Laborer

100 The University of Akron; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State Pension Plan

Health, dental, vision

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Tuition Remission

Overtime opportunities

Uniform & Tool Allowances

Job summary

The University of Akron is seeking a Laborer to perform general indoor and outdoor duties and operate related equipment on campus. The role involves snow removal, loading/unloading, mowing, cleaning, and assisting trades staff across multiple buildings.

Shifts include Tue–Sat or Sun–Thu with early start times. A high school diploma or GED, valid Ohio driver’s license, and at least 6 months of grounds/custodial equipment experience are required.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers.
• Must be able to read and write sentences.
• Requires valid Ohio Driver’s License.
• Minimum 6 months of work experience operating grounds maintenance and custodial equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform general indoor and outdoor labor as needed.
• Assist grounds staff with mowing, planting, cleaning and related tasks.
• May assist with special events setup and break down.
• Operate basic grounds and custodial equipment as required.
• Complete time, work and material usage reports.

Skills

General labor

Grounds maintenance

Custodial duties

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Job Summary

Perform general labor to include unskilled tasks and the operation of related equipment.

Essential Functions

• 5%-75% Perform general indoor and outdoor labor (e.g. snow removal, loading and unloading trucks, deliveries, move furniture.)
• Assist grounds personnel with mowing, planting, weeding, pressure washing, trash removal and recycling. 5%-75% Perform custodial duties to include cleaning offices, buildings, restrooms, sweeping, mopping, waxing floors, windows, walls and entrances.
• May assist with special events to include set up and removal of tables, chairs, stages and platforms. 0-10% Assist skilled tradespersons and other workers as required. May train and lead staff and student employees in proper work methods and procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 0-10% May perform minor repairs on equipment. 0-10% May drive vehicles to pick up and deliver equipment or materials. 0-10% Complete work, time and material usage reports. Perform other duties as assigned by Superintendent/Supervisor.

Additional Position Information

Education

Requires a high school diploma or GED. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers (including fractions and decimals). Must be able to read and write sentences.

Licenses/Certifications

Requires valid Ohio Driver’s License.

Experience

Requires a minimum of 6 months work experience in operating grounds maintenance and custodial equipment (i.e. mower, garden tractor, snow blower, floor buffer, etc.) Ability to use hand tools and power tools required.

Leadership

No authority or responsibility for the supervision of others, exclusive of students.

Physical Requirements

Extremely strenuous, with frequent physical exertion such as the lifting of very heavy items (100 lbs.) alone or 100+ lbs with assistance. Deep bending, crawling, climbing and/or working in difficult or cramped positions for extended periods.

Working Conditions

Routine exposure to heat, cold, moisture/wetness, inclement weather, noise, heights and air pollution. May involve exposure to chemical substances, hazards and moving parts.

Laborer– $15.70/hr., after one year $16.17/hr.+ Full Benefits + Pension & Paid Time Off Competitive Pay & Job Security- $15.70/hr. starting pay, after one year $16.17hr.

Benefits

• State Pension Plan- The university contributes 14% to your retirement, per the union agreement
• Comprehensive & Affordable Benefits- Low-cost health, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage
• Paid Time Off- Vacation, Sick leave, and 11 paid holidays (union benefit)
• Paid Parental Leave- 20 paid days for maternity/paternity leave
• Tuition Remission- Available for employees and dependents
• Consistent Schedule & Overtime Opportunities- Predictable shifts with OT available
• Uniform & Tool Allowances- Provided at no cost
• Team-Oriented Workplace- Work alongside skilled professionals in a supportive environment

Schedule

Shifts available: Tuesday - Saturday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, or Sunday - Thursday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM. Work schedule is subject to change in accordance with University needs and/or the results of the shift line‑up process. Overtime, call‑ins, holidays, and/or weekends, emergencies and various shifts may be mandatory based on University need.

Union Position

This is a Union position with a salary Grade of 3. Salary determination is subject to the CWA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt)

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Union Affiliation (if applicable)

Communication Workers of America

Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre‑employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.

About the University

The University of Akron empowers our people to flourish by delivering an applied and community‑connected educational experience and cultivating research excellence. Leveraging our passion and expertise, we create innovative academic opportunities, support the well‑being of our students and employees, and prioritize community embeddedness and engagement to impact lives through transformative experience. Through this focus, UA aspires to be the leader in community-focused higher education. The University of Akron is a lifelong learning partner, recognizing and valuing diverse learning experiences and combining traditional classroom experiences with innovative and robust approaches.

As Zips, we prioritize the well‑being of our students and employees, cultivate a culture and community where all can flourish, and act as responsible stewards of our resources and infrastructure by leveraging data to differentiate our processes and systems. We leverage our urban campus as a responsive and reliable partner to identify and meet the needs of the region. We intentionally contribute to economic and workforce development and civic life through research, innovation and engagement to provide community‑embedded experiential learning opportunities that will enhance the UA experience for all students.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists and leaders. For more information about The University of Akron or the Akron community please visit our About UA page.

The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave. In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission. All staff and eligible non‑bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA). The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions. Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) & 457(b)). Please visit our benefits home page for more information.