Seasonal Employee - Department of Public Works

Job Description

We are hiring for the 2026 Summer Season! Each year the City welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to its vacation playground and seasonal workers are the key to shaping the visitor experience in the City of Grand Haven. If you would like to spend some time this summer in one of West Michigan's most beautiful cities as a seasonal worker please complete the application today!

Under direct supervision, performs seasonal maintenance, customer service, and operational support work for the City of Grand Haven in support of parks, waterfront areas, marina operations, and City facilities. Seasonal employees assist with maintaining the cleanliness, appearance, and functionality of public spaces while supporting the City during the busy summer tourism season.

Work assignments may vary and employees may be assigned to assist in multiple operational areas including the marina, waterfront, parks and grounds, and general facility maintenance. Seasonal employees may be reassigned to different work areas based on operational needs.

Work Assignments

Marina: Assisting and registering boaters, cleans area including fish cleaning station, uses the DNR reservation system.

Waterfront: Maintains a clean and orderly appearance of the waterfront area, restrooms, and sidewalks.

Maintenance: Responsible for assisting a full-time employee with maintaining and repairing City facilities. Must be age 18+.


Parks/Grounds: Responsible for lawn care of City properties, parks and greenspaces, including mowing, weed whipping, weeding, and planting.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Assist with marina operations including registering boaters and providing general assistance to marina guests.
2. Utilize the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reservation system when assisting with marina reservations or registrations.
3. Maintain the cleanliness and orderly appearance of public waterfront areas including fish cleaning stations, restrooms, sidewalks, docks, and surrounding public spaces.
4. Perform routine lawn and grounds maintenance including mowing, trimming, weeding, watering, and planting within City parks, properties, and greenspaces.
5. Collect trash and assist with general upkeep of parks, waterfront areas, and City facilities.
6. Assist full-time staff with maintaining and repairing City facilities and infrastructure.
7. Perform general labor tasks including cleaning, minor repairs, equipment setup, and facility support.
8. Provide courteous customer service and respond to questions from residents and visitors.
9. Monitor assigned areas and report hazards, maintenance needs, or public concerns to supervisory staff.
10. Follow City safety procedures and workplace policies.
11. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
• Must be at least 18 years of age for certain assignments including maintenance work.
• Previous experience in customer service, grounds maintenance, or general labor is preferred.
• Valid driver's license may be required depending on assigned duties.

Required Knowledge and Skills
• Knowledge of safe work practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and members of the public.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to interpret and communicate policies, procedures, and facility rules when interacting with the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Ability to perform physical labor including lifting, carrying, and moving materials up to approximately 50 pounds with or without assistance.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Work is performed primarily outdoors in parks, waterfront areas, marina facilities, and other City properties. Employees may be exposed to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and wind. Duties may require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, carrying, and performing repetitive physical tasks for extended periods of time.

Employees may be exposed to typical hazards associated with maintenance and grounds work including equipment operation, uneven terrain, noise, and proximity to water. Seasonal employees are expected to follow all safety procedures and use appropriate protective equipment when required.
Exposure to bodily fluids, with possible exposure to a variety of disease agents and to bloodborne pathogens.

Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audio logical appliances and devices to increase mobility.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

The City of Grand Haven is an Equal Opportunity Employer.