Laborer – Public Works Department

East Chicago; East Chicago (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of East Chicago is seeking dependable individuals to join our Public Works Department as Laborers. This part-time role supports the maintenance, cleanliness, and safety of city streets, facilities, grounds, and public spaces.

The Laborer performs general manual labor with basic tools and equipment under supervision. Candidates should have a High School Diploma or GED and a valid Indiana driver’s license, and be able to work physically in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to follow work instructions and safety procedures.
• Experience in general labor or maintenance preferred; entry-level candidates may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Performs general labor assignments involving the maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep of municipal properties, streets, sidewalks, public facilities, and rights-of-way.
• Assists with debris removal, litter collection, loading, unloading, and transportation of materials and supplies.
• Supports minor maintenance, painting, cleanup, and repair activities within the scope of assigned duties and training.
• Assists with moving furniture, equipment, and materials between City facilities.
• Performs other general maintenance duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Time management

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

IN Driver's License

Job description

Job Opportunities

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“Take Pride in Your Work. Make a Difference in Your Community.”

The City of East Chicago is seeking dependable, hardworking individuals to join our Public Works Department as Laborers. This position supports the maintenance, cleanliness, safety, and overall appearance of City streets, facilities, grounds, and public spaces.

Department: Public Works

Position: Laborer

Location: East Chicago, Indiana

Employment Type: Part Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Labor Foreman, Public Works Supervisor, or Designee

Salary: Based on qualifications and experience, within the approved salary range.

Position Summary

The Laborer performs general manual labor, maintenance, cleaning, and operational support services for the City of East Chicago Public Works Department. Responsibilities include maintaining public buildings, streets, grounds, equipment, and municipal properties; assisting with seasonal maintenance and emergency response activities; and supporting daily departmental operations.

The position requires the safe use of hand tools, basic power equipment, and assigned City vehicles. The Laborer works under general supervision and is expected to perform assigned duties efficiently, safely, and in accordance with established City policies and procedures.

Primary Responsibilities

General Labor and Public Works Maintenance

• Performs general labor assignments involving the maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep of municipal properties, streets, sidewalks, public facilities, and rights-of-way.
• Assists with debris removal, litter collection, loading, unloading, and transportation of materials and supplies.
• Supports minor maintenance, painting, cleanup, and repair activities within the scope of assigned duties and training.
• Assists with moving furniture, equipment, and materials between City facilities.
• Performs other general maintenance duties as assigned.

Grounds and Seasonal Maintenance

• Mows grass, trims vegetation, removes weeds, and maintains City-owned grounds and landscaped areas.
• Operates lawnmowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, and other authorized grounds maintenance equipment.
• Collects leaves, branches, litter, and other debris from municipal properties.
• Assists with snow and ice removal, including shoveling, spreading approved deicing materials, and operating authorized equipment.
• Assists with seasonal beautification projects, holiday decorations, and community cleanup initiatives.

Building and Facility Maintenance

• Sweeps, mops, vacuums, and cleans floors and other assigned areas.
• Cleans and sanitizes restrooms, windows, and common areas.
• Collects and disposes of waste in designated locations.
• Assists with minor facility maintenance and reports deficiencies requiring specialized repairs.
• Maintains assigned work areas in a clean, orderly, and safe condition.

Equipment Operation and Preventive Maintenance

• Operates hand tools, basic power tools, and assigned equipment following required training and authorization.
• Conducts routine pre-use inspections of assigned tools, vehicles, and equipment.
• Performs basic cleaning, lubrication, and minor preventive maintenance as authorized.
• Reports mechanical problems, unsafe conditions, and damaged equipment to the supervisor.
• Uses City-owned vehicles and equipment only for authorized municipal business.

Materials, Supplies, and Inventory Accountability

• Receives, loads, unloads, transports, and stores materials and supplies.
• Assists with maintaining organized storage and work areas.
• Reports damaged, missing, or depleted supplies and equipment.
• Follows established procedures for the proper use, safeguarding, and accountability of City-owned materials, tools, and equipment.
• Assists with inventory counts and documentation as directed.

Public Service and Departmental Support

• Interacts professionally and courteously with residents, coworkers, supervisors, and other City departments.
• Responds to routine public inquiries within assigned authority and refers matters requiring additional assistance.
• Assists with special events, municipal projects, and emergency cleanup operations.
• Works cooperatively with other departments to support municipal services.
• Completes assigned work records, equipment checklists, and required documentation accurately and timely.

Workplace Safety and Compliance

• Complies with applicable workplace safety requirements, City policies, and departmental procedures.
• Uses required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follows established safe work practices.
• Reports workplace injuries, accidents, unsafe conditions, and equipment deficiencies promptly.
• Participates in required safety training and departmental meetings.
• Follows applicable hazardous-material handling, chemical labeling, and waste disposal procedures.
• Performs only those equipment operations and hazardous tasks for which appropriate training, authorization, and protective measures have been provided.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid IN Driver’s License required and ability to maintain driving eligibility under applicable City requirements is required.
• Previous experience in general labor, groundskeeping, custodial services, construction, or maintenance preferred; entry-level candidates may be considered.
• Ability to understand and follow work instructions and safety procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to safely drive and operate City-owned vehicles and assigned equipment in accordance with applicable traffic laws, safety regulations, and City policies.
• Basic knowledge of maintenance, groundskeeping, and workplace safety.
• Ability to operate hand tools and basic power equipment.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and perform physically demanding work.
• Dependability, professionalism, and a commitment to public service.

Work Hours, Attendance, and Overtime

• Work schedules are established by the Public Works Department based on operational needs.
• Employees may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or emergency assignments.
• Employees must comply with attendance, call-in, and scheduling requirements.

Important Information About This Posting

• This posting summarizes the position's primary duties and qualifications. The complete job description is available on the City's website, upon request, and during the interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation

The City of East Chicago does not discriminate in its employment decisions based on race, color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, disability, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.