Job Abstract

The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities. When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other. We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say “yes,” while not compromising the City’s or our own integrity.

Our efforts are guided by our core values:

• Integrity
• Stewardship
• Service
• Community
• Innovation
• Teamwork

Under immediate (I) or general (II) supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled work in the construction, modification, maintenance, installation, and repair of City infrastructure including, but not limited to, streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, roadway base and sub-base, guard rails, asphalt pavement, crack seal application, concrete repair, traffic and street sign installation/repair/reflectivity, pavement markings, storm drains, pipes, and catch basins; uses and operates a variety of manual and power tools, light to heavy power driven equipment; may be directed to assist other divisions; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct or general supervision from the Street Maintenance Supervisor. Does not directly or indirectly supervise other employees.

Street Maintenance Worker I: This is the entry-level class in the Street Maintenance series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic maintenance experience learn City infrastructure and systems, the use of tools and equipment, and a wide variety of practices and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Since this class is often used as a training class, new employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.

Street Maintenance Worker II: This is the full journey-level class in the Street Maintenance series. Incumbents perform the full range of semi-skilled duties required to ensure that City infrastructure and systems to which assigned are maintained in a safe and effective working condition and provide the highest level of safety for public use. Responsibilities include inspecting and attending to assigned areas in a timely manner and performing a wide variety of tasks in the maintenance and repair of street-related facilities and systems. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative. Incumbents receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from Street Maintenance Worker III in that the latter is an advanced level class where incumbents perform specialized and skilled tasks involving the construction, modification, maintenance, and repair of City infrastructure.

Positions in the Street Maintenance Worker class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Street Maintenance Worker II level are normally filled by advancement from the Street Maintenance Worker I level; progression to the Street Maintenance Worker II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Street Maintenance Worker II level.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Positions at the Street Maintenance Worker I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

When performing the streets maintenance assignment:

• Performs construction, maintenance, and repair activities of City streets and roadways to ensure safe and efficient access for the public, including alleys, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, roadway base and sub-base, guard rails, asphalt pavement, crack seal application, concrete repair, traffic and street sign installation, repair, and reflectivity, and pavement markings.
• Maintains asphalt by demolishing and preparing areas to be resurfaced and applying, raking, compacting, and paving appropriate materials to the surface and cleaning up work areas.
• Seals cracks by cleaning and preparing surfaces with the appropriate equipment and applying crack sealing material and applicable chemicals to the surface.
• Maintains concrete by attending to trip hazards, demolishing and removing concrete, and forming, pouring, and finishing sidewalks, handicap ramps, curbs, and gutters.
• Operates construction and concrete cutting and breaking equipment such as a jackhammer; constructs concrete forms, pours concrete, and assists in finishing concrete and masonry work.
• Installs, maintains, and repairs traffic signs by making signs and installing sign posts and signs in accordance with federal, state, and City codes.
• Fabricates and repairs City signs including street name signs and signposts; installs and maintains municipal sign posts, signs, and pavement markings.
• Inspects City premises for graffiti vandalism, uses appropriate chemicals and high-pressure equipment to remove graffiti.
• Applies pesticides and herbicides using a chemical sprayer; performs pest control using regulated chemicals.
• Trims and prunes bushes, trees, and shrubs to provide clearance of sidewalks, signs, medians and drains.
• Performs legend painting and striping of City streets and parking lots using appropriate materials.
• Performs a variety of minor repair and preventative maintenance tasks on vehicles and equipment; refuels vehicles and equipment; transports vehicles for service, testing, and/or repair.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, and operates the City’s electronic fleet fueling system.
• Inspects assigned City infrastructure for safety issues, structural integrity, and possible future work projects and programs, and appropriately marks areas that need to be repaired.
• Operates and maintains specialized vehicles and a variety of light, medium, and heavy equipment related to the construction, maintenance, and repair of construction systems and facilities.
• Monitors and oversees the work of third-party contractors as assigned.
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignment as instructed.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Maintains public facilities, shop and garage areas, storage sites, and other work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
• Installs street barricades and cones and controls traffic around work sites and special events to ensure safe conditions for the public and City workers.
• Communicates with residents regarding concerns and/or issues.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Attends meetings and maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Some of the knowledge and ability statements below may apply to a Street Maintenance Worker I in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, standards, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles, practices, tools, and materials for maintaining and repairing streets and roadways, including alleys, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, roadway base and sub-base, guard rails, asphalt pavement, crack seal application, concrete repair, traffic and street sign installation, repair, and reflectivity, and pavement markings; as well as storm drains, pipes, and catch basins.
• Traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and light to heavy power equipment.
• Operational characteristics of specialized construction maintenance and repair equipment.
• Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Basic mathematics.
• Safe driving rules and practices.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Learn, explain, and apply federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, standards, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Perform basic construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work on streets and roadways, including alleys, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, roadway base and sub-base, guard rails, asphalt pavement, crack seal application, concrete repair, traffic and street sign installation, repair, and reflectivity, and pavement markings; as well as storm drains, pipes, and catch basins.
• Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
• Perform assigned maintenance and repair duties with accuracy, speed, and minimal supervision.
• Operate specialized construction maintenance and repair equipment.
• Set up and operate traffic area construction zones, including cones, barricades, and flagging.
• Read, interpret, and apply technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, blueprints, and schematics.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and light to heavy equipment required for the work.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Learn and follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.