Laborer-II Public Works

Salary: $19.81 - $22.01 Hourly
Location : Kalamazoo, MI
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-00028
Department: Public Services Stockbridge
Division: Public Works - General
Opening Date: 02/25/2026
Closing Date: 3/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Description/Distinguishing Features

Performs manual labor of more than ordinary difficulty which often involves the use of acquired skills; does related work as required

This is routine work involving the use of some skills acquired by experience or on-the-job instruction. This work requires physical strength and endurance. This position will work under the supervision of a supervisor who issues oral work orders and inspects work frequently. Employees in this class will be assisted by one or more laborers and/or seasonal work staff.

Examples of Duties

• (Illustrative only) performs a variety of grounds maintenance activities including trash pickup and disposal, leaf collection, sidewalk maintenance and winter operations as assigned.
• Prepares soil, plants, cultivates, and fertilizes flowers, grass, and shrubs.
• Operates mowers, blowers, chainsaws and related equipment.
• May dig graves as a trainee back-fills; operates tractor mowers and other lawn trimming equipment.
• Services equipment with gas, oil, and grease.
• Sets up traffic barricades and delineators when needed.
• Acts as helper to other focus areas where special skills are not usually required and assists with winter maintenance operations.

Essential Qualifications

• Knowledge of a variety of semi-skilled maintenance and manual tasks.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and write.
• Willingness and ability to perform heavy manual work for an extended period under varying climatic conditions.
• Ability to perform duties such as those listed in the Example of Work section.

Acceptable Training and Experience

Graduation from high school or equivalent and six (6) months of related experience.
Some experience in performing semi-skilled maintenance or construction tasks; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Additional Requirements:
Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Michigan.
The City of Kalamazoo offers competitive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, group life insurance, long and short-term disability, paid time off, a defined benefits pension plan, a 457 deferred compensation plan, and a retirement health care savings plan (HCSP). Benefits vary based on the bargaining unit of a position.

The City of Kalamazoo also operates a convenient health clinic that is open to employees, retirees, and their families and provides routine medical services and prescriptions.

For a summary of City of Kalamazoo benefits in AFSCME positions, please visit our website:

Please note:
These benefits are subject to change.
01

Do you possess at least a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Describe your maintenance experience.
03

Do you have experience in operating mowers and other lawn trimming equipment? Explain.
04

Do you have a valid Michigan Driver License with no violations within the last two years?

• Yes
• No

Required Question