Cement And Concrete Worker

Concrete Worker

Job Summary:

Semi-skilled and/or skilled worker who assists the Public Works Superintendent and Public Works Street Maintenance Supervisor in all phases of cement and concrete work, including preparation, pouring, finishing concrete surfaces, and maintenance tasks to support the city's infrastructure projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists in laying out work and constructing forms for structures such as curbs, gutters, culverts, slabs, steps, foundations, walls, driveways, and wheelchair ramps.
• Proportions, mixes, pours and places, screeds, tamps, and finishes concrete in the construction, alteration, and repair of sidewalks, curbs, driveway aprons, small bases and foundations, and similar work.
• Does excavation and demolition in preparation for concrete work, patches holes and makes other simple repairs on concrete structures;
• Sets metal posts and standards in concrete; places expansion joint materials; uses bonding agents, concrete curing compounds and calcium chloride, mineral colors, and other admixtures as instructed; may drive a truck as an incidental duty.
• Pours and smooths concrete to the desired grade and contour; performs some finishing work.
• Participates in excavating to grade and preparing soil for concrete pouring.
• Operates pneumatic pavement breakers and other equipment as needed.
• Mixes concrete according to specifications.
• Maintains materials and equipment in serviceable condition.
• Drives automotive equipment to and from work sites.
• May operate vehicles or equipment with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Concrete Properties and Materials:
  Understanding the characteristics of concrete, including proper mixing proportions (aggregates, cement, water), slump levels, setting times, and how weather affects curing.
• Admixtures and Chemical Agents:
  Knowledge of how and when to use bonding agents, concrete curing compounds, calcium chloride (for accelerating set times), mineral colors, and other chemical admixtures.
• Form Construction and Layout:
  Basic principles of carpentry, geometry, and layout needed to build and align secure wooden or metal forms for structures with specific slopes (like driveways and wheelchair ramps).
• Subgrade and Soil Preparation:
  Understanding soil compaction, grading, and the use of base materials (like gravel or sand) to prevent concrete from settling or cracking.
• Tools of the Trade:
  Knowledge of the proper use, maintenance, and safety protocols for hand and power tools, including screeds, floats, trowels, tamps, concrete saws, and pneumatic pavement breakers (jackhammers).
• Construction Safety Regulations:
  Familiarity with OSHA standards, proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for handling caustic wet cement and breathing silica dust, and safe lifting techniques (Physical Class 4 – Arduous requirements).
• Heavy Vehicle Operation and Traffic Laws:
  Knowledge of California vehicle codes, defensive driving, and pre-trip inspection requirements for heavy-duty trucks, particularly those with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more.

Ability to:

• Read and Interpret Specifications:
  Ability to follow oral and written instructions, basic blueprints, grading stakes, and mix design ratios accurately.
• Perform Precision Finishing:
  Mastery of hand-eye coordination to smooth, trowel, edge, and joint concrete to exact grades and contours before it sets.
• Construct Reliable Forms:
  Ability to measure, cut, and assemble sturdy forms that can withstand the immense pressure of wet concrete without bowing or breaking.
• Execute Heavy Manual Labor:
  The physical stamina to perform continuous heavy lifting, shoveling, bending, and kneeling on uneven surfaces for extended periods.
• Operate Demolition and Excavation Equipment:
  Ability to safely control high-vibration pneumatic tools (like pavement breakers) and manual excavation tools to clear old concrete and debris.
• Maintain Equipment:
  Ability to properly clean and service tools, mixers, and vehicles immediately after use to prevent concrete from hardening on the equipment.
• Drive Commercial Vehicles:
  Ability to safely navigate and…