board – 11/21