General Laborer

Job Description

Job Description

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR

General Laborer

CLOSING DATE: Open Until filled

Created: 08/20/2026

POSTED: 08/20/2026

The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. The American School for the Deaf is committed to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth, and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed life-long learners.

ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families. West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools. There is also much to do in West Hartford. There is a wide array of parks and recreation. There are pools and hiking trails. There are historic sites to visit as well. If shopping is on the list, then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position: General Laborer

Supervisor: Director of Facilities

Description: 12 months – Benefits Eligible

Union Status: Non-Collective Bargaining

SCOPE OF DUTIES:

Under the supervision of the Director of Facilities or designee, the General Laborer supports the daily operations of the Campus Maintenance Department by performing a variety of physical, grounds, custodial, moving, setup, and general maintenance support tasks. This position helps maintain a safe, clean, functional, and welcoming campus environment for students, employees, and visitors.

The General Laborer works both independently and as part of the Facilities team and may assist maintenance technicians and other Facilities staff with routine assignments, projects, campus events, and seasonal activities.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform general labor and maintenance support throughout campus buildings and grounds.
• Assist maintenance technicians and skilled trades staff with projects, repairs, and preventive maintenance activities as directed.
• Move furniture, equipment, supplies, materials, and other items between campus locations.
• Assist with room setups and breakdowns for meetings, events, classes, and other campus activities.
• Perform general cleanup of work areas, mechanical spaces, storage areas, grounds, and other assigned locations.
• Assist with basic grounds maintenance, including litter removal, sweeping, raking, leaf cleanup, and seasonal property maintenance.
• Assist with snow and ice removal from sidewalks, entrances, stairs, and other pedestrian areas.
• Load, unload, transport, and organize materials, tools, equipment, and deliveries.
• Perform basic tasks such as replacing light bulbs, hanging signs, assembling furniture, and completing minor repairs when assigned and appropriately trained.
• Maintain Facilities shops, storage areas, equipment, and workspaces in a clean and orderly condition.
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, carts, dollies, grounds equipment, and other department equipment for which training has been provided.
• Identify and report maintenance concerns, safety hazards, property damage, or equipment problems to a supervisor.
• Follow established safety procedures and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Support emergency, weather-related, and other campus operational needs as assigned.
• Perform other Facilities and campus support duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in general labor, facilities, construction, grounds, custodial services, moving, warehouse operations, or a related field preferred.
• Basic knowledge of hand and power tools preferred.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Dependable attendance, punctuality, and willingness to perform a variety of assignments.
• Ability to communicate professionally with students, employees, visitors, contractors, and other members of the campus community.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record preferred or required if operating campus vehicles.

• Ability or willingness to learn to communicate effectively using American Sign Language (ASL).

Physical Requirements

The position requires regular physical activity associated with Facilities and campus maintenance work, including:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, pushing, and pulling.
• Climbing stairs and occasionally using ladders.
• Regularly lifting and carrying materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds , with heavier items moved using appropriate equipment or team lifting procedures.
• Working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Working in environments that may include dust, noise, temperature variations, mechanical spaces, and active work areas.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Group health insurance and other fringe benefits are available.
• $1000 sign on bonus after one year of service for newly hired employees, not applicable for re-hires.

ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department.

The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).

All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.