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Public Works Laborer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

City of Ferndale

Seasonal Laborer

Ferndale, MI · On-site

$18/hr

The Department of Public Works and Parks and Recreation for looking for two seasonal employees to help staff our brand new splash pad and assist in the day to day maintenance of the City Parks. This ...

Bricco Excavating

Be Seen First

General Laborer - Underground Utility Experience

Oak Park, MI · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Specializing in water main infrastructure and public works projects, we are bonded and insured for ... Position Overview General Laborer with Underground Utility Experience The General Laborer will ...

City of Eastpointe, MI

Laborer (Part-Time)

MI · On-site

$18/hr

Public Works & Service Opening Date: 06/19/2025 Position Summary Under the supervision of the Assistant Public Services Supervisor, DPWS Supervisor and/or DPWS Superintendent, performs a variety of ...

City of Saginaw, MI

City Engineer

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$95K - $108K/yr

... labor relations matters. * Prepares and administers the Engineering and Traffic Engineering ... Public works infrastructure systems, including streets, bridges, water, and sewer systems.

OCG Companies

Cost Estimator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

... into labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, overhead (SG&A), and margin · Collaborate ... Strong working knowledge of municipal and public works bidding processes * Ability to read and ...

OCG Companies

Cost Estimator

Southfield, MI · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

... into labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, overhead (SG&A), and margin · Collaborate ... Strong working knowledge of municipal and public works bidding processes * Ability to read and ...

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All JobsPublic Works Laborer JobsPublic Works Laborer Jobs in Michigan

Public Works Laborer information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do public works laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works laborer in Michigan is $16.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $17.79 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.
More about Public Works Laborer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Public Works Laborer jobs in Michigan? For Public Works Laborer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Works Laborer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Public Works Laborer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Public Works Laborer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Public Works Laborer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Public Works Laborer jobs in MI? For Public Works Laborer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Public Works Laborer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works Laborer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,515 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Laborer I, Maintenance & Service

City of Saginaw, MI

Saginaw, MI • On-site

$40K - $44K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Salary : $40,705.60 - $44,408.00 Annually
Location : City Hall, MI
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-0026
Department: Department of Public Services
Division: Maintenance and Service
Opening Date: 07/29/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Re-post of position 07/29/2026
*Open to SEIU hourly members and the public*
SEIU Hourly members must apply within the first 14 days of this posting to be considered as an in-house candidate. Any applications received after the first 14 days will be considered with applications from the public.
Applications will be screened. Those qualified will be invited to participate in a performance test and an oral interview. Applicants must successfully pass each of the selection processes by 70% or better to proceed in the process.
This posting is subject to close after 14 days
Under immediate supervision this position performs a variety of manual labor tasks to support the maintenance and service operations in the construction, maintenance, and repair of City streets, and water and sewer systems. Operates hand tools and basic equipment, assists skilled and semi-skilled staff, and ensures safe and clean work sites for the benefit of City residents.
Major Duties
  1. Perform manual labor tasks such as digging, shoveling, raking, lifting materials, rat baiting, hydrant painting and clearing debris
  2. Assist with street maintenance, including cleaning catch basins, asphalt/cement removal and replacement and curb work. .
  3. Perform various tasks supporting the upkeep of water and sewer systems and related equipment.
  4. Operate hand tools and basic power tools such as shovels, rakes, brooms, air compressor, jack hammer, and pavement saws
  5. Perform ground maintenance tasks including mowing, trimming, litter removal, and snow/ice clearing.
  6. Perform daily custodial duties.
  7. Identify and communicates field issues to the Utilities Foreman or lead worker to ensure proper resolution.
  8. Perform other duties as assigned.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
Job Requirements
Required Qualifications
Education Experience
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Up to one year of experience in manual labor, outdoor work, construction, groundskeeping, or related physical labor positions.
Licenses and Certifications
Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Michigan driver's license
Ability to
  • Perform sustained physical labor including lifting, carrying, digging, and working outdoors.
  • Operate hand tools, small power tools, and basic equipment safely.
  • Work in tight and confined spaces in performance of duties
  • Follow verbal and written instructions and adhere to safety procedures.
  • Work cooperatively as part of a crew and assist higher-level staff.
  • Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
  • Read maps and navigate City streets
  • Maintain an attendance record acceptable to management.
Knowledge of
  • Basic construction, maintenance, or repair practices related to Public Works.
  • Safe operation of hand tools and small equipment.
  • Occupational hazards and required safety precautions
Skill in
  • Using hand tools, operation of pick-up truck, one-ton dump truck and other equipment.
  • Performing physical tasks efficiently and safely
  • Maintaining power tools and equipment.

Working Conditions
Working Conditions
Work Environment
Frequent exposure to outdoor weather, including extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, snow, and ice. Regular exposure to dust, dirt, fumes, noise, working near moving mechanical part, and vibration. Typical noise level is very loud (e.g. jack hammer work, garbage recycle, plant), near traffic and in potentially hazardous environments depending on assignment. This position may work varied shifts and must be available to work overtime, including weekends, holidays, and regular workdays as needed. This includes responding to emergency situations that require attention outside of standard working hours.
Physical Demands
  • Frequent exertion of up to 50 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 100 pounds of force.
  • Frequent standing, walking and sitting
  • Frequent balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, reaching with hands and arms, gross manipulation and driving city vehicles.
  • Occasionally required to climb stairs and ladders and smell toxic or flammable vapors.
  • Standard hearing and vision capabilities, including close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color perception and peripheral vision.
  • Clear vocal communication for expressing ideas.

The City of Saginaw is committed to hiring individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. All applicants must provide proof of their eligibility to work in the U.S. as required by federal law. The City of Saginaw will not sponsor visas for employment.
The City of Saginaw is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The City of Saginaw offers a competitive benefits package to full time employees.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Care with low bi-weekly employee premium contributions (low deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums).
  • Dental Insurance and Vision Plan; 100% employer-paid premium
  • MERS Hybrid Retirement Plan: 2 plans in one - Defined benefit plan with the investment choice of a defined contribution plan.
  • Healthcare Savings Plan: Savings Plan to help you prepare for the costs of health care after you leave employment.
  • City-paid life and accidental death & dismemberment.
  • 13 Paid Holidays
  • PTO (Paid Time Off) days based on length of service; accrual can be up to 22 days during the first year of employment.
  • City-paid short and Long-Term Disability Benefits
  • Deferred Compensation Program: Voluntary 457 and Roth IRA
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
(Benefits are subject to change in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.)
01
Do you have a minimum of 1 years' experience in performing manual labor, outdoor work, construction, groundskeeping, or related physical labor positions.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you possess a valid State of Michigan Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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