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Entry Level Public Works Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Public Works Apprentice- NBPT

Carrollton, TX

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

JOB TITLE: Public Works Apprentice DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Various REPORTS TO: Varies SUMMARY ... Performs routine cleaning and grounds maintenance activities at water pump stations. Entry level ...

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Entry Level Public Works information

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$12

$24

$44

How much do entry level public works jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level public works in the United States is $24.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you get a government job with no work experience?

Entry level public works jobs often do not require prior work experience, focusing instead on basic skills, a high school diploma or equivalent, and sometimes a valid driver's license. Candidates may need to complete on-the-job training or obtain relevant certifications, such as OSHA safety training, to qualify for these roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Public Works employee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Public Works employee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic construction or maintenance knowledge, and a willingness to learn on the job. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety equipment, and sometimes a valid driver’s license or commercial driving certification are commonly required. Dependability, teamwork, and communication skills are vital soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure tasks are performed safely, efficiently, and collaboratively, supporting the effective maintenance of public infrastructure.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Entry-level public works jobs typically do not pay $10,000 a month without experience or specialized certifications. High-paying roles in this field usually require advanced skills, certifications, or experience, and salaries vary based on location and responsibilities. Most entry-level positions start with lower wages, but some specialized roles or supervisory positions can reach higher earnings over time.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an Entry Level Public Works employee?

As an Entry Level Public Works employee, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks that support the maintenance and improvement of public infrastructure. Your daily responsibilities may include repairing roads, maintaining parks, cleaning public spaces, and assisting with the setup of community events. You’ll often work outdoors as part of a team, collaborating with more experienced staff and learning about equipment operation and safety protocols. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and can serve as a stepping stone to advanced positions within the public works department.

What is the difference between Entry Level Public Works vs Entry Level Civil Engineering Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Public WorksEntry Level Civil Engineering Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require relevant certificationsHigh school diploma; some positions may prefer coursework in engineering or related fields
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, construction sites, municipal facilitiesOffice settings, field inspections, project sites
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal governments, public agencies, construction firmsEngineering firms, government agencies, consulting companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Public Works roles typically involve fieldwork and maintenance tasks within municipal or public sector settings, often requiring certifications or relevant experience. Entry Level Civil Engineering Assistants focus more on supporting engineering projects, with some roles requiring coursework in engineering. Both roles are common starting points in the public infrastructure industry, but they differ mainly in work environment and specific credentials.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Entry level public works jobs typically do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized roles like consulting, project management, or skilled trades with significant experience or certifications. Most public works positions offer hourly wages or salaries that are below this level, often depending on location, responsibilities, and union agreements.

What are Entry Level Public Works jobs?

Entry Level Public Works jobs are positions within government or municipal agencies focused on maintaining and improving public infrastructure and services. These roles often include tasks such as sanitation, road maintenance, water and sewage management, and supporting construction projects. Entry level positions typically require minimal prior experience and may involve on-the-job training. They offer a starting point for individuals interested in public service, infrastructure, or community improvement. Working in public works can lead to career advancement as you gain experience and additional certifications.

What is the easiest construction job to get into?

Entry-level public works jobs such as laborer or maintenance worker are generally the easiest construction roles to enter, often requiring minimal experience and offering on-the-job training. These positions typically involve physical work, basic tools, and safety protocols, making them accessible for newcomers to the construction industry.
More about Entry Level Public Works jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Public Works jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Public Works job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Works jobs? The most popular types of Public Works jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Public Works jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Public Works jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Public Works jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Public Works jobs are:
Entry Level Public Works jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Public Works job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,420 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Public Works Maintenance Worker I (AFSCME)

Public Works Maintenance Worker I (AFSCME)

City of Evanston

Evanston, IL • On-site

$34.87 - $40.55/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Public Works/Maintenance Worker I
Date Posted:
6/25/2026
Location:
Service Center
Closing Date:
07/10/2026
Salary Range: $34.87 - $40.55 / Hour
*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.
Hours of work (Schedule): Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
NATURE OF WORK: This is a full-time, entry-level Public Works Maintenance Worker I position involving on-the-job training to perform various unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance work and operate various equipment within the Public Works Agency. This position will be scheduled to work weekend hours. Employees may use hand and power tools such as drills, brooms, power washers, rakes, and shovels. Tasks require employees to work outdoors for most of the workday. Work is often performed in heavy traffic, requiring employees to be alert to avoid accidents or personal injuries. Employees may be assigned tasks of a similar or higher-level classification to gain experience and training in preparation for advancement. This position requires scheduled and unscheduled overtime for snow and ice control, emergencies, and special projects, including weekends and holidays. Personal protective equipment such as hardhat, safety glasses, reflective vests, gloves, steel-toed shoes, earplugs, and other protective equipment is worn. This position requires 24/7; 365-day availability and coverage of scheduled and unscheduled overtime for emergencies, snow and ice control, and special projects.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignments will include some or all of the following):
  • Collects refuse and recycling within all business districts and city parks.
  • Unloads hand and power equipment from vehicles.
  • Uses broom or operates a vacuum machine to clean streets, curbs, and sidewalks in business districts or under viaducts and on bridges; operates gasoline-powered hand-held blowers to move leaves; rakes and shovels leaves into containers, trucks, or into piles to be picked up by front-end loaders.
  • Picks up litter in public areas; loads debris into containers and empties containers, paints park benches, garbage cans, and removes graffiti.
  • Plants, transplants, fertilizes, mulches, waters, and prunes City park grounds, shrubs, bushes, and trees; prunes shrubs using hand or electric pruners.
  • Remove weeds around flower and shrub beds by hand or by using weed cutters, prepare soils by operating power or hand tools and equipment such as an aerator, roller, rototiller, shovel, or rake.
  • Sows grass seed by hand or with mechanized equipment; unloads and lays out sod; delivers soil, compost, wood chips, and other materials to work site and shovels, rakes, and levels materials; rakes and mulches leaves.
  • Safely operates public work equipment and tools of various sizes with different attachments.
  • Drives a pick-up truck to plow snow and spread salt.
  • Drives a dump truck to transport materials; operates controls in truck cab to dump and spread materials on surfaces.
  • Operate class B commercial vehicles.
  • Operate small riding mowers and other ATV-style equipment.
  • Maintain sports fields by grading, lining, edging, and raking on a regular basis.
  • Prepares outdoor ice rinks for use by flooding designated areas on a regular basis during the skating season, both at night and during the day.
  • Assists crew leader in the maintenance of the right of way, parking lots, and other city property.
  • Checks equipment and performs preventative maintenance and minor repairs.
  • May assist in other divisions on an as-needed basis.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
  • Must possess a high school diploma/GED.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain an Illinois Class B CDL driver's license with air brakes endorsement within 6 months of employment.
  • Must be willing and able to obtain a State of Illinois Pesticide Operator's certification within eighteen months of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES IN THE FOLLOWING AREARS:
  • Basic knowledge of the safe operation of hand and power tools.
  • Some knowledge of the operating instructions and safety aspects of public works equipment.
  • Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to read and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to satisfactorily complete tasks without close supervision.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other employees, and the public.
  • Ability to complete NIMS Incident training, ICS100, ICS200, ICS700, and ICS800 within 18 months
  • Ability to use Executime for attendance & payroll information and other city software as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
  • Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; ability to move heavy objects (100 pounds or more) short distances.
  • Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions such as extreme cold, high winds, rain, snow, sleet, high temperatures, humidity, and other uncomfortable conditions.
  • Ability to use all equipment and power tools required to perform assigned tasks efficiently.
  • Ability to focus on small and distant objects, recognize the depth of objects, lift, bend, kneel, sit, or stand for long periods of time, work in confined spaces, and work outdoors at night with limited lighting.
  • Ability to walk or navigate over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.
  • Ability to work around chemicals, asphalt products, concrete, vehicle or equipment fumes, gasses, dust, and dirt while following safety guidelines.
  • Ability to work on job sites with elevated noise levels and vibrations.

SUPERVISION: Work is performed under the general direction of a supervisor or crew leader. Assignments may vary from day to day depending on the season and work requirements. Instructions, either verbal or written, are in the form of the project to be completed, with the employee's work reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communications, meetings, and feedback from the supervisor and other department employees. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with classification standards. Additional guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, Union Contract, Personnel Rules, and OSHA.
PUBLIC CONTACT: The employee has regular contact with other City employees to schedule work and equipment. The employee will work with other departments in the course of inspections which may include police, fire, and health, as well as other departments or divisions. The employee has occasional contact with the public to answer questions, give information, as well as to explain work programs and specific assignments; some contact may be of a difficult nature; the employee has to use judgment as to when to refer community members to a supervisor or other management and administrative staff.
To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.
Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).

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