Laborer – Public Works Department

City of East Chicago•East Chicago, IN

About The Position

The Laborer performs general manual labor, maintenance, cleaning, and operational support for the City of East Chicago Public Works Department. The role helps maintain municipal properties, streets, sidewalks, grounds, public facilities, equipment, and public spaces, and supports seasonal maintenance, emergency response, and daily departmental operations. The Laborer works under general supervision and is expected to perform assigned duties safely, efficiently, and in accordance with City policies and procedures. The position uses hand tools, basic power tools and equipment, and assigned City vehicles. Duties include groundskeeping and snow and ice removal; cleaning buildings and facilities; assisting with minor maintenance and repairs; transporting and tracking supplies and equipment; supporting public events and municipal projects; and completing work records and equipment checklists. Employees must follow safety procedures, use required personal protective equipment, report hazards and equipment problems, and perform only tasks for which they have received appropriate training and authorization. Work schedules are set by the Public Works Department according to operational needs. Employees may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or emergency assignments. A high school diploma or GED and a valid Indiana driver’s license are required. Previous relevant experience is preferred, though entry-level candidates may be considered.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid Indiana driver’s license and ability to maintain driving eligibility under applicable City requirements.
Ability to understand and follow work instructions and safety procedures.
Ability to safely drive and operate City-owned vehicles and assigned equipment in accordance with 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 commitment to public service.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in general labor, groundskeeping, custodial services, construction, or maintenance; entry-level candidates may be considered.

Responsibilities

Perform general labor and maintenance to clean and maintain municipal properties, streets, sidewalks, public facilities, and rights-of-way.
Remove debris and litter; load, unload, and transport materials and supplies.
Assist with minor maintenance, painting, cleanup, repairs, and moving furniture or equipment between City facilities.
Mow grass, trim vegetation, remove weeds, and maintain City grounds and landscaped areas.
Operate authorized groundskeeping equipment and collect leaves, branches, litter, and other debris.
Assist with snow and ice removal, including shoveling, spreading approved deicing materials, and operating authorized equipment.
Support seasonal beautification, holiday decoration, community cleanup, special events, municipal projects, and emergency cleanup operations.
Sweep, mop, vacuum, and clean assigned building areas, restrooms, windows, and common areas; collect and dispose of waste properly.
Assist with minor facility maintenance and report deficiencies requiring specialized repairs.
Inspect assigned tools, vehicles, and equipment before use; perform authorized basic cleaning, lubrication, and preventive maintenance; report mechanical problems and unsafe or damaged equipment.
Receive, load, unload, transport, store, and account for materials, supplies, tools, and equipment; assist with inventory counts and documentation.
Use City-owned vehicles and equipment only for authorized municipal business.
Interact courteously with residents, coworkers, supervisors, and other City departments; respond to routine public inquiries within assigned authority and refer other matters as needed.
Complete assigned work records, equipment checklists, and other required documentation accurately and on time.
Follow workplace safety requirements, City policies, departmental procedures, PPE requirements, hazardous-material handling, chemical labeling, and waste-disposal procedures.
Report workplace injuries, accidents, unsafe conditions, and equipment deficiencies; participate in required safety training and departmental meetings.