CONSTRUCTION COUNTY - UTILITY WORKER

Overview

FLSA: Non-ExemptThis is a manual laborer position in the County Highway Department operating out of the Highway Shop in West Salem. Employees are selected by the Highway Commissioner and are supervised and responsible to the Crew Leader on the job. Employees exercise some independent judgment in performing job duties.  Employees perform a variety of skilled and unskilled labor functions to maintain roadways while working under close to moderate supervision.

Essential Leadership Functions 

Act with Integrity and Build Trust 

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions 

• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints 

• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives 

Drive for Results 

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes 

• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results 

• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring 

Develop Talent and Effective Teams 

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth 

• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential 

• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team 

Lead with Vision and Strategy 

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals 

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives 

• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully 

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking 

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives 

• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment 

• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others 

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships 

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization 

• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking 

• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders 

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service 

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community 

• Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes 

• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization 

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence 

• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations 

• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks 

• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others 

Essential Job Functions

Repairs highway surface and fences and performs other repairs using various hand tools. Places gravel on roadways and roadway shoulders.

Assists in bridge repairs.

Mows grass, shovels snow, hauls debris, rakes, prunes shrubs and trees, and cuts weeds and brush using hand tools and chainsaws.

Loads and unloads highway guardrails and signs.

Assists in the operation of graders, mowers and other highway equipment. Drives dump trucks and other small trucks; picks up and hauls debris.

Operates a variety of machines, tools and equipment; performs simple maintenance to equipment, including refueling, greasing, cleaning.

Works safely and follows safety practices and standards of the Highway Department and is responsible for reporting or correcting any existing or potential safety or accident hazard.

In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors and public officials.

Physical demands: Approximately 75% of time is spent performing various manual labor tasks lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, using hand tools, walking uneven terrain. Occasionally lifts 75 to 100 lbs. and occasionally climbs hills and roadsides. Other 25% is spent performing other duties, such as, riding in truck or driving truck and operating other equipment and using verbal communication with other employees. Work is performed outdoors in all types of weather, including rain, snow, and extreme cold and heat; dramatic shifts in temperature, and dust, noise, vibrations and mechanical hazards are factors. Uses various equipment such as hand and power tools,chainsaws, shovels, picks, hammers and brooms. Steel tip boots and other protective items are required to be worn. Requires near and far vision for driving vehicles, inspecting road and operating equipment. Reads and writes instructions and records. Tasks may involve exposure to blood/body fluids.

Related Job Functions

Assists in crew work when required.

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of highway maintenance work.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Ability to work under varying climatic conditions.

Ability to perform work assigned, under the titles within this class.

Ability to progress to higher levels of work such as Equipment Operator.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED, with ability to understand and carry out routine oral and written instructions.

One year previous experience performing road grading/snow plowing, road construction, light/heavy equipment operation and manual labor preferred.

Successful passing of machinery operations skills tests. 

Must be available for overtime work.

Good work record and proven track record of dependability.

Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and good driving record.

At the time of hire, must have valid Class A Wisconsin Commercial Drivers License with air brake endorsement.

Within six months after hire, must obtain tanker and combination vehicle endorsements.

Must pass pre-employment drug screen due to CDL requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve.

Need an Accommodation?
If you require a disability-related accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, reach out to Human Resources at jobs@lacrossecounty.org — we're here to help.

Ready to Apply?
Submit your application through our online career site. Please double-check your materials before submitting them; complete applications help us move quickly and give every candidate fair consideration.