Public Works Laborer -Operator

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Public Works, the responsibilities of the Public Works Laborer include, but are not limited to, entry-level skilled labor of more than ordinary difficulty, which often involves the use of acquired skills. The Laborer uses manual and power equipment to perform a variety of maintenance tasks and repairs of water and sewer systems, and city streets and alleys, as well as groundskeeping of city property and easements. Other tasks include routine tests and meter-reading. Performs regular maintenance and emergency repairs on equipment as necessary. A Class D license in both water and wastewater is required for all Operators within one year of hire.Positions enjoy excellent benefits including health, dental, vision, and retirement as well as paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave. Public Works employees are strongly encouraged to obtain higher ODEQ certifications with training paid for by the City of Perkins.*HOURS: *A 40-hour work week. The weekly schedule will be set, however, the position will require weekend, on-call, after-hour, and/or holiday hours. The position is subject to overtime work and responds to job-related emergencies as required. The position is defined as essential staff and will be expected to report to work to protect, recover, and continue operations during an emergency.*WAGE: * The hourly wage for the Public Works Operator is $15.44 - $16.44 ($32,115-$34,195 annually). After six months of employment, if the Laborer has not completed the Department of Environmental Quality water and wastewater certification process, he or she may enroll and complete the requirements for Class D licenses. Upon successful acquisition of the Class D licenses and upon a successful performance review, the Laborer will be promoted to Operator with the accompanying pay increase. If the successful candidate is currently licensed as a Class D operator in both water and wastewater, the position starts at $1.00 more per hour, and after six months of satisfactory employment, he or she will be promoted to Operator. Operators with an A, B, or C license will be hired at the Operator level of pay and compensated for their advanced licenses.*JOB LOCATION:* Work completed in various locations in Perkins, Oklahoma· Travel may be infrequently required for training or professional meetings*JOB FUNCTIONS: *•Provides courteous, efficient, and friendly service to all citizens•Performs repairs and maintenance on water storage, production, and distribution systems; sanitary sewer collection and treatment systems; and stormwater drainage systems•Installs equipment and machinery; performs routine preventive maintenance of same•Brings problems or issues to a supervisor for direction•Operates a variety of equipment including, but not limited to, riding and walk-behind mowers, line trimmers, curb edgers, hedge trimmers, power tools, chainsaws, blowers, walk-behind vacuum, pressure washer, etc.•Operates heavy machinery including a backhoe, dump truck, industrial chipper, tractor, sewer jetter, etc.•Performs standard tests on water and sewer systems as directed•Assists with the repairs, cleaning and maintenance of city buildings and grounds, including snow removal, trash removal, weed eating, mowing, weeding, etc.•Is able to work with supervision to complete tasks as assigned•Prepares required reports and completes record-keeping procedures as directed•Performs physically demanding work including lifting up to 50 lbs., climbing and working off ladders, working in confined spaces, digging, loading/unloading, and working outdoors in all types of weather• Provides support at the wastewater treatment plant as necessary•Performs other duties as assigned*REQUIREMENTS: *•High School Diploma or GED or combination of education and work experience•No previous disqualifying criminal convictions•Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and acceptable driving record based on City of Perkins specifications•Perform work safely in accordance with City safety policy and procedures and specific departmental safety procedures• Basic math proficiency•Perform other duties as assigned•Self-starter; must be able to complete tasks as assigned unsupervised*PREFERRED: *•One year of work experience•One or more years’ experience in a public works setting•Ability to take initiative – do what needs to be done without being asked•Certifications or experience in welding, metalwork, plumbing, electrical, or building•Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality certification(s)•Skilled backhoe and trenching operations*QUALIFICATIONS:*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required/*. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.*WORKING CONDITIONS:*Most work will take place outdoors. Successful applicant is able to work in extreme heat, cold, and other weather conditions. A tolerance for loud noise and strong smells is required.*POST-OFFER REQUIREMENTS: *•Criminal history/sex offender check•Driving record check•Drug screening•Background check*INTRODUCTORY PERIOD: *60 days*POST-HIRE REQUIREMENTS: *•Periodic driving record checks•Periodic drug screening*SKILLS, HABITS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED:**Mathematical Skills*· Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.*Software Skills*· Knowledge of, or ability to learn, computer software including word processing, email programs, and spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.*WORKING CONDITIONS**:*The Americans with Disabilities Act requires identification of the general aptitudes and physical requirements needed to perform the job listed above, as well as the unavoidable, externally imposed conditions under which the work must be performed and that could create hardship. Individuals who have the position must be able to perform all essential job functions unaided or with reasonable accommodation.*Physical Demands - *_The nature of physical effort leading to physical fatigue _The Public Works Operator will be required to use machinery, equipment, and tools, and to perform manual labor in a safe and effective manner.• Strength: Must have ability lift 50 lbs., push/pull 50 lbs., hold/carry 50 lbs., and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.• Must be able to manipulate from ground to waist, from waist to shoulder, above shoulder, and from waist level.• Climbing: Must have ability to climb ladder, step stool, extension ladder, 1 flight of stairs, and 20 or more steps.• Standing/sitting, moving: Must have ability to: frequently (4-6 hours/day) stand/sit and frequently (4-6 hours/day) move.• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling: Must have ability to bend forward or down from the middle of the waist or the middle of the back, to bend downwards, to lower oneself and/or to move freely on floor or ground 5-20 times/day.• Reaching, handling, fingering, and/or feeling: Must have ability to stretch out, extend, or put forth a bodily part; to touch or grasp something, by extending or stretching; to touch, lift, hold or operate with hands continually throughout the day.• Manual/finger dexterity required include the use of hands and fingers to use tools, machinery, office equipment, and type is required.*Environmental Conditions - *_The nature of adverse environmental conditions affecting the incumbent_Much of the work will take place in an outdoor working environment, wherein there are disagreeable working conditions part of the time, including extreme heat, cold, and other weather and environmental conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The incumbent works near moving mechanical parts, is at risk of radiation or vibration. The incumbent is exposed to fumes and airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.• Exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals in gaseous, liquid and powdered form.• Exposure of tripping hazards of stairs, inclined walkways, gratings, as well as slippery surfaces during inclement weather.• Exposure to laboratory chemicals (reagents) and bacteriological life forms commonly associated with wastewater and biosolids.• Requires the wearing of appropriate safety apparel while working with various chemicals and reagents in the laboratory, treatment plant, electrical equipment and other worksites.• Requires continuous attention and monitoring of safe working conditions and ensure that all safety standards are observed.• Requires exposure to dusts and pollen, fumes/noxious odors, weather conditions, extreme noise levels, animal/wildlife, heights, close quarters, and disease/pathogens.*Sensory Demands - *_The nature of demands on the senses_• Visual: Must have ability to perceive or comprehend by the sense of light. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, adequate eyesight to read computer screens, perform detail work, as well as the ability to adjust and focus.• Other: May be exposed to unpleasant sights, sounds, or odors.*Mental Demands - *_Conditions that may lead to mental or emotional fatigue_There are a number of stressors associated with this position including emergency situations, deadlines, and multiple tasks.*Verbal Abilities*• Speaking/Talking: Must have ability to answer telephone or radio, communicate with general public, volunteers, vendors, supervisors, and other employees. Present clear and concise oral reports.• Hearing/Listening: Must have ability to communicate with public, volunteers, vendors, supervisors, and/or other employees.• Reading (ability to read and understand text): Must have ability to read and write in English.*Spatial Abilities*• Must have ability to estimate size, shape, distance, time.*Driving Abilities*• Must have the ability to transfer or convey in a vehicle. Must have ability to drive car, van, pickup truck, lawn mower, and tractor.*/*DISCLAIMER *This job description is provided as a guide and is not to be considered a contract. The City of Perkins reserves the right to make changes to the job description as necessary. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The employee may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.*Application Information:* Applications are available at:Perkins City Hall110 North MainPerkins, OK 74059Between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Fridayordownload applications at must be accompanied by a completed City of Perkins job application.Applications will be accepted until position is filled.*The City of Perkins is an Equal Opportunity Employer.*Job Type: Full-timePay: $15.44 - $16.44 per hourExpected hours: 40 per weekBenefits:* Dental insurance* Employee assistance program* Health insurance* Life insurance* Paid time off* Retirement plan* Vision insuranceSchedule:* Monday to Friday* On callApplication Question(s):* In addition to your resume, you will need to complete a City of Perkins job application in order to be considered for this job. Are you able to email that application to us within 72 hours of the current date? The application can be found at This job requires on-call status shared with the crew, which includes alternating weekends, evenings, and holidays. Are you able to be available on an on-call basis on a rotational basis?Ability to Commute:* Perkins, OK 74059 (Required)Work Location: In person

Created: 2025-08-12