Trades Helper (Pay Grade 16) AFSCME Local Union 459

Trades Helper (Pay Grade 16) AFSCME Local Union 459

Salary

$19.56 - $31.92 Hourly

Location

New Castle County Conner Building, 187-A Old Churchmans Road, New Castle, DE

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

00317-2026

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

10/21/2026

Closing Date

11/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period, and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.

Candidates may submit online employment applications using the NEOGOV online application system available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde.

EXAMINATION PROCESS: The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list. The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year. The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s).

New employees are generally hired at the starting salary and may be eligible for merit increases each year upon receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, up to the maximum salary.

New Castle County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Performs skilled work at a junior level in assisting a journey-level tradesperson; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: An employee in this class is responsible for assisting skilled tradespeople in maintenance, repair and construction work. The employee works under the guidance of a journey-level tradesperson who assigns the work to be done. As experience and training are gained, more responsible assignments are given, some of which are performed independently. Once fully trained, an employee in this class is expected to be capable of performing journeyperson level work in a skilled trade such as Carpenter, Plumber, Electrician, Welder, Pump Station Mechanic, Painter, Mason, or Television/Grouter Equipment Operator.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative only)

• Assists Carpenters in the installation and repair of roofs, walls and doors, cabinets, shelving, window air-conditioners, bulletin boards, wall and floor coverings, glazing, and repair of hardware items;
• Assists Plumbers in cutting, threading, and installing pipe; installation and repair of fixtures and plumbing systems such as water supply and heating lines; and installation and service of pumps and motors;
• Assists Electricians in installation of new electrical wiring and related items, repair of electrical motors, and repair of electric circuits and devices;
• Assists Electricians and Electronic Technicians in troubleshooting, programming and repairing electronic controls, PLCs and instruments;
• Assists Pump Station Mechanics in the assembly and disassembly of centrifugal pumps, greasing and cleaning pumps, and changing and cutting of gaskets;
• Assists Welders in fabrication work and installation of fabricated objects, torch cutting of various materials, and operating acetylene and electric welding equipment;
• Assists Masons in laying bricks, blocks, stone with mortar, finishing concrete surfaces, building catch basins, plastering, and repair work;
• Assists Painters in painting interior and exterior of buildings and in other painting tasks;
• Assists Television/Grouter Equipment Operators in the operation of the television camera and grouter to inspect and repair sewer lines, and in the setting up and maintenance of equipment;
• May independently perform some tasks within skill capability such as conducting operation check in pump stations and reporting data and deficiencies found, replacing broken window panes, removing and replacing meter data storage discs, spot painting, and repointing masonry joints;
• Performs the duties of a Maintenance and Construction Worker when not performing the above duties;
• May attend training classes in specific occupational skill;
• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service;
• Operates a personal computer and other related equipment in the course of the work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Some knowledge of the types and use of common tools, special tools, related instruments, and power tools used in construction and maintenance work, particularly with respect to the trade to which assigned; ability to carry out written and oral directions; ability to learn the principles, practices, methods, operation of tools and equipment used by skilled trades people; ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: At least one (1) year experience in maintenance and repair work and completion of a high school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of experience, education, or training directly related to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid Delaware Class D drivers license or its equivalent. Ability to pass a Class II County physical examination and background check.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cassondra Briggs

Human Resources Technician

Cassondra.Briggs@newcastlede.gov

Health Insurance: Starts the first of the month following a 60-day waiting period from the date of hire. Charges for coverage vary depending on type and level of coverage chosen. The following plans are currently available through Highmark (Comprehensive 80% Plan; a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) and Aetna (Open Access HMO.) Deductibles and co-pays may also apply.

Dental Insurance: Starts the first of the month following a 60-day waiting period from date of hire. Currently, there are two PPO options and an HMO option. Charges vary depending on type and level of coverage chosen.

Sick Leave: Accumulates at the rate of one day for each completed month of service, beginning after the first full month of employment.

Vacation: Vests on December 31 of the calendar year preceding the vacation year. Vested vacation is to be used in the 12 months following the vesting date. Employees are entitled to vacation as follows:

• Less than 12 months service -- 1 day for each completed month of service to a maximum of 10 days
• 1 - 4 years of service -- 10 days of vacation
• 5 - 9 years of service -- 15 days of vacation
• 10 - 14 years of service -- 20 days of vacation
• 15 years of service -- 25 days of vacation
• 15+ years of service -- 25+ days of vacation (an additional day for each successive year of service)

Holidays: 13-1/2 paid holidays per year (1/2 day on Christmas Eve).

Life Insurance: Provided by the County in the amount of one and one-half times your salary. Minimum benefit -- $50,000; Maximum benefit -- $200,000.

Pension: Employee contributory amount of three percent of base salary to defined benefit plan. County will make a non-elective contribution of one percent of base salary to defined contribution account. In addition, the County will also make an annual matching contribution of one hundred percent of employees contribution, up to a maximum of two percent to defined contribution account. 10-year vesting.

Deferred Compensation Plan:

Optional employee contributory plan available.

Additional Benefits: Salary increases each year dependent upon appropriate negotiated increase and/or merit increases; Credit Union, Blood Bank, Sick Leave Bank (after two years of service), Fitness Center, and an Employee Assistance Program are all benefits available to employees at no cost.

Supplemental Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical reimbursement and dependent care), additional life insurance, vision, group accident, group hospital indemnity, group disability, and critical care insurance are also available at an additional cost to the employee.

Union Affiliation: Some positions are affiliated with a local bargaining unit, and, therefore, will require a monthly dues deduction ranging from $23 to $46.65 per month.

Special Note: The above benefits are subject to change. For detailed information on any of the above, contact the Office of Human Resources at (302) 395-5180.

Revised: 12/15/15

01

Do you have at least one (1) year experience in maintenance and repair work? If yes, please describe.

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you currently possess a valid Delaware Class D drivers license or its equivalent? If so, please provide your drivers license number, class and expiration date.

Required Question

Employer New Castle County Government

Address 87 Reads Way

New Castle, Delaware, 19720

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde