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Public Works Laborer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ferndale, City of (WA)

Public Works Laborer

Ferndale, WA

$5.1K - $6.1K/mo

Description The Public Works Laborer is an entry level position which performs a variety of manual labor in the construction, maintenance, and service work of all public works facilities, including ...

City of Ferndale, WA

Public Works Laborer

WA · On-site

$5.1K - $6.1K/mo

Public Works Opening Date: 07/29/2026 Closing Date: 8/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description The Public Works Laborer is an entry level position which performs a variety of manual labor in the ...

Village of Oxford

Be Seen First

Public Works Laborer

Oxford, MI · On-site

$25.01/hr

The Village of Oxford is seeking qualified applicants for a regular full-time Department of Public Works Laborer. The starting wage is $25.01. Benefits include health, dental and optical coverage and ...

Hatfield Township

Public Works Laborer

Hatfield, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

TITLE Laborer SALARY RANGE Salary Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications SUMMARY A Public Works Laborer is responsible for the operation of a variety of construction and maintenance ...

City of Waco, TX

Public Works Laborer

Waco, TX · On-site

$16.46/hr

PUBLIC WORKS Division: PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE OPS Opening Date: 07/08/2026 Summary Minimum ... This role performs unskilled and semi-skilled labor, basic landscaping, and general park upkeep.

Hatfield Township, PA

Public Works Laborer

Hatfield, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

TITLE Laborer SALARY RANGE Salary Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications SUMMARY A Public Works Laborer is responsible for the operation of a variety of construction and maintenance ...

Madison, City of (WI)

Public Works Laborer

Madison, WI · On-site

$48K/yr

General Description The City is seeking motivated and dependable individuals to join our Public Works team as Laborers within the Streets and Parks Divisions. This entry-level position involves ...

City of Madison, WI

Public Works Laborer

Madison, WI · On-site

$48K/yr

Group/Range: 15/02 General Description The City is seeking motivated and dependable individuals to join our Public Works team as Laborers within the Streets and Parks Divisions. This entry-level ...

City of Waco

Public Works Laborer

Waco, TX · On-site

$16.46 - $24.70/hr

A reliable candidate to assist with the care and maintenance of City parks and public grounds. This role performs unskilled and semi-skilled labor, basic landscaping, and general park upkeep. Job ...

City of Somerville

Public Works Laborer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$1.1K/wk

Performs maintenance, unskilled labor duties of which the following are typical examples: digging ... Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA). * Medical insurance through the Group Insurance ...

City of Somerville

Public Works Laborer

Somerville, MA · On-site

Performs maintenance, unskilled labor duties of which the following are typical examples: digging ... Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA). * Medical insurance through the Group Insurance ...

City of Somerville

Public Works Laborer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$1.1K/wk

Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA). * Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City * Dental coverage low and high plans through ...

City of Somerville

Public Works Laborer

Somerville, MA · On-site

Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA). * Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City * Dental coverage low and high plans through ...

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Public Works Laborer information

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How much do public works laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works laborer in the United States is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Public Works Laborer vs Maintenance Worker?

AspectPublic Works LaborerMaintenance Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require CDL or safety certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications vary by specialization
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, construction sites, city infrastructure projectsIndoor and outdoor, facilities, equipment, and building maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal government, public works departmentsPublic and private sector facilities, property management
Common Search & Comparison IntentPublic Works Laborer vs Maintenance WorkerPublic Works Laborer vs Maintenance Worker

The Public Works Laborer and Maintenance Worker roles often overlap in outdoor work and basic manual tasks. However, Public Works Laborers typically focus on city infrastructure projects, construction, and public service tasks, while Maintenance Workers handle building repairs, equipment upkeep, and facility maintenance. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their specific duties and employer settings differ.

What are some common challenges faced by public works laborers and how can they be addressed?

Public Works Laborers often encounter challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, handling physically demanding tasks, and adapting to different types of public infrastructure projects. To address these challenges, it's important to prioritize safety by wearing appropriate gear, staying hydrated, and following established protocols. Teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues also help ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Additionally, ongoing training in equipment operation and maintenance can help laborers stay effective and reduce workplace risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public works laborer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Works Laborer, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety protocols, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and attention to detail are important soft skills that help ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. These abilities are essential for maintaining public infrastructure, adhering to safety standards, and supporting the overall effectiveness of municipal services.

What does a public works laborer do?

The duties of a public works laborer include various manual labor tasks in a city. In this career, you operate power tools and equipment like air compressors, chainsaws, and lawn mowers, as well as heavy machinery like backhoes and cranes. Common jobs you may work as a public works laborer include maintaining or building roads, parks, sewage systems, and more. Most positions require the use of company vehicles. Depending on your specialization or department, your duties may revolve around cleaning, repairing, or installing public structures.

What is a public works laborer?

Public Works Laborers are workers employed by local, state, or federal government agencies to maintain and repair public infrastructure. Their duties typically include tasks such as road maintenance, sidewalk repairs, landscaping, sanitation, and assisting with construction projects. They may also be responsible for operating various machinery, cleaning public spaces, and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of community areas. Public Works Laborers play a crucial role in keeping cities and towns functioning smoothly and safely for residents.
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Public Works Laborer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works Laborer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,452 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Public Works Laborer

Ferndale, City of (WA)

Ferndale, WA

$5.1K - $6.1K/mo

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description The Public Works Laborer is an entry level position which performs a variety of manual labor in the construction, maintenance, and service work of all public works facilities, including water, sewer, streets and maintenance. Operates hand and power tools and some motorized equipment. Usually works as part of an assigned crew assisting Utility Workers but may carry out individual or specialized assignment.

Examples of Duties Shovels, rakes, picks, cleans, hammers, sands, and other such manual labor. Assists Utility Workers in: cuts, fits, lays, connects, installs, repairs various sizes of water or sewer lines, installs valves, tees, crosses, reducers, sleeves, etc. per instructions.

Uses hand tools and operates drills, jackhammer, sewer rodding machines, mowers, weed eaters, torches, pavement grinder, etc. Reads meters, turns on or shuts off water services to customers per work orders according to established procedures. Works with traffic control devices including barricades, flags, signs, buttons and performs other safety related duties.

Works with asphalt, crack sealing, concrete, gravel, tree removal, building constructions and all areas of public works. Logs information, completes work orders and paperwork as necessary Typical Qualifications One year of building, craft, trade, or other public works related construction and equipment operator experience with good team work and communications skills. Expected to have a working knowledge of machinery operation, concrete work, asphalt placement and patching, and water and sewer pipeline systems and building maintenance.

Completion of high school (diploma or G.E.D.), or its equivalent. Supplemental Information Work is performed indoors and outdoors during all weather conditions during daylight hours and at night, in emergencies. The work is in a high risk environment which requires special safety precautions including: possible contact with human waste and blood borne pathogens, and prolonged physical efforts in confined spaces

Emergency service call-out may involve floods, snow removal, or emergency repairs to streets, parks, water and sewer system, and other locations in all weather conditions with proximity to traffic, heavy operating equipment and other hazards. Valid Washington Driver's License and a safe driving record. Physical ability to perform essential functions of the job.

Also must pass job related physical capacities evaluation at time of hire.

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