Laborer

WG-3502-03

Master Record No. FS2536

Introduction

This position is located in on a Forest Service unit. The incumbent performs a variety of laborer
duties in support of road maintenance and/or facility maintenance. The work requires prior work
experience or training, some degree of manual skill, and very heavy physical effort.

Duties
Performs tasks that require very heavy physical effort and the use of heavy power
equipment and common hand tools. Tasks include but are not limited to:

1)Moves heavy freight, furniture, machinery, supplies, equipment and other very heavy items by use
of hand trucks or other moving equipment and places or stacks for storage;
2)Packs, loads, and/or unloads heavy bulky materials, equipment, and boxes delivered to the facility;

3) Cuts trees, clears brush, removes rocks, digs ditches and back fills; digs loose bars, digs post holes
and plumbs posts; clears and levels ground; replaces barriers, paints or stains;
4) Operates heavy-duty power mowers, weed trimmers, tillers, chain saws, pallet jacks, powered
snow blowers, high-pressure sprayers, jackhammers, floor buffers and steam cleaners.
5) Assembles and places a variety of items and structures needed to complete assignments;
6) Cleans, oils, lubricates, and performs minor adjustments on power equipment.
7) Operates motor vehicle in support of operations.

As an incidental duty the incumbent may shovel snow, sand and debris; cut and clear small trees
and brush along roads and fences; wash and wax cars, boats, and trucks by hand or using a
powered buffer; vacuum, mop, wax, and buff floors; empty trash cans; and, wash windows and
ceiling fixtures.

Factor 1 - Skill and Knowledge Required

Incumbent must have sufficient experience or training and mental and physical ability to work safely
with heavy power equipment, tools, and objects. Significant manual skill may be required to
load/unload very heavy items onto weight-handling devices such as electric hand trucks or lifts,
pallet jacks and dollies. Prior job experience or on-the-job training normally is required to ensure
continual care and attention to safety and proper job completion. Knowledge and skill is required to
perform routine operator maintenance and minor adjustments to tools and equipment used.

Incumbent must be able to work from directions to complete multiple job tasks in the proper
sequence.

Factor 2 – Responsibility
The supervisor or higher grade worker gives general instructions. Detailed instructions or continual
supervision of routine duties is not required. Direction for special assignments is received from the
supervisor or higher grade employee. Incumbent is expected to independently complete multiple
tasks within designated time frames or schedules.

Incumbent is responsible for following proper safety procedures and taking necessary precautions to
prevent accidents and work injuries, e.g., wears safety helmet when stacking pallets ; follows proper
lifting practices when handling heavy items; follows safety directions and maintenance requirements
for different types of tools and equipment used .

The supervisor checks work on a random basis for timeliness, work practices, and compliance with
instructions.

Factor 3 - Physical Effort

Work requires heavy physical effort to frequently lift and move objects weighing over 50 pounds,
and operating heavy equipment or pushing heavy loads. The work requires prolonged standing,
bending, climbing, and/or walking over rough forest terrain.

Factor 4 - Working Conditions

Work is performed inside and outside. When working outside, there is exposure to all kinds of
weather conditions. Indoor work is often in office buildings or in well lighted, heated, and ventilated
areas such as warehouses, loading docks, or trade shops. Incumbent is frequently exposed to
weather and temperature extremes, drafts, noise, dust, and dirt. The tools, heavy equipment and
objects involved increase chances of serious injury.

Incumbent must follow safety procedures and use standard safety equipment such as gloves, ear
protectors, safety glasses and steel-toe shoes to avoid possible hazards in the work area.

Other Significant Facts: The positon require that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid
state driver’s license.