Trades Helper I/II

Prince George's County Public Schools; Forestville (MD); On-site; USD 37,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Prince George’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) invites applications for Trades Helper I/II (Trades Helper 1A) grade A8/9 in the Office of Highway Maintenance. This entry-level to skilled position supports carpentry, masonry, dry wall, locksmith, and other crafts under supervision, with potential promotion after probation.

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent, experience as a skilled craft helper, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Completion of a standard high school or vocational training course.
• Experience working as a skilled craft helper.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Performs semi-skilled manual work supporting trades; assists in constructing curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and related drainage structures.
• Assists Masonry Mechanics, as necessary.
• Operates/drives vehicles and equipment requiring a valid driver license.
• Maintains vehicles/equipment in good operating condition, including interior/exterior cleaning duties.
• Completes pre and post check on vehicles and equipment.
• Checks tires, fluid levels, lights and warning devices.
• Completes Vehicle Inspection Report against the equipment list.
• Follows procedures for reporting injuries, accidents and property loss.
• Participates as essential employee in Snow and Ice Control Program and emergencies.
• Performs other tasks within general responsibilities.

Skills

Experience as skilled craft helper

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Come join our team! Prince George’s County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.

Nature and Variety of Work Come join our team! Prince George’s County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life. The Prince George's County Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) is currently seeking highly qualified applicants to fill a Trades Helper I/II (Trades Helper 1A) grade A8/9 position in the Office of Highway Maintenance.

About The Position

This is entry to full performance skilled and manual work performed in support of other skilled crafts and tradespeople. The incumbent may be assigned to any craft area (i.e., carpentry, cabinetry, dry wall, locksmith, welder, building operations, electrician, etc.). Work is performed under the general supervision of higher-level skilled crafts and trades personnel in accordance with departmental policies, rules and regulations. Upon the satisfactory completion of the probationary period and at management's discretion, Trades Helper I's may be promoted to the full performance Trades Helper II level.

About The Agency

The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) is responsible for nearly 2,000 miles of County-maintained roadways that range from rural to urban classifications. The transportation infrastructure includes 900 bridges, as well as shoulders, sidewalks, curbs/gutters, stormwater management facilities, driveway aprons and nearly 3,000 acres of grassy area -- all of which are maintained by staff of the Department. DPW&T’s workforce keeps the County’s various services moving by performing a myriad of activities which include removing snow and ice from County-maintained roadways, upgrading traffic signals, installing streetlights, clearing fallen trees, unclogging drainage inlets and maintaining stormwater management facilities, as well as performing roadway repairs ranging from potholes and sidewalk trip hazards to bridge repairs and resurfacing projects and more.

Examples of Work

• Performs manual work in the accomplishment of semi-skilled duties related to the construction of drainage structures and highway components. Typical duties inclue: constructing or aiding in the construction of, curbs & gutters, concrete driveways, curb & gutter, and sidewalks
• Assists Masonry Mechanics, as necessary.
• Operates/drives vehicles and equipment requiring a valid driver license.
• Maintains vehicles/equipment in good operating condition, including performing interior/exterior cleaning duties.
• Completes pre and post check on vehicles and equipment.
• Checks tires, fluid levels, lights and warning devices.
• Completes “Vehicle Inspection Report” by checking the equipment against the list of items stated on the report.
• Follows appropriate procedures for reporting personal injuries, vehicle accidents and loss/damage of County property.
• Participates as an essential employee in the Department's Snow and Ice Control Program and other emergency or special activities.
• Performs other tasks and duties assigned, which may not be specifically listed in the position description; however, are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.

Qualifications

• Completion of a standard high school or vocational training course.
• Experience working as a skilled craft helper.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

An equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Additional Information

Salary Range Transparency

The salary range listed in this announcement reflects the anticipated offer range for this position. Offers made within this range are based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Tentative Interview Dates

October 12- October 16, 2026

Job Location

Glendale, Forestville & Brandywine MD

Conditions of Employment

• Meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency.
• Wear and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of their assigned duties.
• Successfully pass preemployment checks which may include reference checks, background investigations, and drug screenings.
• Be willing and able to serve as an essential employee in the department's Snow and Ice Control Program and during other emergency/special activities as assigned.
• This position is essential. Essential employees are expected to report during standard or non-standard hours as operations necessitate, or during emergencies. Essential employees are expected to report or remain at work when other County employees are granted Administrative Leave.

Eligibility to Work

Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to provide and verify authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S., only after an offer has been accepted and the Form I-9 is completed. For information on E-Verify, or if you believe the County has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or visit their website at dhs.gov/E-Verify.

INTERNAL APPLICANTS

If you are a current Prince George's County Government employee and seeking a promotion, in accordance with Section 16-200 of the Personnel Law, you have the right to appeal a rejection rating within five (5) working days of receiving a rejection notice. Union employees should refer to their respective collective bargaining agreement and/or union representative for their grievance procedure.

Prince George's County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Prince George's County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace.

General Plan Information

The Prince George’s County benefits plan year is from January 1 to December 31.

A spouse (to include a same sex spouse) can be added to the health benefit plans. A marriage certificate and social security number is required to add a spouse.

Children under the age of 26 are eligible for coverage under the health benefit plans. This includes stepchildren and children of the same-sex spouse. A birth certificate(s) and social security number(s) is required to add a child(ren). If you are only adding the stepchildren or child(ren) of a same-sex spouse, you will need to submit a marriage certificate. You will also need to submit the birth certificate of the child(ren) and your spouse must be listed as a parent.

The premiums for health benefits are deducted on a pre-tax basis with the exception of Long-Term Disability, Extra Life Insurance and Voluntary Benefits (Short-Term Disability, Whole Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, Cancer Indemnity, Hospital Indemnity Protection, Accident Indemnity Plan, Supplemental Dental and Group Legal Services).

New employees must enroll in the County’s health benefit plans within thirty (30) days of the hire date.

The effective date of the health benefits coverage is the beginning of the month following a waiting period of forty-five (45) days from the date of hire.

After enrolling in the County’s benefit plans, employees may only make changes to the plans either during the open enrollment period, which occurs annually (usually each October), and/or during the year, due to a family status change (i.e., marriage, births, divorce and adoption).

Employee Benefits

• Medical/Prescription/Dental/Vision Insurance Coverage (part time employees are eligible for medical insurance if they work 15 + hours, per week)
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Long & Short-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance Program
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Leave (Annual, Personal, & Sick)
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Retirement Benefits
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Employer Contribution Rate-11.71%
• Supplemental Pension Plan
• Employee Contribution Rate (Pre-Tax)-3.48%
• 457(b)
• 403(b)
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Benefits
• Critical Illness
• Whole Life Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Legal Services

For additional details, please visit: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/human-resources-management/employees/benefits