Public Works Laborer- Landscape

City of Lockport; Lockport (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lockport is seeking a Public Works Grounds Maintenance worker to perform skilled landscape tasks around City properties, seasonal planting, and routine upkeep. You will support planting, trimming, and hardscape projects while adhering to safety procedures.

Responsibilities include assisting in design and installation, operating landscape equipment, and responding to daily and after-hours emergencies as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License; Class B CDL preferred and must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Public Works experience in urban forestry, landscaping, or hardscape preferred.
• Must pass drug screen, physical and background check prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design, installation, and maintenance of landscape planters, beds, and grounds.
• Plant flowers, shrubs, trees, and other vegetation; maintain city properties.
• Trim shrubs, prune trees, apply pesticides and fertilizers per safety standards.
• Snow removal, weather response, and general grounds maintenance duties.

Skills

Plants knowledge

Landscaping basics

Teamwork

Safety procedures

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

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Under general supervision, this position performs skilled assigned duties involved in the general landscape and hardscape installation and maintenance, upkeep, and seasonal planting around City owned properties, municipal buildings, and public Right-of-Way; and performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Department: Public Works

Type of Position: Full-time

Hours: 40 hours/week, M-F, 7 am to 3:30 pm

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Reports to: Director of Public Works & Public Works Superintendents

Salary Range: Per the Local 150 Collective Bargaining Agreement- current salary is $61,856.52 and effective 1/1/2027 salary will follow the wage schedule and be adjusted to $63,866.85.

Essential duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or logical to the position.

• Assist in the design, installation, and maintenance of landscape planters, beds, and building grounds throughout the City.
• Plant flowers, shrubs, trees, and other vegetation.
• Trim shrubs, prune trees, remove hazardous limbs, and perform regular vegetation management.
• Apply pesticides, weed control treatments, and fertilizers in accordance with safety standards and City procedures.
• Perform routine grounds maintenance, including raking, mulching, weeding, and general cleanup of downtown walkways and City facilities.
• Install, repair, and maintain hardscape features, including stone and block structures.
• Water landscaped areas and monitor plant health.
• Shovel snow and apply salt to downtown walkways, building grounds, and other City-owned areas.
• Operate snowplow equipment during winter weather to ensure safe road and walkway conditions.
• Conduct field inspections of areas maintained under Contractor Maintenance Agreements to identify deficiencies or areas needing repair or replacement.
• Perform manual labor duties, including leaf removal, planting, tree trimming, and other assigned tasks.
• Provide support to other City divisions as needed, including Streets, Water and Wastewater.
• Assist in setup and takedown for special events.
• Respond to daily and after-hours emergencies, including storm damage, flooding, snow events, road repairs, electrical issues, and water or sewer main breaks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License; Class B CDL, preferred
• Must be able to obtain a Class B CDL within 6 months of hire
• Previous experience in a Public Works environment, specifically in urban forestry, landscaping, and hardscape work, preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of plants & how to maintain and manage them
• Knowledge of fundamental principles of landscaping
• Must be able to obtain a Class B CDL within 6 months of hire
• Must be able to work in a team environment and take orders from superiors
• Must comply with all Federal, State and Local Regulations for safety procedures
• Ability to perform manual labor includes, but not limited to lifting, standing for an extended period of time, etc.
• Must be able to pass a drug screening, physical and background check prior to hire

ETHICS

• Treats people with respect; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• No employee of the City shall have any interest, whether financial or personal, in the profits of any contract, service, or other work performed by the city, or shall personally profit directly or indirectly from any person or company, unless the employee discloses a financial interest and the benefit is granted as a result of following the formal bidding requirements of the city.

SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Employees are responsible for complying with safe work rules & encourage others to do the same; reporting all accidents and injuries immediately; cooperating in all accident and injury investigations; reporting defective equipment and unsafe conditions; and using equipment & materials properly. Please refer to the Public Works Safety Manual for a more detailed safety responsibilities description based on the tasks being performed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be capable of lifting and/or moving at least 50-100lbs, in either an individual or group setting.
• Walking on uneven surfaces, use of power and hand tools, constant bending, frequent climbing, hear oral instructions, speak to other workers, work in confined spaces
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use arms and hands to handle and, or reach various objects. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

*The City of Lockport is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon any status protected under local, state or federal laws*