M&O

PUBLIC WORKS TRAINEE

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direct supervision serves in a probationary training capacity performing routine maintenance tasks in an assigned area of the Public Works Department; performs related works as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is the entry-level position in the Public Works Technician I and II classification series. It involves a variety of work assignments in an assigned area of the Public Works Department. An on-site supervisor controls the flow of day-to-day work and provides instruction. The intent of this classification is to train and retain qualified employees; however, there is no implied or expressed guarantee of progression or regular status. Appointments to this position will be for a maximum 18-month period. Upon completion of at least 12 months, incumbents will be eligible to progress to Public Works Technician I, if they meet the minimum qualifications and pass a competency test administered by the department. Incumbents who fail to meet the minimum qualifications and pass the competency test within 18 months of appointment will be terminated. At no time will an employee reach regular employment status while serving in this training capacity; incumbents may be terminated at any time and without cause.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Performs routine maintenance tasks in a training capacity.
• Performs a variety of work assignments following standard procedures.
• Operates a variety of vehicles and equipment.
• Assists in performing all job duties specified in assigned maintenance area.
• Cleans and maintains grounds, tools, and equipment.
• Loads and unloads supplies and materials.
• Uses chemicals and/or other supplies as required.
• Performs vacation and temporary relief as necessary.
• Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Basic hand and portable power tools.
• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
• Principles of customer service.

Ability to:

• Perform strenuous manual labor.
• Work in cooperative manner with others and contribute to a successful team effort.
• Use and properly operate assigned tools and equipment.
• Operate a vehicle, observing legal and defensive driving practices.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Read, write and understand English to follow safety precautions and procedures.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and contribute to a cooperative team effort.

Education and Experience Guidelines – Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Graduation from the 12^th grade or equivalent.

Experience: Six months experience performing manual labor involving the use of hand tools and portable power tools.

License/Certificate and Other Requirements – Incumbents must possess a valid Class "C" California driver’s license at the time of application. Designated positions may require a Class "A" or Class "B" unrestricted commercial driver’s license within six months of employment with the City. A Commercial driver's license with a tank endorsement may be required of some positions.

Incumbents must be willing to work mandatory overtime when required; may be required to work nights, weekends and holidays as required in emergency situations.

Special Requirements - Safety regulations prohibit incumbents from wearing contact lenses when working with certain chemicals. Incumbents in positions requiring use of a respirator are prohibited from wearing beards or other facial hair which prevents a proper respirator fit.

In addition to the above, essential functions of all positions require the following physical, environmental and communication demands. Specific position requirements may vary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Indoor work to perform record keeping and computer tasks; outdoor work in all types of weather including extreme heat and humidity, cold and rain; work in and around heavy traffic conditions and very loud noise of construction equipment; continuous exposure to moving mechanical parts, electrical shock, and vibration from equipment and tools; occasional exposure to hazardous materials and substances including explosives, chemicals, blood borne pathogens, and animal bites; positions may require working at heights above the ground, work below ground, and/or in confined spaces.

Physical: Incumbents in this class must be in good physical condition and able to exert physical strength for prolonged periods of time. Due to the physical nature of this position, the majority of tasks performed by incumbents involve a combination of two or more simultaneous physical operations requiring but not limited to the following:

CONTINUOUS: sitting, standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, handling, fingering, and hearing; lifting and carrying of tools and equipment weighing up to 75 lbs.; pushing/pulling of tools and equipment up to 25 lbs.

FREQUENT: balancing, crouching and talking; pushing/pulling of tools and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

OCCASIONAL: crawling, tasting/smelling; lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling of tools and equipment weighing up to 100 lbs.; lifting and carrying tools and equipment weighing over 100 lbs with assistance.

Communication: HEARING – Ability to monitor sounds for traffic control and equipment malfunction; hear back-up alarms on trucks and other equipment, telephone and radio transmissions, and calls for assistance from others. VISION – (may be correctable) to see work orders and service requests, field conditions, equipment dials and gauges; operate vehicles and equipment; monitor traffic conditions and mix chemicals. SPEAKING – ability to communicate in English in person, by telephone and radio to communicate with both the public and coworkers.

Date: January 2006
Revised by MH/Department