Why does this job exist?

I thought it is always a part of a suite of cleaning operation that included washing the side walk, removing the trash, putting in new trash bags to public trash bins, removing graffiti at bus stops and cutting over arching tree branches, stuff like that. If I remember correctly, people are often hired to preform more then one of those job duties. I don't remember it ever being just one operation at once. Although the leaf blowing its more noticeable because the sheer noise.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Shonos

It sweeps things off to the side and requires no energy to run!

That depends. I still remember the back pain I get when I use to be in a school in Taiwan that had us sweep the field with brooms.

There's nowhere I can't reach.