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Entry Level Public Works Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Wastewater Operator

Leesburg, FL · On-site

$25.72/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Public Works Division: Wastewater Opening Date: 07/01/2026 FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: N/A Nature of Work Wastewater Operator Apprentice - $18.80 per hour This is an entry-level class in the ...

Survey Assistant

Orlando, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performs entry-level and progressively skilled field assignments as a member of a land surveying ... public works surveys. ¿ Sets up instruments, levels, and safely handles survey equipment ...

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Entry Level Public Works information

See Florida salary details

$9

$18

$33

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

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level public works in Florida is $18.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level public works employee?

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 do entry level public works employees do?

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 is an entry level public works job?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Public Works jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Public Works jobs in Florida are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Public Works jobs in Florida? For Entry Level Public Works jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Public Works jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Public Works jobs in Florida are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Public Works job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,678 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Maintenance Worker I - Public Works

Gainesville Regional Utilities

Gainesville, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

If you are an Internal City Employee, Retiree or Dependent/Survivor of a City Employee please apply internally via Career Icon in your Workday account.

Make a dierence in the community you live in! As a Community Builder-an employee with the City of Gainesville- you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it's a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department:

Salary will be based on qualifications.

Closing Date:

09/02/2026

Job Details:

This is entry-level manual labor performing un-skilled and semi-skilled tasks, or assisting skilled workers. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under direct supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its routine, physical nature and from other classes by its emphasis on outdoor maintenance and construction activities.
**May fill multiple positions for different areas within Public Works**
**May establish an eligibility list for future hire**

Job Description:

NATURE OF WORK

This is entry-level manual labor performing un-skilled and semi-skilled tasks, or assisting skilled workers.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS

Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under direct supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its routine, physical nature and from other classes by its emphasis on outdoor maintenance and construction activities.

EXAMPLES OF WORK**

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Depending on area of assignment:

Assists journey-level workers in concrete, asphalt, drainage, right of way maintenance and other trade work.

Assists in demolition, forming, and pouring of concrete facilities to effectively maintain safe sidewalks and adequate curb drainage as well as maintenance and installation of other concrete structures. .

Assists in routine maintenance of asphalt roads and trails; pothole repair, cut in repair and resurfacing of streets to maintain all asphalt surfaces within the City's rights of way as well as road base construction and road base repairs for city streets and trails.

Assists in cleaning and maintenance of drainage facilities structures including pipes and their structures, mowing and grading of open ditches and installation and maintenance of drainage requirements such as piping, under drains, French drains, curb inlets, retaining basins and sediment traps.

Assists in performing routine grounds and road right-of-way cleaning and maintenance; vegetation cut back, mowing, weed-eating, application of herbicide and edging of sidewalks. Also performs basic maintenance on city trees, shrubs, and bedding plants including trimming and pruning shrubbery and small trees.

Performs routine cleaning and maintenance of varied grounds landscape; including, but not limited to, dirt grading and seeding or sod application to maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance and to prevent any soil erosion.

Services and washes vehicles and equipment, greases and makes minor repairs on small equipment..

Performs routine minor maintenance and cleaning of city buildings and facilities.

Uses and maintains power hand tools, such as drills, saws, etc. as needed to complete assigned tasks.

Sets up barricades and other temporary traffic control devices in accordance with current standards and provides flagging services to (and assists) crews working within flowing traffic.

Assists and supports City activities which will require moving and lifting heavy tools and/or materials, to carry out assignments and programs.

Comprehends and adheres to policies, procedures and safety regulations, while performing tasks.

Attends work on continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Depending on area of assignment:

Drives City vehicles.

Assists with direction of contract and temporary helpers, as needed.

May support City activities with personnel, equipment, and materials, requiring moving and lifting heavy equipment, tables, and chairs for special events and programs.

Will be responsible for locking and unlocking facilities and must notify appropriate individuals of any actions or findings that may have a negative impact on safety or facility security.

May be required to transport, mix, handle or use hazardous materials or may be responsible for facilities or equipment carrying current, fluids or gas that could endanger the public or other employees.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma; and six months experience in laboring work, including use of tools and equipment used in maintenance, repair, or construction work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES

Valid Florida Driver License required.

NOTES

Pre-employment medical examination required.

Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to lift, pull or push 40 pounds.

Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.

Work may require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.

May be required to enter and work in tight, enclosed spaces including, but not limited to, drainage pipes and manholes.

May be required to work outside regular business hours depending on departmental needs.

SELECTION FACTORS

Depending on area of assignment:

Some knowledge of tools used in groundskeeping, facility maintenance and construction, including concrete, asphalt drainage or row maintenance.

Knowledge of precautions necessary to perform work safely.

Ability to perform manual tasks involving physical strength and endurance under variable weather conditions.

Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the general public, including angry and/or abusive individuals.

Ability to read and understand detailed and complex work schedules and diagrams.

Ability to work independently with little supervision.

Ability to conform to grooming and dress codes (uniforms furnished).

Human Resources Department: Signed original on file in Human Resources/ 11-23-09

Date

** This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job.

REVISION DATE: 12/1/94; 8/4/97; 5/21/2004; 11/23/09.

HIGH SCHOOL/GED - REQUIRED**

VALID FLORIDA DRIVER'S LICENSE - REQUIRED**

Note:

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville oers a competitive benets package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. Not only do we oer traditional benets such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also oer great things like on-site tness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical sta and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans' Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans' Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans' Preference.

If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.