Parks General Laborer

Department of Public Works

◄ Back to All Categories

Full-Time Parks General Laborer Oct. 2026

Full-Time Employee - Parks General Laborer

Starting salary $47,736 ($22.95/hour) - to $68,619 ($32.99) + Excellent benefit package.

The City of Rochester's Public Works Department is seeking candidates for one full-time position that performs a variety of tasks in the parks department, including mowing, tree trimming, trash removal, cleaning parks bathrooms. Plants new trees and mulches. Prunes and trims trees to ensure safety of residents while complying with proper Forester instructions for proper tree growth. Removes trees by cutting down in whole or in piece depending on size and location of tree.

• Maintains right-of-way turf and ornamental landscaping. Mows, weeds, prunes, mulches, waters as required. Restores parkways after maintenance repair activities.
• Performs brush/trash collection. Operates truck for brush/trash collection and manually picks up brush and loads in chipper.
• Hours for this position are Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The work environment generally includes the outdoors, operating a vehicle and working in a garage setting. The noise level is occasionally loud. The incumbent is subject to inclement weather conditions, working in high traffic areas, working near moving mechanical parts, high levels of noise for an extended period of time and exposure to chemicals, fumes or disagreeable odors.

Occasionally required to sit; use hands to touch, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk and hear. Frequently required to stand, walk, lift, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. May lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth and the ability to adjust focus. Occasionally works at heights/depths of 30 feet above or below ground.

• End loader
• Rototiller
• Chainsaw
• Backhoe
• Mower
• Forklift
• Dump truck (with and without plow)
• Weed whip
• Skid Loader
• Street/Sidewalk Sweeper
• Salt Spreader
• Brush Chipper
• Hedge Trimmer
• Pavement Saw
• Jackhammer
• Blower
• Jetter/Sewer equipment
• Vactor Operations
• Table saw
• Redial Arm Saw
• Drill Press
• Air Compressor
• Fire Extinguisher
• Hydrant Operation
• All basic hand held and hand tools including shovels, axes, rakes, brooms, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.
• Knowledge in roadway, water/sewer, forestry, horticulture and building maintenance procedures.
• Occasional contact with other City staff, outside contractors and residents; must be able to communicate verbally and demonstrate good customer relations.
• Ability to learn, understand and adhere to all applicable safety precautions and procedures.

• Becomes familiar with and observes all applicable safety and security policies/procedures
• Immediately reports all unsafe conditions and acts to supervisor
• Reports all accidents to supervisor immediately
• Recommends improvements to safety and security practices
• Obeys and adheres to all safety rules and work practice.

Must be at least 18 years of age. High School diploma or GED, be able to follow verbal and written instructions, able to use various hand tools, stand and walk for extended periods of time, lift on occasion 80 pounds, and work outside in summer and winter temperatures. A valid Michigan Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B, with an N endorsement and air brakes.

If one is not held, employee will have six (6) months from the time of hire to acquire. Two to three years maintenance work experience preferred. Must be available for emergency call-ins. Moderate computer skills required.

Candidate screening process may consist of an application review, skills testing, employability assessment, interview, reference checks, and other verifications. Chosen candidates will be subject to a background and criminal history, and qualifying pre-employment medical examination and drug screen. Rochester is an Equal Opportunity Employer (E.O.E.)