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Entry Level Public Works Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 Jul 21, 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.

How to make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Entry level public works jobs typically do not pay $10,000 a month; however, advancing in the field through gaining certifications, developing specialized skills, or taking on supervisory roles can increase earnings. Additional income may also come from side projects or overtime opportunities, but reaching that level usually requires significant experience or additional qualifications.

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 is the 70 30 rule in hiring?

The 70/30 rule in hiring suggests that 70% of the decision should be based on skills, experience, and qualifications, while 30% considers cultural fit and soft skills. For entry-level public works positions, this emphasizes evaluating technical ability alongside teamwork and reliability. It helps ensure a balanced assessment of candidates for public service roles.

What is the easiest government job to get?

For entry-level public works positions, jobs such as maintenance worker or laborer are often considered easier to obtain due to high demand and minimal specialized education requirements. These roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and may involve on-the-job training, making them accessible for many applicants.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry level public works jobs typically do not pay $4,000 a week without advanced skills or certifications. High-paying roles in this field usually require experience, specialized training, or union membership, and most pay closer to standard hourly wages. Jobs that pay this much often involve management, specialized technical skills, or are in different industries such as sales or entrepreneurship.

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 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Public Works job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% 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 Inspector I/II

Public Works Inspector I/II

City of Wildomar

Wildomar, CA

$76K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Description Public Works Inspector Public Works Inspector I's anticipated hiring range - $36.67 - $39.49/Hourly Public Works Inspector II's anticipated hiring range - $40.43 - $43.53/Hourly Salary offerings are based on the City's Pay Plan and the applicant's experience and qualifications. The City of Wildomar is currently recruiting for a Public Works Inspector to join our Engineering/Public Works Department. As the City continues to grow; we are seeking an individual who is motivated and ready to support the City's development and contribute to projects that shape Wildomar's future

The City provides great health benefits and a welcoming work environment. The City of Wildomar offers generous annual leave and participates in the CalPERS Pension Retirement System, new members benefit from a 2% @62 retirement formula, and classic members have a 2.7%@55 retirement formula, with the City paying 100% of the employee contribution rate. Applications are accepted through Sunday, August 2, 2026

Apply today. DEFINITION Under general supervision, performs a variety of inspections of developer, capital improvements, and permit inspection work related to Public Works and Public Utilities construction projects; learns to interpret plans and specifications to ensure contract compliance; prepares project records and reports; prepares and recommends change orders and cost estimates; and performs related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Public Works Inspector I: This is the entry level class in the Public Works Inspector series.

Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Public Works Inspector II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Incumbents at this level are expected to become fully knowledgeable of the assigned area and learn to perform the full range of inspection work. Public Works Inspector II: This is the journey level class in the Public Works Inspector series.

Positions this level are distinguished from the Public Works Inspector I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Flex Staffing: This series may be flexibly staffed at either the entry or journey level.

Incumbents appointed to the Public Works Inspector I (entry level) may reasonably expect to progress to the Public Works Inspector II (journey level) upon attaining and demonstrating the full knowledge, skills and abilities of the job classification and meeting the qualifications and department requirements established for progression, which shall remain at the department head's discretion. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives direct (Public Works Inspector I) to general supervision (Public Works Inspector II) from a Principal Engineer, or Senior Engineer as assigned. Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS STATEMENT - Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Inspects a variety of public works and public utilities construction and maintenance projects such as grading and paving, sewers, storm drains, traffic signals and other city department construction projects on a routine basis.

Checks plans and specifications for conformance to City specifications; determines acceptability of materials; ensures that utilities have been contacted and permits applied for. Inspects potable and non-potable water systems and sanitary sewer systems, including installation, testing, maintenance, and repair. Inspects storm water drainage systems and year-round protections, including compliance with NPDES standards.

Inspects concrete street improvements, including sidewalks, drive approaches, wheelchair ramps, block walls, and other elements; inspects asphalt concrete street paving and slurry seal coating; ensures correct street sections checking grades and elevations. Observes earthwork grading, slope construction, earthen berms and surface drainage; reviews soils compaction reports and grading certificates. Inspects all aspects of traffic control set-ups and maintenance for conformance with codes, specifications and safety practices.

Inspects underground dry utility systems. Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information, including the general public, developers, contractors and utility representatives. Interprets construction plans and specifications; prepares and makes recommendations on change orders; confers with City engineering staff on design problems encountered in the field; prepares cost estimates.

Performs final inspection of construction projects for field acceptance; prepares list of required corrections prior to field acceptance or final bond exoneration; issues certificates of occupancy. Reviews as-build drawings for public works facilities and utility projects. Attends locator meetings with contractors and representatives of various utilities.

Maintains reports and records. Participates in joint inspections of properties with other agencies and City departments. Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Performs related duties as required. Typical Qualifications Knowledge of: Practices, methods, tools, and materials used in the construction of public works projects. Principles, methods, materials, equipment and safety hazards of construction and surveying.

Methods of field inspection work. Defects and faults in construction; basic soil mechanics and geology; and construction materials. Sampling, testing, and estimating procedures.

Engineering mechanics of structures. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including NPEDES and Cal/OSHA. Basic principles of mathematics including algebra, geometry and trigonometry.

Research methods and techniques related to all applicable codes. Operations and organizational structure of municipal government. Principles and practices of research and report preparation.

Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and supporting software applications. English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Principles and practices of filing and recordkeeping.

Methods and techniques of public relations and customer service. Safe and efficient work practices as they relate to code enforcement. Principles and practices of customer service and public relations.

City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Ability to: Read plans and specifications. Detect and locate faulty materials and work and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.

Understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications and prepares accurate engineering records. Understand and follow oral and written instructions and to work from sketches, blueprints, and diagrams. Use a variety of field-testing devices.

Maintain accurate logs, records, and clear and concise reports and documentation. Maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems. Perform heavy physical labor.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Analyze situations and develop sound solutions, while maintaining safety at all times. Plan and organize multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines.

Work fairly and courteously with all customers. Coordinate activities with other City departments, and other parties of interest. Read maps and learn the City's geography.

Maintain and follow department policies and procedures. Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Deliver quality customer service.

Work independently and as a team member. Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures. Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.

Experience and Training Guidelines Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Public Works Inspector I: A minimum of two (2) years of experience in sub-professional engineering work involving public works construction inspection experience. Public Works Inspector II: A minimum of three (3) years of experience in sub-professional engineering work involving public works construction inspection experience.

Training: Public Works Inspector I: Equivalent to the completion of a High School diploma. The completion of an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university is highly desirable. Public Works Inspector II: Equivalent to the completion of a High School diploma.

The completion of an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university is highly desirable. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a State of California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance program. Certification as a Construction General Permit Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) is highly desirable.

Special Requirements: Employees in these classes may be required to work varying shifts and extended hours including evenings and weekends. Supplemental Information WORKING CONDITIONS The work environment characteristics and physical/mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environmental Conditions: Employees in this class generally work in a field environment with exposure to outdoor environmental elements on a regular basis with exposure to varying temperatures, moderate exterior noise levels including traffic, and may have limited exposure to dust and fumes. Employees will also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employee may interact with staff and/or the public and private representatives in various settings including the field or remote offices for meetings.

Physical Demands: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting including use of standard office equipment, including a computer; and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various sites in order to conduct inspections. Color vision is required to read printed materials and a computer screen as well as to discern violations found in the field. Hearing and speech is required to communicate in person and over the telephone.

Touch is required in order to handle documents and use a computer. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required both in the office and in the field.

Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time. Positions in this classification regularly bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information and in order to conduct field inspections. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

This position is also expected to perform inspections of work in the field that may require greater noise exposure from traffic, and walking on uneven ground, working around machinery, fumes, dirt and gas, and in varying temperatures. Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information, and documents; analyzes and solves problems; observes and interprets people, and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs detailed work; deals with changing priorities, interruptions, and multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.