Laborer

Under the general supervision of the Public Works Supervisor or Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, performs manual labor for a variety of maintenance, operational and construction activities related to Public Works or Parks infrastructure, or service delivery. Performs heavy manual labor for extended periods; and works in adverse weather conditions.

This posting is to create our certified list of candidates eligible for hire for Laborer vacancies within both the Public Works and Parks departments. The certified list for the position of Laborer will remain active for up to one (1) year. The City of Urbandale currently has one (1) vacancy within the Public Works department to be hired immediately upon the certified list being established. Future vacancies for the position of Laborer within Public Works or Parks will be filled from the certified list while the list is active.

The City of Urbandale offers a comprehensive benefits package. Full-time benefits for this position include:

• 2025 individual health insurance for only $77.86 per month; or family health insurance for only $238.94 per month
• Dental, vision, and flexible spending account options
• 15 paid vacation days per year
• 12 paid sick days per year
• 10 paid holidays + 3 additional personal holidays
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave
• IPERS retirement plan
• 457(b) retirement plan with 2% city match
• City-paid life insurance policy plus additional voluntary life insurance options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Onsite wellness center

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

For a full description of the Laborer job duties, please see our Laborer job description. Click here to review the Labor Union contract.

• Maintains and repairs roadways, rights-of-way, sidewalks, trails, playground equipment and other structures to maintain the public works or parks system infrastructure.  
• Operates various vehicles, construction equipment, maintenance equipment, turf care equipment assorted hand tools and power tools.
• Performs heavy manual labor or operates equipment to repair concrete and asphalt pavement, remove trees, dig trenches and post holes; load dirt and construction material; back fill ditches and other activities as required.
• Operates various types of snow removal equipment, including but not limited to, shovels, snow blowers, and plows for city streets, city owned parking lots/sidewalks, park trails, etc. as directed.
• Assists in the collection of solid waste, yard waste and grounds waste; annual clean up as directed.
• Maintains trucks and equipment, including washing, cleaning, and performing minor mechanical repairs. Performs and documents daily equipment inspections in accordance with department policy. 
• Inspects traffic control signs, repairs and replaces signs and related structures.
• Maintains traffic control pavement markings by striping and painting streets, cross walks, school crossings, etc.
• Inspects, cleans and repairs storm and sanitary sewer structures, levees, and maintains drainage ways.
• Mows and trims grass on city owned property and rights of way. Cuts trees and brush and performs site clean up.
• Performs daily cleaning and repairs of park grounds, recreation facilities, and municipal building grounds, including plumbing, electrical, masonry, mechanical, structural, carpentry, and irrigation systems.
• Assures that the city’s mission, goals and objectives are fully supported and initiated.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum of six (6) months experience performing heavy manual labor
• Valid Driver's License
• Valid Iowa Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL-B) for straight trucks over 26,000GVW, with endorsements for air brakes and tanker within six (6) months of employment

• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Problem-solving ability
• Basic mathematical skills
• Ability to concentrate in a diverse work setting
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities
• General knowledge in the safe operation of tools and equipment
• Basic knowledge of vehicle and equipment operation and maintenance
• Basic knowledge of pesticide and turf maintenance (Parks only)

Supplemental Information

This is a Civil Service position. Recruitment for this opening will include a written exam and oral board interview. Be sure to apply with a valid email that you check regularly. 

Candidates meeting minimum qualifications will be invited via email to participate in the written exam. The top twenty-five (25) applicants scoring 70% or better on the written exam will be invited to participate in oral interviews. Applicants scoring 80% or higher on the interview will be placed on the certified list of candidates eligible for hire. The certified list will remain active for up to one (1) year. 

Tentative Timeline:
Written Exam: Will be held on Thursday, January 2nd and Friday, January 3rd 2025.
Oral Board Interviews: Week of January 20th - January 24th, 2025.
Anticipated Start Date: Tentatively March 3rd, 2025.

The salary range listed includes pay steps based on length of service, therefore new employees start at the minimum of the advertised range.   

Post-offer/pre-employment background /motor vehicle report check and drug test is required. The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons with disabilities must submit requests for ADA accommodations to the Human Resources Department, in writing, prior to the application deadline.