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Entry Level Public Works Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Forest Park, OH

Maintenance Worker I

Forest Park, OH · On-site

$53K - $66K/yr

Public Works Opening Date: 03/06/2025 General Function Entry level maintenance worker that reports to the Assistant Public Works Director and receives daily assignments consisting of general ...

City of Delaware

Refuse & Recycling Technician

Delaware, OH · On-site

$24.39 - $36.63/hr

May be assigned to any division within the Public Works Department as a substitute for individuals ... Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge Technician I (entry level) Basic knowledge of solid waste ...

City of Forest Park

Maintenance Worker I

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$53K - $66K/yr

General Function Entry level maintenance worker that reports to the Assistant Public Works Director and receives daily assignments consisting of general maintenance labor and operation of light duty ...

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Entry Level Public Works information

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 Ohio? The most popular types of Public Works jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Public Works jobs in Ohio? For Entry Level Public Works jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Public Works jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Public Works jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Entry Level Public Works jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Entry Level Public Works job openings:
Entry Level Public Works jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Public Works job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Refuse & Recycling Technician

City of Delaware, OH

Sandusky, OH • On-site

$24.39 - $36.63/hr

Full-time

Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Salary: $24.39 - $36.63 Hourly
Location : 1 S. Sandusky Street, Delaware, OH
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 202600051
Department: Public Works
Division: Refuse
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: PUG Association
Nature of Work, Essential Functions & KSA's
Under the immediate supervision of the Solid Waste Collection Division Supervisor, and under the general supervision of the Public Works Superintendent, is responsible for assisting with the routing performance of all duties related to the safe and efficient collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste and recyclable materials. May be assigned to any division within the Public Works Department as a substitute for individuals on vacation, sick leave, etc., or during heavy workload periods including extended shifts, night and weekend work.
Position will be filled as a Technician I, Technician II or Technician III, dependent upon the needs of the department and qualifications/experience of the preferred candidate.
Essential Functions
Technician I (entry level)
  1. Assist with curbside collection of refuse, recyclables and yard waster, and for transporting materials to designated facilities.
  2. Responsible for maintaining accurate records relative to collections, hauling and disposal of materials collected.
  3. Assembles and delivers trash and recycling containers and informational packets to residents.
  4. Responsible for motor vehicle pre/post trip inspection to detect equipment malfunctions and to ensure operational safety and compliance.
  5. Physical ability to repeatedly lift, carry or otherwise move objects weighing over fifty (50) pounds for varying distances.

Technician II (proficient technician)
In addition to the functions above:
  1. Able to independently perform duties associated with the curbside collection of refuse, recyclables and yard waste, and for transporting materials to designated facilities.

Technician III (advanced technician)
In addition to the functions above:
  1. Able to independently perform duties associated with the curbside collection of refuse, recyclables and yard waste, and for transporting materials to designated facilities.
  2. Able to manage daily collection operations in absence of the supervisor.
  3. Responsible for maintaining accurate records relative to collections, hauling and disposal of materials collected, and to review the records of other crew members for accuracy and completeness.
  4. Able to train other crew members on individual routes and best practices in performing various collection operations.
  5. Able to train crew members on the safe and proper operation of all equipment, practices and procedures involved in refuse collection activities.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge
Technician I (entry level)
  • Basic knowledge of solid waste and recycling collection and disposal operations, materials, methods, principles, common practices and equipment necessary for efficient collection and disposal of refuse and recyclable materials.
  • Basic knowledge of safe driving techniques and procedures.
  • Some knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions with lifting and moving heavy objects.
  • Knowledge of basic math (ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers) for the purpose of making calculations.
  • Working knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of trucks and similar automotive equipment and skill in the operation of such vehicles.
Technician II (proficient technician)
In addition to the knowledge above:
  • Thorough knowledge of City streets and geography.
  • Thorough knowledge of all city refuse collection routes.
  • Thorough knowledge of transfer station facility operations and guidelines.
Technician III (advanced technician)
In addition to the knowledge above:
  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of the landfill equipment and system function and operations.
  • Full knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions with lifting and moving heavy objects.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Applications including WORD, Excel and Outlook.

Skills
Technician I (entry level)
  • Skill in the use of hand and power tools.
  • Skill in performing manual labor.
  • Skill in maintaining detailed work orders and records.
  • Skill in detecting equipment malfunctions and identifying operational problems.

Technician II (proficient technician)
In addition to the skills above:
  • Skill in operating all side load and rear load refuse collection equipment, skid steer and wheel loaders.
Technician III (advanced technician)
In addition to the skills above:
  • Skill in efficient use of desktop computer

Abilities
Technician I (entry level)
  • General mechanical aptitude and mental ability to perform manual tasks without supervision.
  • Ability to skillfully operate and safely drive assigned vehicles at all times and in narrow spaces, especially in heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions.
  • Ability to learn how to safely operate special refuse truck mechanisms.
  • Ability to perform relatively heavy manual work for extended periods of time and ability to withstand exposure to variable weather conditions.
  • Ability to repetitively lift and carry heavy refuse (50+ pounds) on a daily basis.
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to learn and memorize multiple refuse collection routes for refuse, recycling and yard waste collection operations.
  • Ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills to interact with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Technician II (proficient technician)
In addition to the abilities above:
  • Ability to learn and memorize multiple refuse collection routes for refuse, recycling and yard waste collection operations.
Technician III (advanced technician)
In addition to the abilities above:
  • Ability to enter and manipulate data into digital collection records; prepare a professional letter; Send/receive communications via email.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
  1. The primary duties of this position are performed in an outdoor environment that may include working in adverse weather conditions, vehicular traffic exposure, exposure to hazards involving moving mechanical parts and the use of power tools and equipment. Work is characterized as Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  2. Sufficient hearing ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, emergency signals, vehicle back-up warnings and to communicate with other employees and the general public.
  3. Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, technical documents and diagrams, to work safely in heavy traffic areas and to operate division equipment.
  4. Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate power equipment and hand tools.
  5. Sufficient strength to repeatedly lift, carry or otherwise move objects weighing over fifty (50) pounds for varying distances.
  6. Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in rough terrain, to lift, push, pull and grasp repeatedly; to bend, stoop or crouch repeatedly; to repeatedly climb at least two (2) feet; to sit or stand for extended periods of time; and work in a solid waste facility environment.

Training, Experience, and Qualifications
  1. Any combination of training and experience which will indicate possession of the skills, knowledge and abilities listed above.
  2. An example of an acceptable combination of experience includes sufficient education to ensure the ability to read, write, and perform basic math.
  3. One year of experience in operating large trucks and equipment preferred.
  4. Must be honest, dependable and trustworthy.
  5. Must be able to repetitively lift and carry, for varying distances, a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.
  6. Ability to obtain a valid State of Ohio Motor Vehicle Commercial Driver's License class B with Air Brake endorsement within six month probationary period.

Technician II (proficient technician)In addition to the minimum requirements
  1. Minimum of one (1) year of experience in refuse/recycling operations.
Technician III (advanced technician)In addition to the Technician I requirements
  1. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in refuse/recycling operations.
  2. One (1) year of supervisory experience, managing a crew or equivalent.

Supplemental Information / Special Requirements
Position will be filled as a Technician I, Technician II or Technician III, dependent upon the needs of the department and qualifications/experience of the preferred candidate.
This position is part of the Public Works, Utilities, and Parks Association. Details about the compensation and benefits for this position can be found in the agreement by
The class specification which appears above is intended to be sufficient merely to identify the class and be illustrative of the kinds of duties that may be assigned to the position allocated to the class and should not be interpreted to describe all of the duties which may be required of employees holding a position assigned to this class.
The City of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA), the City of Delaware will provide reasonable accommodations, upon reasonable request, to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
The City of Delaware offers competitive pay and benefits for its full-time opportunities. Benefits include , life insurance, paid vacation, sick leave and personal days, injury leave, longevity compensation, and tuition reimbursement.
Please always refer to the current labor agreement relative to the position you are applying for additional details.
01
Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you able to repetitively lift and carry, for varying distances, a minimum of fifty (50) pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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