Construction Worker I

Town of Wake Forest, NC; Wake Forest (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Wake Forest is seeking a dedicated groundskeeping worker to perform unskilled landscaping and maintenance in the streets division, primarily in the cemetery and public grounds. You will mow, trim, rake leaves, and assist in street right-of-way tasks, under supervision, in various weather conditions.

The role requires physical stamina, ability to operate basic tools and light equipment, and cooperation with crew members. A valid NC driver’s license is desirable.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of unskilled manual labor methods and safety practices.
• Ability to use standard hand tools and operate light equipment.
• Awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a crew and with the public.
• Ability to drive large trucks and operate assigned tools.
• Ability to understand and follow oral instructions.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance tasks: mowing, trimming, debris removal, and groundskeeping in cemeteries and rights-of-way.
• Mow cemetery grounds and assist in laying out grave sites.
• Assist street crews and other departments as needed.
• Operate light equipment and hand tools safely in outdoor environments.
• Provide courteous service to citizens and maintain public areas.

Skills

Unskilled labor knowledge

Hand tools & light equipment

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Drive large trucks

Tool usage

Follow oral instructions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Mower

Tractor

Leaf blower

Power pruner

Dump truck

Job description

An employee in this class performs responsible unskilled landscaping and maintenance work in the streets division of the public works department. Work is primarily performed in the town’s cemetery but is also performed in other public works divisions. Work involves maintenance, mowing, trimming, cleaning, and maintaining public grounds, cemeteries, and rights-of-way. Work also includes collecting leaves on a crew and other public works work. The employee is often assigned to work on other street department maintenance crews performing various unskilled and semi-skilled tasks. When performing these tasks, work may be in the form of assisting other workers or working alone on particular tasks. Work is distinguished from that of higher-level construction workers in the skill level at which the work is performed. Work involves the use of a variety of tools and light equipment. The employees are subject to working primarily in outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the right-of-way maintenance supervisor.

Employee Values: Employees of the Town of Wake Forest are expected to uphold and exhibit the Town’s shared employee values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration.

Essential Functions

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Performs various maintenance tasks such as cutting grass using weed eaters, tractors, power riding, and push; mowers; removing leaves and debris; trimming shrubbery and clearing and landscaping ground.
• Mows and performs groundskeeping work in the cemetery.
• Assists in laying off grave sites.
• Answers questions for the public visiting the cemetery.
• Mow's street and sidewalk rights-of-way.
• Rakes leaves.
• Operates pickup or dump trucks; checks oil, other fluid levels, and tires.
• Cleans out catch basins; sweeps and cleans sidewalks and streets.
• Sets up traffic zones and assist with signing for construction and flagging traffic.
• Plants, waters, fertilizes, and trims trees and plant material.
• Erects street signs.
• Assists crews in pouring and spreading concrete and asphalt.
• Assists street construction and maintenance crews as needed.
• Provides assistance to other departments and divisions as needed.
• Works as a member of a leaf collection crew.
• Performs routine maintenance and makes repairs on light equipment.
• Assists other crews as needed.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Working knowledge of the methods and techniques applied in unskilled manual labor.
• Working knowledge of standard hand tools, operation of light equipment, and materials used in assigned work.
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and applicable safety precautions associated with assigned work.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and respond courteously to citizens.
• Ability to drive large trucks.
• Ability to use assigned tools.
• Ability to understand and follow specific oral instructions.

Desirable Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school with some experience working in construction and/or grounds maintenance.

Special Requirement

Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License

Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver License - CDL Class "B" with class "N" Tanker endorsement preferred.

Traffic zone flagger certification.

Physical Requirements

Work in this class is very physical and requires physical stamina and dexterity to lift heavy amounts for a sustained period. The employee must be able to physically perform the physical functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform heavy work, occasionally exerting up to 100 pounds of force, 50 to 75 pounds of force frequently, and 20 pounds constantly.

Once an offer of employment has been extended, candidates will undergo a thorough background investigation, including NC State Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting.

The link below provides a summary of the major benefits provided to new full-time, regular employees with the Town of Wake Forest.

2025-26 TOWF Benefit Summary

Benefits

Details about benefits and costs for full-time employees is available under the Human Resources Department tab on the Town's website. The Town Provides:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Optional Vision coverage
• Life Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts
• Pension
• Deferred Compensation (457) Plan and 401(k)
• Social Security
• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Program