HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT

SUMMARY JOB REQUIREMENTS

LABORER – FACILITIES MAINTENANCE DEPT.

JOB TITLE: LABORER

POSITION TITLE: LABORER

GENERAL SUMMARY

Cuts and chops grass, weeds, and other types of vegetation using gasoline-powered equipment such as weedeaters, or a walk behind brush-cutter, or using non-powered hand tools such as machetes or axes. Removes and stacks the vegetation from the toes and slopes of the channel to the berm using hand rakes or pitchforks for later collection. Loads or assists in loading vegetation from the berm into trash trucks or other suitable equipment using hand rakes or pitchforks for transport to a disposal center. Operates chainsaws of different lengths and weights to cut, trim or remove trees and limbs. Operates and feeds small trees and limbs into a chipper machine. May have to determine the problem and dislodge the chute should a blockage occur. May enter the channels in water up to three feet in depth or from the bank to dislodge and remove drifts that impede water flow around and under bridges or other areas using shovels, rakes or chainsaws. Sprays herbicides on selected weeds and grasses using filled backpacks that weigh between 25 and 30 pounds. Performs preventative maintenance on tools and equipment such as sharpening machetes, axes, shovels and chains for the saws using a file, changing line cords for the weedeaters, checking the fluid levels in the chainsaws, brushcutter and other powered equipment, cleaning or replacing air and oil filters, etc. Performs minor repairs to the equipment such as replacing chains and bars on the saws, etc. May drive and perform preventative maintenance on crew trucks or other types of motorized equipment as required. Duties may be added or deleted as the nature and scope of the job directs.

KNOWLEDGE

Must have a minimum of one year of recent, verifiable work experience. Prefer experience in a similar labor intensive position. Must read and comprehend such written material as safety cautions, warnings, maps, traffic signs, operating instructions, etc. Must write/record legible notes of activity and correctly complete required forms. Must effectively communicate with coworkers, general public, industry and/or governmental representatives.

PHYSICAL EXERTION

Requires frequent walking and working on rough and uneven surfaces or ground such as sloping terrain, plowed or furrowed areas or construction sites. May occasionally drive a vehicle with automatic/standard control. Requires frequent operation/use of small hand power tools/equipment. Requires carrying backpacks containing herbicides weighing up to 30 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE

Routine exposure to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution. May be exposed to vibration and/or noise in excess of 85 decibels. Routine exposure to petroleum products including but not limited to oil, gasoline, grease, diesel, other fuels and lubricants. Will be exposed to vegetation retardants, herbicides, and/or fertilizers. Routine exposure to nature’s dust, mists, vapors, fumes, and other pollutants. Routine exposure to toxic plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and other vegetation that may contain/emit allergens or other pollen compounds. May be exposed to wasps, bees, and other flying/walking insects. May be exposed to aquatic bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms.